George Bell (brigadier general) facts for kids
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George Bell (born March 12, 1828, died January 2, 1907) was an important officer in the United States Army. He became a Brigadier General. During and after the American Civil War, he was known for his work making sure soldiers had enough food and supplies. This job is called a "subsistence and commissary officer."
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Early Life and Army Start
George Bell was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on March 12, 1828. He went to the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. He finished his studies there in 1853. After graduating, he became a Second Lieutenant in the Artillery, which means he worked with cannons and big guns.
Bell's first jobs in the army took him to different forts. These included Fort Hamilton, Fort McIntosh, and Fort McHenry. In the mid-1850s, he was involved in the Third Seminole War in Florida. This was a conflict between the United States and the Seminole people.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Bell was first a general's helper in Texas. Soon after, he moved to Maryland. There, he became a Quartermaster in Annapolis. A quartermaster is an officer who manages supplies and equipment for the army.
From 1861 to 1865, Bell continued to work in logistics. This means he helped organize and move supplies. His jobs included:
- Officer in charge of the supply depot in Alexandria, Virginia.
- Assistant Commissary for the Army of the Potomac.
- Chief Commissary for the Department of the Susquehanna.
- Officer in charge of the supply depot in Washington, D.C.
During the war, Bell received special honors called brevet promotions. These were temporary promotions to Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier General.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, George Bell continued his important work. From October 1865 to March 1869, he was the Chief Commissary for the Department of Washington, D.C. He kept serving in similar roles for the rest of his career.
His later assignments included:
- Chief Commissary for the Department of the South in Atlanta.
- Chief Commissary for the Department of the Ohio in Cincinnati.
- Chief Commissary for the Department of the Missouri at Fort Leavenworth.
- Chief Commissary for the Department of the East in New York City.
Retirement and Passing
Bell retired from the army in 1892 with the permanent rank of Colonel. He lived in Washington, D.C., after retiring. In 1904, he was promoted to Brigadier General on the retired list.
George Bell passed away in Washington, D.C., on January 2, 1907. He was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Family Life
In 1858, George Bell married Isabella McCormick in San Antonio. Isabella was from Washington, D.C. They had seven sons and one daughter. Two of their sons also attended West Point, just like their father. One of their sons, George Bell Jr., later became a Major General.
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