Malbone Francis Watson

After graduating from West Point in May 1861, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 1st US Cavalry 6 May, and transferred to the 5th US Artillery as First Lieutenant less than a week later. He was brevetted for bravery at Gaines Mill, VA in June 1862.

Commanded a section of guns in Maryland.

He was at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and wounded in action at Gettysburg, PA on 2 July 1863 - where he commanded the battery. He lost his leg to amputation, and was brevetted Major for that action. He remained in service through the War.

He continued in Regular Army service, and was promoted to Captain on 9 March 1866. He retired on 18 September 1868.

Service dates from Heitman1. His role in Maryland mentioned by Captain Weed in his Report. Further details and life dates from his gravesite on Findagrave. His photograph here from an 1866 CDV sold at auction by Cowan's in 2005. His amputated knee joint is preserved in the collection of the National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM), MD.

06/02/1839; Catskill, NY

12/08/1891; Dayton, OH; burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington, DC