Stephen Watson
Co. B 1st Ore. Cavalry.
(Killed May 1864 at Liewelyn Spring east of Maury Mt. northwest of Paulina Oregon)
(Buried Ft. Vancouver Washington. Ft. Vancouver records show DOB 5/15/1828, DOD 5/18/1864, DOI approx. 5/24/1864)
From Researcher: Randy Brusse
I have done much research into the life and death of Lt. Stephen Watson. He was killed fighting Indians near Paulina, Oregon. Two other privates and two Indian scouts were also killed in the attack. Watson's body was recovered the next day and taken to Camp Maury and buried there. Just days later was disinterred, placed in a metal coffin that was sent out from friends in Ft. Dalles Oregon and then sent by steamboat down the Columbia river to Ft. Vancouver where he lies today. There is a commemorative tomb stone at Camp Watson cemetery in Wheeler County. This Camp was named for Lt. Watson after his death. Many mistakenly believe he is or was buried there. Stephen Watson arrived in San Francisco California with his brother John Watson and family friends on the Steamship Palmetto in 1849. Mined gold in Yreka, California and later moved to Jacksonville Oregon and farmed a Oregon Land Donation claim next to his brother John Watson. Military records show Stephen Watson enlisted in the Army at Jacksonville Oregon on December 10th, 1861 at age 32. He was described in the rolls as having light complexion with hazel eyes, gray hair and stood 5'10" tall. Just nine days after his enlistment was promoted from Private to First Sargent. On April 6th 1863 was again promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Stephen Watson is also listed as serving per muster rolls of Capt. Sewall Truax as one of the Jacksonville Rangers approx. 1852 during the Rogue River Indian wars. Stephen Watson was survived by his brothers John, Robert and sister Mary Watson. There is also listed a sister Keziah Watson who died earlier in 1859. I have updated this site with a recently discovered photo of Lt. Watson. It was discovered in NY City in a antique store. The photo was taken from a custom used originally coming from France, they were called carte de visite ( or Business Card) in the 1800's. Was often used by a man to leave with a lady he might visit. The photo had notes handwritten on the back which confirmed it's identity.
Stephen Watson
Co. B 1st Ore. Cavalry.
(Killed May 1864 at Liewelyn Spring east of Maury Mt. northwest of Paulina Oregon)
(Buried Ft. Vancouver Washington. Ft. Vancouver records show DOB 5/15/1828, DOD 5/18/1864, DOI approx. 5/24/1864)
From Researcher: Randy Brusse
I have done much research into the life and death of Lt. Stephen Watson. He was killed fighting Indians near Paulina, Oregon. Two other privates and two Indian scouts were also killed in the attack. Watson's body was recovered the next day and taken to Camp Maury and buried there. Just days later was disinterred, placed in a metal coffin that was sent out from friends in Ft. Dalles Oregon and then sent by steamboat down the Columbia river to Ft. Vancouver where he lies today. There is a commemorative tomb stone at Camp Watson cemetery in Wheeler County. This Camp was named for Lt. Watson after his death. Many mistakenly believe he is or was buried there. Stephen Watson arrived in San Francisco California with his brother John Watson and family friends on the Steamship Palmetto in 1849. Mined gold in Yreka, California and later moved to Jacksonville Oregon and farmed a Oregon Land Donation claim next to his brother John Watson. Military records show Stephen Watson enlisted in the Army at Jacksonville Oregon on December 10th, 1861 at age 32. He was described in the rolls as having light complexion with hazel eyes, gray hair and stood 5'10" tall. Just nine days after his enlistment was promoted from Private to First Sargent. On April 6th 1863 was again promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Stephen Watson is also listed as serving per muster rolls of Capt. Sewall Truax as one of the Jacksonville Rangers approx. 1852 during the Rogue River Indian wars. Stephen Watson was survived by his brothers John, Robert and sister Mary Watson. There is also listed a sister Keziah Watson who died earlier in 1859. I have updated this site with a recently discovered photo of Lt. Watson. It was discovered in NY City in a antique store. The photo was taken from a custom used originally coming from France, they were called carte de visite ( or Business Card) in the 1800's. Was often used by a man to leave with a lady he might visit. The photo had notes handwritten on the back which confirmed it's identity.
