Simeon Bell (1824-1899)

BELL, GRAYBEAL, ENFIELD

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/21/2005 at 16:53:02

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, July, 13, 1899, page 1. "OBITUARY - The Angel of Death has visited the home of another of our old settlers, and by his sudden summons has left the home desolate of husband and father. Simeon Bell was born in Wayne county, Ohio, May 11, 1924 (1824), and died at his home in Polk Co., Iowa, Friday, July 7, 1899, of paralysis of the heart, aged 75 years, 1 month and 26 days. When but eight years old he left his native state and came to Indiana and resided there until 1868, when he came to Iowa, settled in Polk county in 1871, where he resided until his death. He was married to Miss Nancy Graybeal in Indiana in 1848, and they spent fifty-one happy years together. To their union was born five *** children, three of whom died in infancy; one son, John Bell and one daughter, Lizzie, wife of A. C. Enfield, are still living, who, with his devoted wife, three brothers and one sister, besides numerous other relatives, mourn the loss of one who was ever dear to them. The funeral services were held Sunday, July 9th, at 11 o'clock at the Brethren Church, and were conducted by Rev. J. R. Mowry of the Christian Church. Mr. Bell was a citizen of sterling worth, and was ever held in the highest regard by his fellowmen, and though the summons came in a "Moment when he was unaware," yet his sorrowing loved ones have the assurance from his upright, Christian life that all is well. He was Unitarian in faith. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers, attesting the love and esteem in which he was held, and a large concourse of sympathizing friends were present at the last sad rites. Interment was made in Brethren cemetery." *** Editorial note: Another son, William S. Bell, died in 1898 at the age of 40 years. The total number of children should be six.

MARRIAGE-ISSUE-DEATH & BURIAL: Listed as spouse, THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, February 4, 1926, page 1. " OBITUARY - NANCY GRAYBEAL BELL..... On January 13, 1848, she was united in marriage to Simeon Bell, who preceded her in death July 7, 1899. To this union were born six children, three dying in infancy and Schuyler Bell died in 1897. The children who survive are John R. Bell of Bondurant, and Mrs. Lizzie E. Enfield of Maxwell... interment was made in the Brethren cemetery south of town, by the side of her husband."

BURIAL: POLK COUNTY CEMETERIES WASHINGTON TWP.; Iowa Historical Library; Des Moines; Iowa; Geneal * F 627; .P7 C 4 V.6; p.5; Brethren Cemetery; Washington Twp.; Polk Co.; Iowa; Bell, Simeon; born 5 11 1824-died 7 7 1899; sec 4, row 10; Headstone inscribed "A precious one from us has gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our home, which never can be filled."