John enlisted in the Confederate States Army on 20 March 1862 at Minott. He was mustered as a Private in Company G, 3rd (Palmetto) South Carolina Light Artillery. He was paroled on 1 May 1865 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

(following info from duplicate memorial by ann wise)

Bamberg, S.C., May 25 -- The remains of John Wesley Bessinger, one of Bamberg county's oldest and most highly honored citizens, were laid to rest Monday morning at Spring Branch Baptist church, the funeral services being conducted by Dr. A.F. O'Kelley, pastor of the Denmark Baptist Church, in the presence of a large coucaurse of relatives and friends. Mr. Bessinger died Sunday at the home of his son, G.H. Bessinger, in Denmark, following a brief illness.

Mr. Bessinger was born February 21, 1845, near Spring Branch Church, being 82 years of age, the son of William and Annie Catherine Bessinger. He served throughout the war between the states, being a member of the famous Company G. He was wounded 3 times during the conflict.
The following children survive him: W.D. Bessinger, Bamberg; G.H. Bessinger, Denmark; Frank Bessinger, Denmark; Mrs. Emma Goodwin, Bamberg; Mrs. Carrie Kearse, Beaufort; Mrs. Annie Strong, Bamberg. The following children preceded him to the grave: John M., A.R., B. M., Gary, Dora, Marie, Opie and Clarence Bessinger. Three sisters and two brothers also survive: Mrs. A.P. Smoak, Columbia; Mrs. Curtis Gibson, Denmark; Mrs. Julia Sandifer, Bamberg; W.R. Bessinger, Bamberg; and P.W. Bessinger, Denmark.
The pallbearers were eight of his grandsons: C.L. Bessinger, Bamberg, Ollie Bessinger, Barnwell; Harry Bessinger, Orangeburg; Robbie Bessinger Augusta; Vance Bessinger, Denmark; Harry Kearse, Beaufort; Charles Goodwin, Bamberg, and Joseph Kearse, Beaufort.