BELL, Thomas Jr. 1839 - 1903

BELL, MCCRAY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/25/2021 at 20:23:27

"Jefferson County Republican"
Wednesday, August 19th, 1903
Page 6, Column 3

Fell Dead in His Store.

Hon. Thomas BELL fell dead in his store in this city yesterday afternoon about 4:20 while waiting on a customer. He died from hemorrhage of the brain, a disease from which he had been suffering for two years past. Mr. BELL was one of Fairfield's oldest business men. He entered the grocery trade here in 1865 and was engaged in that business, either in a wholesale or retail way, until the moment of his death.

Thomas BELL was born in Philadelphia, Penn., April 5th, 1839, and came to Iowa in 1857. He enlisted in Company K, Second Iowa cavalry, at Davenport August 25th. 1861, and re-enlisted in 1864. He was with his regiment in all its active service and had a most creditable military record. Mr. BELL was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church during most of his life and was active and effective in its work and in that of the Sunday school. He was deeply interested in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic, was several times commander of George Strong Post of this city and a delegate from Iowa to national encampments. He was also active in politics, was a trustee of the state school for the blind at Vinton for several years, and was elected senator from the Jefferson-Van Buren district in 1895. Mr. BELL's life was one of activity and industry. He was a man of deep convictions and was fearless in the expression of his opinion. He had many warm friends among his associates in this county and they will deeply regret his death.

Mr. BELL was married to Leonora McCRAY in Des Moines county May 2d, 1864 (sic - April 29th, 1964, per the Des Moines County Marriage Register). Five children were born to them, four of whom are living--Frank A. of Cement, Okla., E. B. of Altamont, Mo., Thomas H. of Merrill, Wis., and Miss Florence. Funeral services will be held at the home on North Main street Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

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"Jefferson County Republican"
Friday, August 21, 1903
Page 4, Column 5

Thomas BELL Dead.

Tuesday afternoon about 4 o'clock while waiting on a customer Thomas BELL dropped to the floor and was dead. He seeningly (sic) had been in his usual health and was gone before any one knew he was ill. Comrade BELL had been quite ill about a year or two ago but it seemed he had about regained his usual health before the summons came. He was out at Four Corners Sabbath attending the funeral of an old comrade. Frank Danielson, and was one of the pall bearers.

Funeral services were held from the residence at 10 o'clock this morning conducted by Rev. J. E. Corley. Comrade Thomas BELL was born in Pennsylvania April 5th, 1839, came with his parents to Iowa in 1857, was married to Leonora McCRAY in Des Moines county May 2nd 1864. Five children were born to them four of whom, with the wife, survive him. He was a faithful member of the M. E. church and a good man. At the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in Co. K. 2nd Iowa Cavalry August 25th 1861 and remained in the service to the close of the war. He was a faithful member of George Strong Post G. A. R. In 1895 he was elected state senator from Jefferson and Van Buren counties. He had been a resident of Fairfield over half his life. Was an enterprising citizen and he will be greatly missed here. The sympathy of all go to the family, and especially to the wife in their hour of sad affliction.

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"Jefferson County Republican"
Friday, August 21st, 1903
Page 5, Column 1

HOME NEWS.

… All of Thomas BELL's children are here.

Thomas BELL's father is here to attend the funeral. …

(same publication and page, but Column 2 -- )

… H. C. Gantz was a caller Tuesday. He had talked with Thomas BELL just a few moments before his death. …

(same publication and page, but Column 5 -- )

THE BOYS of 1861--65.

… Comrades Thomas BELL and Frank O. Danielson die inside of a week of each other. Danielson sick but a few hours and BELL falls dead without a moments warning. …

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"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, August 26, 1903
Page 6, Column 4

Card of Thanks.

Mrs. Thomas BELL and family wish to thank their friends for the many kindnesses shown them at the death of their husband and father, Thomas BELL.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot Old.P.099 with wife Leonora who died in 1915. The G. A. R. is the Grand Army of the Republic, the fore-runner of the American Legion.