Preston Taylor (November 7, 1849 – April 13, 1931) was an African-American businessman, minister and philanthropist.

In the early 20th century he was considered one of the most influential leaders of Nashville, Tennessee's black community.

Colored Troops as a drummer and was at the Siege of Petersburg, fall of Richmond, and surrender of Lee.

After the end of the war in 1865, his regiment did garrison duty in Texas and New Orleans where he was mustered out a free man.

[3] He became known as the leading minister of his church during that time and was instrumental in organizing and building numerous congregations and meeting houses.

[1] Taylor's work led to the creation of state and national denominational organizations for black churches.

In 1872, Taylor organized the Kentucky Christian Missionary Convention and the national black Disciples organization[4] He was a strong advocate for the education of blacks and in the mid-1880s he purchased college property at New Castle, Kentucky, and created the Christian Bible College at New Castle, of which he was later a trustee and financial agent.

He also edited a section of the denominational journal, the Christian Standard called "Our Colored Brethren".

[1] Even though blacks were largely excluded from Reconstruction Era business opportunities, he was able to get a contract to build sections of railroad track from Mt.

The contractors initially refused to hire black workers, preferring Irish laborers.

He became a wealthy man through his business activities and was considered one of the most powerful and influential African-American businessmen in Nashville in the early years of the twentieth century.

[8] In 1887 he purchased 37 acres (15 ha) of dairy land for $30,000 at Elm Hill Pike Road near Buttermilk Ridge.