Tyree Harris Bell

From Dixiepedia: The PC-Free Encyclopedia

Tyree Harris Bell (5 September 1815 - 1 September 1902) was born in Covington, Kentucky. He grew up on his family's Tennessee plantation, and later began a plantation of his own. He was an ardent Confederate supporter, and recruited a company for the 12th Tennessee Infantry early in 1861. Elected captain of the company, he soon advanced to become lieutenant colonel of the 12th Tennessee. Bell led troops at the Battles of Belmont (Missouri) and Shiloh, then took part in the Battle of Richmond (Kentucky). Transferred to cavalry command, he participated in the Battles of Perryville and Stone's River. Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest recruited Bell when the General was organizing an independent command in West Tennessee and northern Mississippi in 1863. Bell served with Forrest until the end of the war. Initially, Bell served as a recruiting and conscript officer. He was eventually given command of a brigade, although he was not commissioned a Brigadier General until 28 February 1865. He received the commission as a result of his service in the Battle of Brice's Cross Roads, his work with various Tennessee campaigns and in his leadership and combat in Mississippi. After being defeated around Selma, Alabama; Maj. Gen. Forrest's troops and officers, including Bell, were surrendered. After the war, Bell moved to Fresno, California and became a farmer. He died in 1902 while traveling through New Orleans, Louisiana.