William Henry Harrison Yates or is it???

Side Note: Recently I viewed Family Trees on Ancestry.com, looking for Kesiah Bell Rushing.  I believe there were 8 that showed her father as George Bell and her mother as Mary Champion Bell.  This is not true; however, the thing that amazed me the most was the date of birth given in all 8 Family Trees for Kesiah and the date of death for Mary Champion Bell.  All 8 showed Kesiah/Keziah was born in 1786.  I suspect this is accurate or at least close; however, all 8 gave Mary Champion Bell's date of death as being 1777.  No, that is not a typo, 1777!  I'm sorry, but this belongs in one of those supermarket tabloids and not on anyone's Family Tree!  I can see the headline now, "Woman gives birth nine years after her death".  Please pay attention, perhaps the world will end tomorrow and there will be no need for anyone's famiy heritage, but to be on the safe side, if you're taking the time to do research use a little common sense.


Now off of my soapbox and on to William H. Yates.

I suppose, when all is going smoothly, regardless of the task we have a tendency to think or even believe whatever we're doing is easy.  Right?  Of course there are times when we are sliding along without a hitch, then suddenly realize somewhere along the way we got off track.  That intended straight line has more bends in it than an uncoiled "slinky".

Okay, my Dad referred to this man as Uncle Bill Yates.  He married my grandparents and one of my Granddad's brothers and his wife and, he preached my great-grandfather's funeral.  But, I just cannot make a connection, hehe, I'm not even sure what his name was, when he was born or when he died and as you can see, I have his death certificate and photographed his tombstone.

It has been speculated William Yates was the son of Elisha Yates and possibly the brother of Washington Ann "Jorgie" Yates Marchbanks, but it seems, per his death certificate, his father was Josh Yates.  However, should I accept this a fact?  The informant, B.H. Yates is more than likely his son Buel, but the date of death given is 10 November 1934 and as you will notice, the date of death on his tombstone is 10 December 1934.  Obviously an error was made and one would assume that was his tombstone; however, my experience with the Yates family has proven nothing can be taken for granted or assumed.  You will also notice his date of birth is also different, 6 June 1839 on his death certificate and 13 June 1838 on his tombstone????



Okay, Elisha Yates son was Joshua Yates, but I have found no evidence that he was the father of William H. Yates.  But, I did find a Joshua Yates in the 1840 Williamson County, TN census.  First, Joshua Yates married Nancy Ann Inman, 20 February 1832 in Williamson County, TN.  Now the 1840 census entry -

2 - males under 5; 1 - male 30-39;1- female under 5; 1 - female 5-9.  Obviously the mother died, deserted or whatever since there is not a female the age of a mother.  Also, with William H Yates birth being 1838-1839, he could definitely be one of the makes, as could Washington Ann (Jorgie) Yates Marchbanks be the female 5-9.  However, I have been unable to locate this family anywhere in the 1850 census, so the mystery continues.

I must include this, call it a gut feeling or whatever, but please do not even suggest this as fact.  I do not believe William H Yates is the son of Elisha Yates, but I do suspect he was a brother to Jorgie.

I am writng this in segments, so please forgive me if it is jumbled or I repeat myself, but somewhere I have found William H.H. Yates, as his name is recorded in the 1880 US Census for Carroll County, TN, to be William Henry Harrison Yates.  If this is factual and Jorgie was George Washington Ann Yates, perhaps the parents named their children after US Presidents.  This could be a lead in finding other siblings??  Yes, no doubt that is grasping at straws, but that is about all I have left.  Maybe tomorrow will bring something new and informative or maybe someone will read this and be able and willing to fill the gaps.  But until then, I will continue my quest of uncovering who the Yates family were.  If only I could find William H Yates in the 1850 census!  I have found him from 1860-1930, with the exception of the 1890 census.  Oh, one final thought, there is a William H. Yates in Grainger County, TN, maybe late 1800's or early 1900's.  This is not the same William H Yates as thr one buried at Chalkhill Cemetery, in Benton County, TN.

Again, I apologize if this is difficult to read, but I suppose that is par for the course since most everything about the Yates family has been difficult.

Until next time, have a safe, enjoyable Thanksgiving and ask your older relatives about their ancestors and then write it down.

Tim

Bell's in Edgecombe County, North Carolina 1720 - 1880

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880

about Bell, Joshua III


Name: Bell, Joshua III
Date of Death: Aft 1820
Mother: Margaret Adams
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Children: Allevana, Emelina, Bethany, Elinza, Julia, Hugh, Others
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Bythal


Name: Bell, Bythal
Date of Death: Autumn 1803
Spouse's name: Mary
Mother: Phereba
Occupation: Planter
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Wife was emotionally unstable and occasionally violent.
Children: Marmaduke, Norfleet, Henry, William, Elizabeth, and Margaret
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Frederick Sr.


Name: Bell, Frederick Sr.
Date of Death: Feb 1803
Spouse's name: Sarah Goldsmith
Mother: Phereba
Occupation: Planter
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Children: Reddick, Frederick, Joshua, Noah, Parson, Hutson, Marmaduke, William
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Benjamin


Name: Bell, Benjamin
Birth Date: Bef 1770
Marriage Date: Bef 1781
Date of Death: Aft 1793
Spouse's name: Tabitha Jelks
Mother: Phereba
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Absala


Name: Bell, Absala
Birth Date: Bef 1780
Marriage Date: Bef 1793
Date of Death: Aft 1793
Spouse's name: Mr. Lawrence
Mother: Phereba
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Whitmel Sr.


Name: Bell, Whitmel Sr.
Birth Date: Bef 1780
Marriage Date: Bef 1793
Date of Death: 24 Mar 1824
Spouse's name: Elizabeth
Mother: Phereba
Occupation: Planter
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Children: Whitmel, Winifred, Jarrett, Joseph, Bennett, William, David, James, Newsom
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Henry Clinch

Name: Bell, Henry Clinch
Birth Date: Bet 1785-1803
Date of Death: Aft 1803
Mother: Mary
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Was a minor at time of father's death. Became a ward of Uncle Whitmel Bell, but still lived with mother.
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Margaret

Name: Bell, Margaret
Birth Date: Bet 1785-1803
Date of Death: Aft 1811
Spouse's name: Robert Joyner
Mother: Mary
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Was a minor at time of father's death. Became a ward of Uncle Whitmel Bell, but still lived with mother.
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Marmaduke Norfleet

Name: Bell, Marmaduke Norfleet
Birth Date: Bet 1785-1803
Marriage Date: 23 Jan 1827
Date of Death: 24 Jan 1830
Spouse's name: Catherine Boddie
Mother: Mary
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Was a minor at time of father's death. Became a ward of Uncle Whitmel Bell, but still lived with mother.
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Location of Marriage: Nash

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Marmaduke N.

