In most states in the US birth and death records were not kept until the late 19th or early 20th century.  The substitute would be church burial records for death, if you know his religious affiliation and then can find the local church records for the time of his death.

Hi Natalie,

Welcome to History Hub

Found a couple possibles,

R.w. Preston, "Arkansas Marriages, 1837-1944" — FamilySearch.org

Search For Soldiers - The Civil War (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Preston, Robert W.

BATTLE UNIT NAME:

Wright's Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry

SIDE:

Confederacy

COMPANY:

C

SOLDIER'S RANK IN:

Private

SOLDIER'S RANK OUT:

Private

ALTERNATE NAME:

FILM NUMBER:

M376 ROLL 19

PLAQUE NUMBER:

NOTES:

none

Alice Lane

Research Volunteer