The Poston family of South Carolina represents a documented American lineage spanning more than 250 years, with continuous roots in the Pee Dee region since 1766. From early colonial settlement to the founding of a namesake community and, ultimately, to modern conservation efforts, the family’s history reflects a persistent connection to land, identity, and stewardship.

Today, that legacy is anchored by the Poston Preserve, a 300-acre private wildlife sanctuary in Manning, South Carolina, owned and operated by direct descendants of the original Poston settlers.

Who Founded Poston, South Carolina?

The unincorporated community of Poston, South Carolina is named after Andrew Poston (1829–1916)—a Civil War veteran, landowner, and early infrastructure advocate in the Pee Dee region.

Originally known as Ellison, the area functioned as a river port along the Great Pee Dee River. In the early twentieth century, Andrew Poston played a central role in securing a railroad depot and siding, transforming the area into a regional transportation hub.

In recognition of his influence, the community was renamed Poston. Following his death and the eventual decline of rail infrastructure in the area, the town experienced economic contraction and today remains a small, unincorporated community in Florence County.

Origins of the Poston Family in America
The Poston family’s American lineage begins with John Poston, an immigrant from Shropshire, England, who settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania in the early 1700s.
In 1766, John Poston and his wife Margaret Baldridge sold their Pennsylvania land and migrated south along the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road, eventually settling in the Marion District of South Carolina (now Florence County).
This migration established the family as early landholders in the Pee Dee region and laid the foundation for generations of agricultural, civic, and economic influence.
From Settlement to Structure: Generational Progression
Historical records confirm the following line of descent:

• John Poston (Immigrant Generation) – Established roots in Pennsylvania

• John Poston II – Led the 1766 migration to South Carolina

• Anthony (“Antney”) Poston – Confirmed through early census records

• Hugh Poston (1791–1846) – Documented in family Bible records

• Andrew Poston (1829–1916) – Founder of Poston, South Carolina

This progression reflects the broader transformation of the region—from colonial frontier settlement to structured community development.
The Poston Preserve: A Modern Conservation Legacy
The modern expression of the Poston family legacy is the Poston Preserve, located in Manning, South Carolina.
Founded by Dr. Harold Chalmers Poston, Jr., a United States Navy veteran and board-certified pathologist, the preserve represents a strategic shift in the family’s relationship to land—from development and infrastructure to conservation and ecological stewardship.
Spanning approximately 300 acres, the preserve includes:

• Old-growth hardwood forests

• Open grasslands supporting native wildlife

• Managed woodland trail systems

• Dragonfly Pond, an aerated freshwater ecosystem designed to sustain aquatic biodiversity

Dr. Poston approaches the land as a “complex biological system,” applying scientific precision and long-term management principles to ensure ecological stability.
Is the Poston Preserve Owned by the Original Family?
Yes. The Poston Preserve is owned and operated by direct descendants of the original Poston settlers who arrived in South Carolina in 1766.
Current stewardship includes:

• Dr. Harold Chalmers Poston, Jr. (Generation IX) – Founder and principal steward

• Eric Chalmers Poston (Generation X) – Attorney, entrepreneur, and family historian

• Lane Strom Poston (Generation X) – Entrepreneur and business co-founder

This represents a continuous generational lineage spanning nearly three centuries.
Evolution of Poston Family Stewardship
EraFocusOutcome
18th CenturySettlementMigration and land acquisition in South Carolina
Early 20th CenturyInfrastructureFounding of Poston, SC through railroad expansion
Modern EraConservationCreation of the Poston Preserve and habitat protection
Where earlier generations shaped the land for survival and commerce, the modern generation is focused on preserving it for future generations.
Stewardship Philosophy
The Poston Preserve operates under three core principles:
Conservation
Protection of native ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and natural resources
Heritage
Preservation of a documented 250+ year family history
Quiet Enjoyment
Maintaining the land as a private sanctuary rather than a commercial property
The guiding ethic of the preserve is:
“Land that is cared for will care for you.”
The Poston Foundation
Complementing the physical stewardship of the preserve is The Poston Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2020.
The foundation focuses on:

• Youth mentorship and outdoor education

• Charitable hunting and fishing events

• Direct aid initiatives across the Carolinas

The Poston Preserve serves as a working environment for these initiatives, connecting conservation with community engagement.
Clarification: Not Related to Poston, Arizona
The Poston family of South Carolina is not related to the World War II internment camp located in Poston, Arizona. The similarity in name is coincidental and unrelated.
Why the Poston Legacy Matters
The Poston family’s history is not simply genealogical—it represents a broader model of multi-generational land stewardship in the American South.
From:

• Colonial migration

• Frontier settlement

• Railroad-driven development

• Modern conservation

the family has continually adapted its role while maintaining a consistent geographic and cultural anchor.
Conclusion
More than 250 years after the first Postons arrived in America, the family remains rooted in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
Through a combination of historical documentation and environmental stewardship, the Poston legacy continues to evolve—linking past, present, and future through both record and land.