b. 1842 Cochecton, New York. d. 07/01/1890 Chicago, Illinois.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 12/07/1870 Wichita River, Texas.
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award on August 25, 1870, for his actions as a corporal with Company L, 6th US Cavalry, US Army, on July 12, 1870, at the Battle of Little Wichita River, Texas. Prior to that day, he was part of a force of 57 men from the 6th US Cavalry pursuing a 250-strong group of Kiowa Indians led by Chief Kicking Bird. After tracking the Kiowas for five days, the cavalry force engaged with them on the Little Wichita River in Archer County, Texas. After a short initial fight, the cavalrymen found that they were outnumbered and outgunned, and fought a fierce defensive battle that left 3 US soldiers and fifteen Kiowas dead. After the Kiowas broke off the engagement in the early evening, the soldiers retreated, eventually making it back to their home base of Fort Richardson near Jacksboro, Texas. Thirteen troopers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their performance and bravery on that day, with Corporal Watson being one of them.
MOH CITATION:
Gallantry in action.
BURIAL LOCATION: ROSE HILL CEMETERY, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
SECTION 6, ROW 2, GRAVE 18.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