Name: Bell, Marmaduke N.
Birth Date: 1786
Date of Death: 22 Feb 1830
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Marmaduke

Name: Bell, Marmaduke
Date of Death: Aft 1808
Spouse's name: Charlotte Dancy

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Marmaduke Norfleet

Name: Bell, Marmaduke Norfleet
Birth Date: Bef 1812
Marriage Date: Bef 1825
Date of Death: Aft 1825
Spouse's name: Mary Landing
Mother: Sarah Goldsmith
Occupation: Planter
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Children: William, Others
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Jeremiah

Name: Bell, Jeremiah
Birth Date: 1809
Marriage Date: 1833
Date of Death: Aft 1850
Spouse's name: Mary, B. 1815
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Children: Theodore, Marmaduke, Elizabeth, Joseph, Martha, Sarah, Others
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, William Wesley

Name: Bell, William Wesley
Birth Date: Bet 1785-1803
Date of Death: Oct 1807
Spouse's name: None
Mother: Mary
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Was a minor at time of father's death. Became a ward of Uncle Whitmel Bell, but still lived with mother.
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Children: None
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Eleanor

Name: Bell, Eleanor
Birth Date: 1756
Father: Benjamin Bell, Sr.
Mother: Anne
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC...

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, John Sr.

Name: Bell, John Sr.
Birth Date: Bef 1755
Date of Death: 20 Dec 1793
Spouse's name: Elizabeth M. Johnston
Mother: Sarah
Occupation: Planter
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Owns several plantations on the Tar River.
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Children: Jonas, Richard
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Jonas Johnston

Name: Bell, Jonas Johnston
Birth Date: Bef 1775
Date of Death: Aft 1841
Mother: Elizabeth M. Johnston
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Born to Mother's first husband. Raised by stepfather John Andrews
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Jonas J.

Name: Bell, Jonas J.
Birth Date: 12 Jan 1790
Date of Death: 16 Jul 1852
Spouse's name: Harriet Aldridge
Occupation: Various
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Tuscumbria, AL
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Captain in the army. War of 1812. Buried in Edgecombe.
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Richard

Name: Bell, Richard
Birth Date: Bet 1775-1793
Date of Death: Aft 1794
Mother: Elizabeth Johnston
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Minor at time of father's death
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Richard

Name: Bell, Richard
Birth Date: Bef 1820
Marriage Date: 25 Jan 1832
Spouse's name: Pamela (Widow Smith)
Occupation: Physician
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Location of Marriage: Carteret co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Richard

Name: Bell, Richard
Date of Death: Aft 1820
Mother: Elizabeth Johnston
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Born to Mother's first husband. Raised by stepfather John Andrews

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Richard

Name: Bell, Richard
Date of Death: 26 Sep 1790
Spouse's name: Mildred
Mother: Sarah, D. 1776
Occupation: Planter
Location of Death/ Last Known Location: Edgecombe co., NC
Other Notes/ Race/ Military Information: Born to mother's first husband, raised by stepfather Mr. Carlyle.
Children: Benjamin, John
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, John Jr.

Name: Bell, John Jr.
Birth Date: Bef 1770
Date of Death: Aft 1790
Spouse's name: Lucy Williams
Father: John Bell, Sr.
Mother: Mildred
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC

Edgecombe County, North Carolina Vital Records, 1720-1880
about Bell, Phereba


Name: Bell, Phereba
Birth Date: Bef 1825
Marriage Date: Bef 1844
Date of Death: Aft 1846
Spouse's name: Peter Knight
Location of Birth: Edgecombe co., NC
Location of Marriage: Edgecombe co., NC

I ran across this and felt it extremely interesting.

....Archaeologists comb newly-found Civil War POW camp


By RUSS BYNUM - Associated Press
AP – SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — When word reached Camp Lawton that the enemy army of Gen. William T. Sherman was approaching, the prison camp's Confederate officers rounded up their thousands of Union army POWs for a swift evacuation — leaving behind rings, buckles, coins and other keepsakes that would remain undisturbed for nearly 150 years.

Archaeologists are still discovering unusual, and sometimes stunningly personal, artifacts a year after state officials revealed that a graduate student had pinpointed the location of the massive but short-lived Civil War camp in southeast Georgia.

Discoveries made as recently as a few weeks ago were being displayed Thursday at the Statesboro campus of Georgia Southern University. They include a soldier's copper ring bearing the insignia of the Union army's 3rd Corps, which fought bloody battles at Gettysburg and Manassas, and a payment token stamped with the still-legible name of a grocery store in Michigan.

"These guys were rousted out in the middle of the night and loaded onto trains, so they didn't have time to load all this stuff up," said David Crass, an archaeologist who serves as director of Georgia's Historic Preservation Division. "Pretty much all they had got left behind. You don't see these sites often in archaeology."

Camp Lawton's obscurity helped it remain undisturbed all these years. Built about 50 miles south of Augusta, the Confederate camp imprisoned about 10,000 Union soldiers after it opened in October 1864 to replace the infamous Andersonville prison. But it lasted barely six weeks before Sherman's army arrived and burned it during his march from Atlanta to Savannah.

Barely a footnote in the war's history, Camp Lawton was a low priority among scholars. Its exact location was never verified. While known to be near Magnolia Springs State Park, archaeologists figured the camp was too short-lived to yield real historical treasures.

That changed last year when Georgia Southern archaeology student Kevin Chapman seized on an offer by the state Department of Natural Resources to pursue his master's thesis by looking for evidence of Camp Lawton's stockade walls on the park grounds.

Chapman ended up stunning the pros, uncovering much more than the remains of the stockade's 15-foot pine posts. On neighboring land owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he dug up remnants of the prisoners themselves — a corroded tourniquet buckle, a tobacco pipe with teeth marks in the stem and a folded frame that once held a daguerreotype.

"They're not just buttons and bullets," Chapman said. "They're little pieces of the story, and this is not the story of battles and generals. This is the story of little people whose names have been forgotten by history that we're starting to piece together and be able to tell."

A year later, Chapman says he and fellow archaeology students working at Camp Lawton have still barely scratched the surface. In July, they used a metal detector to sweep two narrow strips about 240 yards long in the area where they believe prisoners lived.

They found a diamond-shaped 3rd Corps badge that came from a Union soldier's uniform. Nearby was the ring with the same insignia soldered onto it.

The artifacts also yield clues to what parts of the country the POWs came from, including the token issued by a grocery store in Niles, Mich., that customers could use like cash to buy food. Stamped on its face was the merchant's name: G.A. Colbey and Co. Wholesale Groceries and Bakery.

Similarly, there's a buckle that likely clasped a pair of suspenders bearing the name of Nanawanuck Manufacturing Company in Massachusetts.

