Alexander Bell

For some time now I have wondered who Alexander Bell was and if or how he was related to me. Here is what I knew about him. According to his tombstone at the Camden City Cemetery, in Camden, TN, he was born 22 October 1830 and died 24 January 1904 and was a Mason, but other than that I knew little about him. So, yesterday I ventured to the Benton County Library in Camden hoping to find answers.

If you have never been to this library and have relatives associated with Benton County I highly recommend a visit. While larger libraries may have more resources their Genealogy Room is well equipped with information pertaining to Benton and surrounding counties, as well as other states. And, if you are there on a Wednesday morning, Ms Virginia Pafford will assist in your efforts. Ms Pafford is knowledgable in a great deal of Benton County history, as well as Benton Countians. There may be others who volunteer and if so I suspect they are also extremely helpful, but Ms Pafford was there yesterday. Also, the lower level of the library, the basement if you will, houses the Archives, a wealth of information and there is a lady there who will gladly assist. I do not remember her name, sorry, but she too was extremely helpful. So if you're in the area, stop by the library I think you'll be glad you did. And if you're a fan of catfish, just down the street and off to the right is the Country and Western Restaurant. Of course, they have much more than catfish and all the trimmings, including a daily lunch buffet, but the catfish is delicious and irresistable.

Now back to Alexander Bell. I know he married Louisa Elizabeth Corbitt, 26 September 1858, in Benton County, TN. When Alex died, an article was written in the 29 January 1904, Camden Chronicle stating he was survived by seven children. In the same newspaper the were two separate notes that mentioned his illness and death. One notes that Carl McRae and his sister, Mrs. E. E. Travis of Memphis were called to Camden the latter part of the previous week due to the illness of their grandfather, Alex Bell.

The second article mentions Ella Lockhart and her two nephews, Charles Collier and Alexander Bell of Stewart were in Camden during the illness and death of her brother, Alex Bell. Research has led me to believe Ella is the shorten version of Louella and Louella E Bell married George W. Lockhart, 6 December 1874, in Houston County, TN. I also suspect the father and mother of Louella Bell are George Washington Bell and Hannah Brown Bell; however, this puts somewhat of a question concerning Alex Bell and Ella Lockhart being siblings. Oh well, this has become typical of late in my research. I find one thing or even a partial something and more confusion erupts.

It seems I am the only one reading this blog, but maybe with a little luck, okay a lot of luck, others will pass through, read my words and spread the word. Maybe then, someone will know the answer to some of my questions and actually be willing to share.

Until next time, have a great day and be thorough in your research!