John Preston Young facts for kids

John Preston Young (born 1847, died 1934) was an American judge and historian. He also served as a soldier during the American Civil War.

Early Life and Education

John Preston Young was born on April 18, 1847, in Chulahoma, Mississippi. His father, Reverend A. W. Young, was a Presbyterian minister. John's family had roots in both Scotland and Ireland, as well as France. When he was twelve years old, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee.

Young attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. In 1864, during the American Civil War, he joined the Confederate States Army. He served under General Nathan Bedford Forrest. After the war ended, he went back to the University of Mississippi and finished his degree.

Career as a Judge and Historian

In 1872, John Preston Young became a lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee. He later served as a judge on the Circuit Court. He held this important position from 1902 until 1923.

Young was also very interested in history. He was a member of the Confederate Historical Association. This group later became known as the West Tennessee Historical Society. In 1915, he was chosen as the vice president for West Tennessee of the Tennessee Historical Society.

Young wrote several books about history. Some of his well-known works include The Seventh Tennessee Cavalry (Confederate): A History and Reminiscences of the Civil War. He also wrote Standard History of Memphis, which is about the history of the city.

One of his articles, Hood's Failure at Spring Hill, was published in 1908. It appeared in the Confederate Veteran magazine. This article, along with a battle map, was very popular.

Family Life

John Preston Young had two sons, named Garnett Young and Frazier Young. He also had one daughter, named Lucy Young.

Later Years and Death

John Preston Young passed away on June 6, 1934. He died in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had lived for many years.