Bell, Colin F. 1823-1905

BELL, GILCHRIST, PERSALL, SLOANE

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/3/2014 at 22:48:04

At mid day, Feb. 1st, Mr. C.F. Bell died, after six and one half years of feebleness; and the troubled mind, which all this time has been living in the past, constantly seeking for his old home in the East, and the friends of his youth, was at rest. He had found his "Father's House," and his loved ones, gone before.

Very gently was the silver cord broken - gradually he became unconscious, and one hour after his family noticed a change, the end had come.

Colin Ferguson Bell was born in West Charlton, New York, Jan. 10th, 1823, and was the youngest of six children, none of whom are now living.

At an early age he was left fatherless, and the care of the farm devolved upon him and a brother, a little older, both boys at the same time, but their industry and good management resulted in marked success.

In 1854 he was married to Mary Esther Gilchrist, and in the Spring of 1858 he removed to McGregor, where he engaged in the grain business, and became partner in the firm of Gilchrist & Co. and so continued until death.

His wife died in 1859 leaving two children, Anna G. Bell, since deceased, and Mrs. Mary G. Persall.

In 1865 he married Lacy L. Sloane, sister of Rev. S.P. Sloane, then pastor of the Congregational church, and of Mr. Q.A. Sloane. Two children of this marriage survive, Fred G. Bell and Elizabeth Bell, who, with their mother ministered most tenderly to him through the tedious years of his feebleness.

He was a member of the U.P. church in New York state, and united by letter to the Congregational church in McGregor in 1857. In 1861 he was elected deacon, and continued in office till 1901. During this long term of 40 years he was ever the faithful counselor, and efficient helper of the pastor and people. He was closely identified with the Sunday school, having been Superintendent and served as teacher until the infirmities of age compelled him to retire from active service, but even after this, was ever ready to help when occasion required.

He was a man of the strictest integrity, just in his dealings with all, generous in his impulses, genial and companionable in his intercourse with old and young, charitable to those in need. In short, he commanded in a rare degree the respect and affection of all who knew him, being above reproach in his home, church and community.

"Take him for all in all, we shall not see his like again."

The funeral of the late C.F. Bell was held Friday afternoon at the Congregational church and was attended by the community, the business houses being closed during that hour. Deceased was one of the charter members of the First National Bank and a director for 37 years, he also held the postmastership at one time as well as many other positions of trust.

~McGregor News, Wednesday, February 8, 1905

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Deacon C.F. Bell, one of the prominent residents of McGregor, died there on the 1st inst., at the age of 82 years.

~Elkader Register, Thursday evening, Feb. 9, 1905

Note: Burial is in Pleasant Grove cemetery

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Added by Joy Moore 4/14/2019:

Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 9, 1905 P2 C1

From the McGregor News we learn that Dea. C. F. Bell died at his home in that city on Wednesday forenoon last week. He was an operator in grain for many years, having warehouses in many paces of which Decorah was one. Those who knew him best credited him with being a good man in every sense of the word. For many years he was a pillar in the Pocket City Congregational church