Hooks and buckles that appear to have come off a Union knapsack also hint that, despite harsh living conditions, captors probably allowed their Union prisoners to keep essentials like canteens and bedrolls.

The Georgia Southern University Museum plans to add the new artifacts to its public collection from Camp Lawton in October along with a related acquisition — a letter written by one of the camp's prisoners on Nov. 14, 1864, just eight days before Lawton was abandoned and prisoners were taken back to Andersonville and other POW camps.

The letter written by Charles H. Knox of Schroon Lake, N.Y., a Union corporal in the 1st Connecticut Cavalry, was purchased from a Civil War collector in Tennessee. Unaware that Camp Lawton will soon be evacuated, Knox writes to his wife that he hopes to soon be freed in a prisoner exchange between the warring armies.

He doesn't write much about conditions at the prison camp, but rather worries about his family. He tells his wife that if she and their young son need money for food or clothing, there's a man who owes him $9. Knox also gives his wife permission to sell the family's cow.

Brent Tharp, director of the campus museum, said his growing collection from Camp Lawton has definitely drawn Civil War buffs to visit from far beyond southeast Georgia.

"The people who are real Civil War buffs and fanatics, those are definitely coming," Tharp said. "But I think we've also created a whole new group of Civil War buffs here because it's right here in their own backyard."



..

Trying a New Direction

In an effort to both increase readers as well as hopefully generate more genealogical input, like there are lines forming now, I am going to change things a little.  While the title to this blog is "Bell Genealogy" and that is my primary focus, I am going to include other surnames.  Perhaps this blog will be picked up by the various search engines and more interest will be generated.

After more than thirty years of research, I am still lacking in finding some of my ancestors.  Yeah, that's embarassing, but honest and hopefully someone will reach out and offer information, clues or even hints for my quest.

On my Dad's side other than Bell I have the following surnames - Rushing, Farrar, Frazier, Yates, Crutchfield, Leigh, Spence and Moore to name a few.

On my Mother's side I have Robinson, Park, Barnes, Cole, Marchbanks, Uptegrove, Smothers, Lyle/Lyles and Wyatt.

My ancestors seemingly came to Tennessee primarily from Virginia and North Carolina.  In the days and weeks ahead, I will be more detailed, submit more information and hopefully someone will make a connection that we can share information.

Have a GREAT weekend,

T Bell

Bell Marriages - Williamson and Marion Counties Illinois 1763 - 1900

I apologize for the lack of organization, but hopefully they make sense!

Williamson County, IL Marriages


1763-1900



BRIDES

ALLISON, JOHN G - BELL, NANCY 1843-03-22 A /33

BAGGETT, JOHN F - BELL, IDA 1900-11-11 I /619

CHEW, MARTIN ADOLPH - BELL, MAY ALICE 1890-11-23 G /191

EDWARDS, MARTIN A - BELL, MARGARET F 1892-02-28 G /328

FARRON, JAMES - BELL, L 1848-10-24 A /128

FARROW, JOHN - BELL, SARAH 1859-01-05 B /115

JACKSON, A T - BELL, LUCRETIA 1874-05-28 C /383

JENKINS, JOSHUA T - BELL, NANCY J 1877-01-25 D /201

JOHNSON, JAMES N - BELL, MARY 1887-04-20 F /263

JONES, GEORGE W - BELL, CAROLINE 1875-09-09 D /76

SPRINGS, SAMUEL JEFFERSON H V - BELL, ELIZABETH 1849-10-25 A /139



GROOMS



BELL, A S BOREN, BERTHA 1899-11-08 I /437

BELL, BENJAMIN B ALLEN, ELIZABETH 1865-01-05 A /172

BELL, JOHN (ILLEGIBLE), MATILDA J 1856-12-17 B /71

BELL, JOHN G WIGGS, NAOMI 1867-12-22 B /250

BELL, MILES N SMITH, MARTHA 1886-05-16 F /184

BELL, SETH W CORNWELL, NANCY 1853-02-27 A /163

BELL, SETH W HENRY, MARTHA 1858-02-02 B /102

BELL, STEPHEN D WIGGS, FREDONIA 1881-01-27 E /530


Marion County, IL Marriages

1763-1900


GROOMS


BELL, GEORGE A WILKINSON, MARY A CAMPBELL (MRS) 1892-01-25 /237 17 MARION

BELL, GEORGE F LORD, ATHENA G 1895-07-25 /307 149 MARION

BELL, GEORGE W S PHILLIPS, ETTA 1895-09-11 /309 176 MARION

BELL, GREEN KNIGHT, SUSANNAH 1872-03-13 00D/0079 00079/45 MARION BELL, HENRY EDDINGS, HARRIET L 1864-01-07 00D/0019 00000645 MARION BELL, HENRY SNOW, MARY 1873-11-30 00D/0091 MARION

BELL, HENRY SNOW, MARY 1873-11-30 091/0210 MARION

BELL, HENRY (COL) SCALES, ADA MRS (COL) 1889-00-00 00E/0006 MARION BELL, JACKSON W KING, CARRIE 1894-00-00 /280 57 MARION

BELL, JACOB R JENKINS, ELIZABETH 1857-07-29 C/ 162 MARION

BELL, JACOB R JENKINS, ELIZABETH 1860-12-17 00D/0006 00000195 MARION BELL, JAMES KNIGHT, MARY D MRS 1878-12-27 00D/0128 MARION

BELL, JAMES J YOUNG, MARY E 1875-01-26 00D/0100 MARION

BELL, JOHN CHAPMAN, GEORGIA 1872-06-00 00D/0080 0080/100 MARION

BELL, JOHN GREEN, MELISSA (MRS) 1870-09-05 00D/0067 0067/142 MARION BELL, JOHN KNIGHT, ALCY A 1867-12-25 00D/0049 00000308 MARION

BELL, JOHN A CASKEY, LUCY (MRS) 1896-04-20 E /49 72 MARION

BELL, JOHN F BORDEN, ELIZABETH M 1864-12-18 00D/0025 00000854 MARION BELL, LEVI EDWELL MISENHAMER, MYRTLE 1893-07-12 /266 108 MARION

BELL, MOSE BURK, JANE (MRS) 1895-10-00 /311 202 MARION

BELL, PLEASANT W WILLIAMS, LOTTY 1859-08-30 C/ 311 MARION

BELL, SAMUEL PARKER, SARAH 1895-10-09 /311 198 MARION


BRIDES

ALLEN, GEORGE B BELL, CECLIA J 1868-07-14 00D/0054 00000121 MARION ANDERSON, THOMAS M BELLOMY, SUSIE T 1884-05-28 00D/0170 MARION AUGHNIBAUGH, GEO M BELL, FLORA J 1896-02-09 E /48 22 MARION

