John Bell served in the Civil War. He enlisted twice. First time he was too young and they discharged him. The following is from the National Archives, Civil War Records.

John Bell Watson served in the Civil War with Company I of the 6th Arkansas Regulars. He was enlisted by Col. A. T. Hawthorn at Timmons Ferry Ark., on the 21st day of September 1861. He was discharged on the 25th day of July 1862 by the reason of serving under the age of 18. He was paid eleven dollars a month for his service, and he was paid the rate of ten cents per mile from the place of discharge to home (200 miles).

The discharge orders also describe him as being five feet four inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by occupation a farmer. John Bell enlisted again on January 24, 1863 at Lisbon Ark. by Capt Goodwin. His paymaster for the rest of the war was a Capt. Proctor. He was paroled on 26th April 1865 near Greensboro, N.C. a private with Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's Co. D 1 Consolidated Reg't. Ark. Vol. (Note: This included: A, E, C, H, and K, 6 Ark. Reg't. Infantry).

John Bell was the adjutant of the Confederate Vet. Camp (Denson Camp #677) in Warren, Ark. in 1896. In 1901 he was Camp Commander of the above camp. John Bell Watson is buried in Shady Grove Cemetery near Jersey. He was the brother of W. R. (William Rufus) Watson.

This photograph appears courtesy of Belin Watson via Larry Chenault