CALAWAY, THOMAS BELL, SUSIE 1891-12-25 /234 261 MARION

EDDINGS, WESLEY S BELL, MARY BELL 1888-11-17 00E/0005 MARION

EWING, LEANDER BELLAMY, ANN S 1871-03-22 00D/0072 00072/46 MARION FORSYTH, THOMAS BELL, EMMA 1878-04-18 00D/0122 MARION

GETTS, JOHN A BELL, EMELINE 1879-10-19 0OD/0134 MARION

GLASS, HARRISON (COLORED) BELL, HENRIETTA (MRS) 1870-05-08 00D/0066 00066/77 MARION

HAMILTON, O F BELL, EMMA 1873-12-25 00D/0091 MARION

HARKER, CHARLES WADE BELLAMY, IRENE A 1892-09-28 /251 200 MARION HARRIS, JOHN T BELLINGTON, MELISSA C 1874-01-14 00D/0091 MARION HECKMAN, J B BELL, HATTIE 1882-08-17 0OD/0156 MARION

JONES, W P BELL, STORANCE 1886-06-19 00D/0185 MARION

KENADAY, FINESS BELL, MARTHA 1875-12-30 00D/0106 MARION

KINYON, CHRISTOPHER BELL, MARY J 1867-12-30 00D/0050 00000317 MARION MCFARLAND, JAMES A BELL, MARY E BETHERD (MRS) 1892-01-13 /236 14 MARION

NEWELL, HENRY M BELLS, MARY E 1886-01-17 00D/0183 MARION

OFFORD, ZACHARIAH BELLE, ARCH 1888-08-29 00E/0003 MARION

PEACE, DANIEL BELL, CLARA 1898-03-27 E /62 MARION

PHILLIPS, STEPHEN A BELL, ALMEDIA F 1886-09-23 00D/0187 MARION

PTOMEY, ALEXANDER BELL, MARY A MRS 1877-12-24 00D/0119 MARION RAINEY, WILLIAM BELL, ISABELL (MRS) 1866-05-24 00D/0036 00001229 MARION SCHWARSKOPF, OTTO BELL, ANNA 1882-02-28 0OD/0153 MARION

SMITH, FRANCES M BELL, MATILDA 1871-12-24 00D/0077 0077/202 MARION SPEAR, NATHAN BELL, MARY J 1869-01-17 00D/0058 000058/7 MARION THURSTON, BENJAMIN F BELL, JENNIE E 1869-06-17 00D/0060 00060/81 MARION

TULLY, ANDER F BELL, JULIA M 1892-10-16 /253 222 MARION

WILSON, CHARLES E BELL, ANNICE 1867-10-16 00D/0048 00000244 MARION WINSEN, JOSIAH BELL, PATSY 1831-00-00 A/ 4 MARION

Words

Had a guy tell me to use BIGGER WORDS when I write, explaining these BIGGER WORDS will make me more credible, because I will appear smarter to my audience.  Smarter??  Yeah, I realize the BIGGER WORDS weren't about ALL CAPS or a larger font, and the intent was appreciated.  Perhaps expanding my vocabulary would indeed be more impressive, but my philosophy is simple. I want anyone and everyone to not just read something I have written, but also to understand it.  If there is a single word a reader doesn't know the meaning I feel I failed to convey what I intended.  Suppose I split my writing into three segments, English, Spanish and say Hebrew or Chinese.  While I suspect there are some who could read all four languages, but those folks are few and not likely a reader of this blog or anything else I might write.  And, if they are multi-lingual they too will surely understand my simple writings.

Now what on God's green earth does this have to do with genealogy and more particularly Bell Genealogy, as my blog title suggests?  Nothing I suppose.  Oh, I can twist, turn and reshape it a bit and tell readers, like they exist, that in doing research, one must be prepared to interpret a wide and often not easily read writings and the language may not be familiar.  Latin was used in some legal documents.

I had two years of Latin in high school, learned more than I should have considering . . . well, I remember a quote written in my Latin I book.  "Latin is a dead language as you will plainly see, it killed all the Romans and now it is killing me".  To give some inside of my desire to learn Latin, I remember than quote better than anything else I learned in the two years of Latin I & II.  I did find it sad, my son, thirty years later did not have the opportunity to take Latin!

Okay, I have veered way off this time, but so what few read my words and NO ONE (big words :), did I appear smarter?) comments on anything I've written!  I am considering either starting another blog and not being limited to one surname or expanding this one, but keeping the name the same.  Just a warning to my dedicated readers!  Yes, I've already established I have no "dedicated readers", so am I writing to myself and then answering myself?  Gee, I'm going to stop here before I appear to be crazier than I already do.

Stay cool!

T.Bell

Various Records from early Stewart County, TN involving Bells

STEWART COUNTY DEEDS



Book 2 [1806-1809 registrations for 1783-1809 deeds]


107 Richard BOYD (Davidson Co.) to William BELL (Davidson Co.), 100a on W side of Wells Creek, adj. John BOYD’s 274a survey; wit: R. SEARCY, D. McGAVOCK, William TAIT, William OUTLAW, Nimrod CROSSWELL; 27 Oct 1806



111 James and Sarah S. BROWNLOW (New Hanover Co., NC) to Daniel MASON (Halifax Co., NC), 1553a on N bank of Tennessee River near a large island; wit: John M. BINFORD, Richard A. BLOUNT, Fielding BELL; 15 Aug 1801, registered 23 Jul 1807



190 William R. BELL (Montgomery Co.) to Robert W. ELLISON, 100a adj. John BOYD’s 274a survey; 21 Oct 1807

===========================================================================

Stewart County Court Minutes, March 1804 – October 1807

(Tennessee State Library & Archives, Stewart Co. Roll #38)


11 Sep 1804 Court:

Allowed Mason BENNETT to sell liquor at his dwelling house, with William R. BELL as security

- Allowed William R. BELL to build a mill on Wells’ Creek, below the mouth of a dry hollow about ½ mile above where he lives

- Allowed Mason BENNETT to keep a public ferry across the Cumberland River at his house, charging 4.5 cents per man & horse from June until December, and 12.5 cents the rest of the year, with William R. BELL as security.



11 Dec 1804 Court:

Deed for 374 acres from William R. BELL to R. W. ALLISON proven by Phillip HORNBERGER



12 Dec 1804 Court:

Deed for 274 acres from Richard BOYD to William BELL proven by Nathaniel A. McNAIRY



9 Dec 1805 Court at the house of George MARTIN:

Deed for 365 acres from John REED to Thomas CLINTON proven by oath of William R. BELL







10 Jun 1806 Court
Interesting tidbit: - Court set the rates for tavern keepers in the county: 12.5 cents per meal, 12.5 cents for ½ pint of whiskey, 12.5 cents for horse feed, 6.5 cents for lodging, 12.5 cents per ½ pint of rum, 12.5 cents per ½ pint of brandy



21 Apr 1807 Court:

Deed for 100 acres from Richard BOYD to William BELL, proven by oaths of William OUTLAW & Nimrod CROSSWELL


Stewart County Court Minutes


TSLA Archives, Stewart Co. Roll 38, Minutes Vol. 1, Nov. 1819 – May 1821

Note: page numbers included by transcriber – original pages not numbered



4 - Court orders Zachariah Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, John Phillips, James Wilson & Lemuel Bell to mark a road from the boat landing on Tennessee River, above the mouth of Cane Creek, up to the head of the creek and then intersecting a road being laid out from the mouth of Hurricane Creek to Hornberger’s & Wells Creek

- Court appoints George Bell overseer in place of Thomas Wyatt

51 - Court orders Zachariah Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, John Phillips, James Wilson & Lemuel Bell to mark a road from the boat landing above the mouth of Cane Creek to intersect the Hornberger road on the head of Hurricane Creek



96 - Court orders Isham Sills, William Sills, Joseph B. Neville, Henry Bell, Josiah Outland, Lewis Outland & Enos Outland to mark a road from Jethro Bass’ new ground to intersect the Eddyville road at the state line



167 - Court appoints Zachariah Wyatt overseer of the road from the boat landing above the mouth of Cane Creek to intersect Hornberger’s road near the head of Hurricane Creek, with Jesse Johnson, Gideon French, Samuel Alsup, Samuel Webb, James Nichols, George Webb, William Misher, James Holloway, John Ally, Henry Cassles, Charles Summers’ hands, John Summers, Dennis Barnes, Charles Barnes, James Paskill, Joseph Burchett, John Burchett, David Brigham & hands, Mark Murphy, Isaac Lowry, Green Berry Summers, Mr. Matthews, James Rushing, William Wyatt, James Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Curtis Smith, David Hill & hands, James Holmes & hands, Nathaniel Holmes, John Rolls, David Wilson, John Jones, Henry Wynn, John Boyd, Seth Outlaw, John W. Grover, Benjamin Brewer, Henry Lankford, Wilson Brown, Thomas Harris, William Wyatt, Thomas Wyatt, Ephraim Wyatt, Levi Burcham, Edmond Holiway, John Ballor, Thomas James, Henry James, Benjamin Bell, Henry Hamel, Burwell Bell & George Bell to work under him



177 - Court orders Sheriff to summon the following as jurors for the next term of the Circuit Court: Robert Daniel, Henry Lightfoot, Jesse Watkins, Henry Smith, Hardy B. Sills, Samuel Bell, David Brigham, Samuel Lockhart, John Lewis, Alexander Brown, James Fletcher, Cornelius Manning, Hamblin F. Manly, Joseph B. Neville, John Bird, David Irwin, Alexander Brightwell, James Caldwell, John Polk, Zadock McLester, David Gray Jr., William Elkins, Henry Pugh, William Tubbs, John Stewart & Horatio Humphreys



239 - William Yarborough vs. Lemuel Bell & George Bell (debt): jurors find for the plaintiff in the amount of $371 plus $11.13 damages and costs



254 - deed of gift from Lemuel Bell to George Bell for 100 acres acknowledged

- deed from Daniel Wyatt to Henry Hansel for 50 acres proven by oaths of Lemuel Bell and James Hansel



298 - George Bell elected constable



311 - Court orders Sheriff to summon the following to serve as Jurors for the next term: Thomas Wynns, Miles Williams, Benjamin Brown, William Greer, David Deadrick, Nathaniel Askew, Endimeon Brigham, Millington Lain, Nimian Steele, Albert Holmes, Lemuel Bell, John Stewart, Thomas Walker, Drury Brinson, James Brigham Sr., Lewis Lockhart, Abel Jackson, Caleb Williams Sr., James Dunbar, Henry Pugh, John Williams, John Lee (Dicks Fork), Edmond Hogan, William Travis, Nathaniel Abney & Dempsey Turner



374 - Court orders Sheriff to summon jurors for the next term of Court: Thomas Wilson, David Wilson, Richard Faucet, James Hamlett, William McElrath, Lewis Hyer, Henry Wynns, Champane James, William Miller, John Pearce, John Almond, James Lowry, Thomas Wyatt, Nathaniel Scoles, Charles McHenry, Thomas Whitford, Nathaniel Parker, John Summers, James Pryor, George Boyd, William Bell Jr., William Bell Sr.., John Fletcher, Christopher Brandon, John Biggs & Nathan Thomas





William Tinsdale, Adam McGee, Roderick McAuley Appointed to settle with Nancy Bell, administratrix of Benjamin Bell, deceased. November 3, 1828


Stewart County, Tennessee, Deed Book 4, 1810-1813



Pg. 515 - Robert STOTHART (Davidson County) to George BELL (Davidson County), 2 tracts on Piney Fork: (1) all of 1280a not part of John McNAIRY’s three 640a tracts (#3252, #3254, & unknown), totaling 654.5a, plus 200a at the SE corner of the 1280a tract, (2) 425.5a (excepting interference with above tracts), NC grant #3233 to Robert NELSON, 17 Nov 1797, conveyed to STOTHART on 1 Jun 1799; wit: W. TAIT, Hugh F. BELL; 12 Mar 1813





Stewart County Bonds and Settlements, Book 3 (Miscellaneous Entries Nov. 1814 – Nov. 1824)

48 Drury Bird and Jarrot Bell attest to the nuncupative will of William Outlaw on 10 Aug 1814; children Lucian and Indiana to receive ferry and land across from Dover, sons Alexander and Drury to receive the mill and land on Hurricane Creek; James Tagert and Drury Bird were appointed to settle with executor Isaac Lanier; 20 Aug 1814

194 Ephraim B. Davidson, guardian for the heirs of William Outlaw, warranty deed to Jarott Bell on 12 Feb 1818; Bell assigns the deed to William Bell on 22 Nov 1820 (witnessed by John Lightfoot and Thomas Lightfoot); recorded May term 1822

306 will of John Lightfoot: wife Nelly gets plantation on north side of Leatherwood Creek where son Thomas lives, son Wilson Lightfoot gets 100 acres of land where Joseph Daniel lives, son Henry Lightfoot gets part of the home tract adjoining Shepherd’s old line, son Thomas Lightfoot and daughter Mary Johnson get the balance of the land, daughter Tempy Deberry gets bridle and saddle, grandson John Lightfoot gets a horse; personal property of wife Nelly is to be divided among Nelly’s three children at her death; executors are sons Henry and Thomas; wit: James Miller, William Bell Jr.; written 17 Oct 1823

308 sale of the estate of John Lightfoot; buyers include George Atkins, Anderson Andrews, William Outlaw, John Bell, Willie Cathey, John Clark, Joseph Daniel, John Cathey, John K. Colson, Frederick Groce, Allen Johnson, Henry Johnson, William King, Moses Mirick, William Bell Jr., Henry Lightfoot, Alexander B. Outlaw, William Norrod, John Randle, Benjamin Peeples, Tilman Sexton, William Williams, George D. Randle, Benjamin Williams, David Hardison, Thomas Lightfoot, Drewry Byrd, Richard Taylor, Wilson Lightfoot, Nelly Lightfoot Bell, Littleberry Clark

(Note) marriage - Lightfoot, John - Cathey, Nelly before 1823 Will Book 3, page 277



339 Dennis Rushing, James Hamell, Henry Jamell, Benjamin Bell, administrator’s bond for Lamuel Bell; 1 Nov 1824

Stewart County Settlements and Bonds, Volume B (Nov. 1824-Feb. 1829)



24 sale of the estate of Lemuel Bell; buyers include Elisha Jackson, Fanny Reynolds, James Hamell, Arthur Pitt, Dennis Rushing, John Alley, Ninian Steal, Abner Smolly, Levi Burcham, Zachariah Wyatt, Vincent Wyatt, James Burcham, Benjamin Polk, John Rainwaters







Genealogical Abstracts of Reported Deaths from The Nashville Christian Advocate, 1839-1919

http://www.tngenweb.org/records/davidson/



May 17, 1855:
ELIZABETH E. OUTLAW w/o George W. Outlaw; d/o Seth and Margaret Outlaw; born Stewart Co., Tenn., March 26, 1826; died Montgomery Co., Tenn., March 12, 1855; left widower, 3 children.





February 26, 1857:
SARAH M. BELL w/o J. B. Bell; d/o Seth and Margaret Outlaw, born Stewart Co., Tenn., August 19, 1834; md May 21, 1854; died Humphreys Co., Tenn., December 25, 1856.

======================================================

1880 Mortality Schedule - Stewart County, TN

24 Brunson, Bell 14 f b S Tn Ky Tn Feb pneumonia 14

Foolishness

Yeah, it's pretty much official . . . . I'm writing to myself!  Well, I do have a couple of folks stop by from time to time, but you know, that's okay I suppose.  After all, I can screw up my spelling, grammar, punctuation and even tell stories without concern of being corrected, questioned or even doubted.  Wow! I just became "my hero", able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and over time perhaps I can convince myself that is the "real me"!  Wait, that tall building thing needs to change.  Jumping high is pretty cool, but I wanna be able to fly!  And why settle for just being fast as a bullet?  No, no, no, I want bullets and rockets and grenades and bombs and any other body piercing matter to bounce off of me, but no capes, no tights!  This may take some adjusting.  Anyone watch the TV series, "The Greatest American Hero"?  William Katt played the title role and he had some problems with his new found powers.  Oh well, it's hot, really hot outside so why not stay inside, use my imagination and be silly?  There's just not enough "silly" in the world today!  Oh wait, there is plenty of silly, ridiculous, outrageous and disgusting, but not from a comedic stance.  We have elected officials acting like spoiled babies and paying no attention to the fact they are suppose to be representing the voters who gave them their job.  And this is certainly not a partisan issue, both sides of politics are heavily involved.

Sorry for my political outburst!  It disturbs me when greed is so prevalent and we, the citizens are taken for fools.  Our country could not have survived all of these years if our decision makers had always been so self-serving!  Oh, it upsets me and I could write volumes, but politics and religion are subjects I was taught to never discuss.  Some might agree with me, others would definitely not agree with me and nothing would be accomplished.  If one is going to tear something down and rebuild it, be certain it is better than before.  I don't even know what that means! 

I'm thinkin' I'll publish this post, get it out of the way and start anew.  However, if ANYONE would like to comment, even to question my sanity or why I would submit a post such as this, please feel free to jump in.

Have a safe week and stay cool!

'Til next time - I'm outta here,

T. Bell

Are Those DNA Projects Reliable?

Recently I read a comment on a genealogical forum that disturbed me.  A lady innocently submitted a query about one of her ancestors.  She explained she had just started doing family research and asked for help.  Nothing sinister, certainly no arrogance or hostility, just a simple request.  BAM!!!  It was much like a giant cat pouncing on unsuspecting prey!  This guy immediately and unprovoked attacks her, telling her she is not related to a certain seemingly affluent line and begins spouting about DNA and how testing has proven her line was not a part of the high and mighty line his DNA proved he WAS a descendant.

Wow!  Such arrogance for absolutely no reason whatsoever, but it didn't end there.  The lady responds, apologizes for knowing nothing about DNA testing and again explains she was simply looking for "family" information to relay to her siblings.  The arrogant ass again pounced, this time suggesting the lady was less than intelligent or else she would have known about the DNA projects and how they worked.  Not once did he make any attempt, feeble or otherwise to tell this lady WHO she was or was not related.

This exchanged was more than two years ago or I would have jumped in and told the guy what I thought of him and my words would not have been flattering.  A couple of things I should mention; 1) - the name who the lady was seeking information was two, three maybe four generations after the generation the DNA ass had referenced; 2) - This just happened to be one of my family lines.

Frankly, I could write, in large bold, block letters on a matchbook pretty much all I know about DNA.  Perhaps that alone disqualifies me from offering an opinion and is grounds to write me off as a "doofus", at least in some circles.  Hey, in keeping with my honesty . . . I have known me all of my life and believe me when I say, I know so many other, much better reasons to tack such a moniker on me.  Like the time . . . oh no, I'm not going there, just trust me.

Back to those DNA projects.  It is my understanding the process is basically a scientific method of comparing one person's DNA to another's DNA either proving or disproving kinship.  As recently as this morning I have read a wide range of articles on the subject.  While I still cannot say I understand the actual process, I do understand the concept.  But, isn't it a fact, before comparisons can be made DNA must exist from that distant source who walked this earth generations ago?  How can these DNA tests be made legitimate when there is no body of that distant ancestor?  While I do not know this for a fact, I am yet to discover ANYONE who knows the location of the burial spot of the individual this guy referenced in his DNA brag.

I do not deny the scientific evidence that can be found, nor the link such evidence can prove or disprove; however, without a body how are such comparisons possible?  I suppose there are some genuinely nice people who are associated with DNA projects, but it has been my experience the ones I have dealt with are snobs.  They treat others as though they are lesser!  Oh please, it reminds me of childhood playground brags of "my daddy can beat up your daddy".

What happened to research, documents and I suppose common sense?  Unfortunately all of our ancestors were not famous, did not write an autobiography or have biographies written about them.  Heck, many did not leave wills and even when they did they were not complete as to even who their children were.  So, tracing our ancestry is not an easy task, but in my opinion, DNA projects are not always accurate.  Again, not that they can't be, but how does one prove kinship to someone when there is no DNA?

A final thought - common religious belief has God creating Adam and Eve, the start of mankind.  Doesn't this make us ALL related, per DNA testing?  Oh, then comes Noah, the ark and the flood!  Wasn't it Noah, his wife and their three sons and their wives?  Again, would this not make us ALL related through DNA testing?

I do not expect everyone or possibly even anyone to agree with my ramblings, but until convinced, proven or shown otherwise I'll keep my opinion.  Of course, as of this writing not a soul has commented on anything I have written on this blog.  Is ANYONE reading my words?

Until next time, I'm outta here!

T Bell

My Mystery Great, Great Aunt

I must admit the third child of William Charles and Mary Adaline Yates Bell has had me stumped, hoo-dooed, confused, baffled and/or well, mumbling to myself.  She first appears in the 1870 US Census of Benton County, TN as Q.F.F., age 9; however, she is nowhere to be found in the 1880 census.  Okay, by 1880 she was 19 years old, could have married and moved away from Benton County.  Then again, she could have died!
I wasn't willing to accept her death so I looked a little closer and the 1880 census revealed a clue, I think.  Marion A. Prince and family lived next to Charly Bell and family and next was John Jordan and family, the children of William Charles and Mary Adaline Yates Bell all living as neighbors, except Q.F.F.  I then examined who lived the other side of Marion A. Prince and discovered this.  It was Alfred Lashlee, Leander C Roberson, Nathan Roberson and John P Lashlee.  I did notice Leander C Roberson was age 19 and his wife, Valony M.A. was 15.  I really can't explain why maybe it was just being nosey, but I checked for marriage records and discovered L.C. Roberson married V.A. Bell, 23 February 1879 and the marriage was soldemnized by J.P. Lashlee a Justice of Peace.  So who was this Valony M.A. Bell?

I have been unable to learn who were the parents of Valony M.A. Bell Roberson; however, as a result of my curiosity I suppose, I traced, tracked and followed Leander C Roberson to Fulton County, KY.  At times his surname was Robinson, at other times it was Robertson, in fact, his death certificate gives his surname as Robertson and the informant was a son, L.M. (Landon Maxwell) Robertson.  Indeed my journey has been confusing, but interesting. Oh, I fail to mention Leander C. Robinson's wife in the 1900 US Census for Fulton County, KY was named Queen and tis census showed they had been married 22 years.  Leander's date of birth was given as June 1860 and Queen's was October 1863.  She had had 5 children, with 4 still living.  The childrn were : Birtie, a son, born April 1881 in Tennessee; Stella, a daughter, born February 1886 in Kentucky and Pearl, a daughter, born November 1887 in Kentucky.  A fourth child, Landon Maxwell was married at the time to Edith Benedick.  They were married in Obion County, Tennessee, 28 October 1899.

The 1910 US Census for Fulton County, KY shows Leander Roberson's wife as Queenie.  It also shows she had 4 children and all 4 are living.

Before going to the 1920 census it should be noted Commonwealth of Kentucky, Certificate of Death #6940, dated 2 March 1918 and signed by Registrar J.F. Royster is for Leander C. Robertson.  Notice a "t" is added to his surname, the informant is L.M. Robertson of Fulton, KY (probably his son, Landon Maxwell Roberson).  The certificate gives Leander's date of birth as 25 June 1860, his date of death as 1 March 1918 and has his age at time of death to be 57 years 8 months and 4 days.  His birthplace is given as Benton Co., TN, father Jim Robertson, birthplace South Carolina and occupation Special Agent for SC Railroad.  His mother's name is listed as unknown, but her place of birth is given as South Carolina.

The 1920 U.S. Census of Fulton Co., KY adds to the confusion surrounding Queen Bell Roberson.  First, her name is given as L.G. Roberson, age 54 years, with an estimated birth date of 1866.  It shows she is a widowed, white female, born in TN,  owns her home and indicates she can read and write, a contradiction to the 1900 census.  Of course she could have easily learned in 20 years.  Also in this household is Morton Williams, age 31, her son-in-law; Pearl Williams, age 32, her daughter and Evelyn Williams, age 7, her granddaughter.

The 1930 US Census for Fulton County, KY may indeed be the most confusing of all.  The name given for the head of household is Leander C Roberson, a female, age 62, who was born in Tennessee.  In this household is Morton Williams, age 42, son-in-law whos occupation is given as a conductor for the railroad.  His wife and daughter of the head of household, Ella P. Williams, age 42.  Both she and Morton were 24 when they were married.  They have a daughter, granddaughter of the head of household, Dorothy Williams, age 17 who was born in KY.

And finally, Queen's death certificate.

"Click on Death Certificate to Enlarge"

Please notice her parents!  Yes, this must be the third child of William Charles and Mary Adaline Yates Bell, but who was Valony M.A. Bell?  I fell totally incomplete with this, but I am at a loss as to where to turn next.  I should also mention, the marriage of L.C. Roberson and V.A. Bell is the only marriage I have been able to find for Leander C. Roberson in Tennessee or Kentucky.  If there is anyone who can shed light on this, please let me know.

T. Bell

Finally some Genealogy!!

I promised genealogical information, so here we go!

William Charles Bell was my 2nd great grandfather, born about 1821 in Stewart County, TN to George and Dulsanna Jane Bell*.  I must admit, I am not 100% confident his name was William Charles.  Most of my research has found just Charlie or simply a "C", but there is evidence supporting the name William Charles Bell in census records.
Charlie married Mary Adaline Yates, 17 November 1852 in Benton County, TN.  This marriage was solemnized by J.P. Arnold, a Minister of God and to this union was born five children: Missouri E.; Horace Monroe; Queen; Rosella J and William Clark.  Charlie died 20 Sep 1884 in Benton County, TN, but his place of burial remains unknown.

Recently I was sifting through some of my Dad's papers and discovered a deed I suppose settling Charlie Bell's estate.  It was for 65 acres of land being sold by my great grandfather's siblings to him.  I found it interesting, even though Mary Adaline was still alive, her name wasn't mentioned.  Was this an example of the lack of rights women had in the 1880's?  Yeah, I should know the answer to that and perhaps I do, somewhere buried in the back of my mind, but for now I'll leave it as a question.

Moving along, while reading this deed I began to realize I had numerous unanswered questions about my great grandfather's siblings.  Some had moved out of Benton County and I had skipped over them, with the intention of doing more research at a later date.  Well, that date was now and other than children's names I have learned some interesting bits of information.
     Missouri E. Bell - born August 1853 in Benton County, TN, married John Y. Jordan, son of Jonathan & Rebecca Jordan, 22 October 1873 in Benton County, TN.  They had one child, a daughter Minnie A. - born August 1883 in Benton Co., TN, who married William Massey Farrar 3 March 1895, in Benton Co., TN.  Missouri died in 1932 and is buried at Eastview Cemetery in Benton Co., TN, along side her husband, who died 3 July 1929.
     Horace Monroe Bell - born 23 July 1859. This is my great-grandfather and I will later devote an entire post to him.  Please note, the photograph on my home page, the man with two horses is Horace Monroe Bell.
     Queen Bell - born 7 October 1861 in Benton County, TN.  I have found this to be a little complicated and will address Queen at a later time.
     Rosella J Bell - born September 1863 in Benton County, TN, married Marion (Mace) Prince, 12 July 1877 in Benton County, TN, J.F. Presson, a Justice of Peace, officiated.  Notice Ella, as she would later be called, had not had her 14th birthday when she married.  When I began researching my family history I expected to find girls marrying young to be common; however, at least to this point, it is unusual in my family.  Moving along, Ella and Mace Prince had two children, both born in Benton County, TN.  Eva was the oldest, born 13 November 1878 and then Charles Orlander, born 11 August 1879.  According to the 1880 US Census for Benton County, TN they lived next to Ella's siblings in Benton County.  Next, they are found in the 1900 US Census living in Fulton County, KY.  Eva is now married to Edward Burns Smith and they are living with her parents. The next census 1910 gets a little complicated.  Edward and Eva Smith have moved to Hinds County, MS and both Ella and Charles are now living with them.  Ella's marital status is a widow.  Seemingly Mace has died and the 1920 US Census for Hinds Co., MS is the same.  However, the 1930 US Census for Hinds County, MS offers a new perspective.  While Ella is still living with the Smiths and is still designated a widow, Charles also lives in Hinds County, MS and living in his household is Mace Prince, age 74 and he is also widowed.  What??  I searched for Marion/Mace Prince in both the 1910 and 1920 US censuses and have not been able to locate him.  Where was he?  If anyone has any ideas, please share them in the comments section.  And . . . what's the deal with BOTH saying they are widowed??  Yeah, I have a couple of ideas, but I'd really like a little proof.
Also, Edward and Eva now have a daughter, Mary Adaline.  It appears the child was born about 1921 making Eva 42-43 years old when she had her first child.  I thought this strange, but while looking at a family tree on Ancestry.com I found a comment concerning Mary Adaline Smith that certainly intrigued me.  It stated this child was found on their (Edward and Eva's) doorstep.  That certainly explains Eva's late motherhood, but is this claim valid?  I haven't found anything to either confirm or deny this mystery, but will continue searching.  Again, anyone with thoughts, ideas and certainly facts to shed light on this, please contact me.
This leaves William Clark Bell, the youngest of Charlie and Mary Adaline Bell's children.  Clark as he was called was born in July 1865, never married and after is mother's death, 1 June 1897 he lived with his sister Missouri and her family the rest of his life that ended 27 July 1911.
     *Please note, many who have recorded information on Dulsanna Jane state her first name was Bulsanna; however, the actual written census record of 1860 Benton County, Tennessee clearly shows, at least to me with careful examination, that the first letter in her first name is spelled with a "D" and not a "B".
Thanks to all who take the time to visit this blog.  Perhaps we have a kinship and can share information, family stories, etc. that will help us get to know our ancestors more than just names and dates. 

Until next time have a safe weekend!

T. Bell

Getting my genealogy blog legs back

For those of you who have previously visited my blog you will notice I did away with bellblogger and decided to use my real name.  It was a little strange, visiting other websites and reading some of the things I have written but not seeing my name attached.  Yeah, I suppose my ego played a role in this, even though  I have never considered myself to be one of those ego kind of guys.  I try to be accurate and thorough in my final analysis and to see another name being given credit for my research, even a name of my invention, an alter ego so to speak troubled me.  Weird huh?

There is so much out there that is not accurate and this troubles me as I have previously noted.  It is distrubing to spend hours, days, weeks, months or even years sifting through records and documents to find a name or date and then go to someone's family tree and see misinformation.  Who among us, who actually puts the time, energy and effort into genealogy wants to discover our ancestor with a wife or husband they did not have?  One of my family lines has a fella who, by most anyone's account, is the absolute most knowledgable person anywhere on this family.  A few years ago, I came upon a sampling of his work and quickly realized he was mistaken in one of his lines, my line.  I contacted him, not to correct him but to ask where he had found the information.  He promised he would send me copies of the documents he had used, but the information never arrived nor did he answer my emails.

I truly want to be accurate.  Finding factual, documented information is extremely difficult at times and at other times I honestly believe it is impossible.  It took me more than thirty years to find my 4th great grandfather Bell, but I found him!  Yes, that day I felt like I had won the lottery.  Well maybe not one of those huge lotteries, but you know what I mean.  A side note:  I really would like to know how it feels to win one of those huge lotteries, so anyone with advice on winning, I'm listening.

One final thought to anyone who is just starting the journey of finding your ancestors.  Document ALL of your information!  Make notes where anything and everything you find comes from, talk to older relatives immediately and record or write ALL of their tales, stories and all they will tell you.  Their information may be the most valuable of any information you find.  I did not do this and regret it tremendously, but that is for another time.

Hope you enjoyed my words, please visit often and tell others!  As always I encourage your comments good and bad.  Next time I will actually include genealogical information!

T Bell

I'm BACK!!!

Wow!  Has it really been nine months since I last posted on this blog?  As age creeps up on me I have discovered, the passing of time is about the only thing that is faster now than it was 20+ years ago.  Sorry, I can't believe I even suggested age is creeping up on me.  Heck aging is a runaway train, a space ship traveling at Mach 100!  Next month I will turn sixty and that just can't be.  It seems like it was just last year I was fifty! 
And genealogy, I'm not so sure it's healthy!  Researching ancestors means finding dates of death, burial sites, etc. and frankly it's a bit morbid.  And then I fnd myself reading obituaries, looking for a recently deceased relative to add to my family tree and yes, that too is morbid.  For me it's not easy growing old and those who say it is better than the alternative, huh?  Perhaps it is better than the alternative, but such a statement is akin to preferring to be a little sick versus being a lot sick.  No one in their right mind wants to be sick period!  And while life seems to be better than death, why settle?  Why see the world as it is better to be alive than to be dead?  Live life to the fullest and make everyday an adventure, not a chore!  I stumbled upon this quote a while back and would like to share it.

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways in a cloud of dust, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Holy Sh*t! What a Ride!"

I plan to be more in touch and will try and add something to this blog at least once a week.  Should ANYONE have ANYTHING they would like to contribute, please use the comment portion.


Have a GREAT week,


T Bell