Nancy Graybeal Bell (1830-1926)

BELL, GRAYBEAL

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/21/2005 at 16:49:19

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, February 4, 1926, page 1. " OBITUARY - NANCY GRAYBEAL BELL. Nancy Graybeal Bell was born December 17, 1830 in the state of Virginia and departed this life January 29, 1926 at Maxwell, Iowa, at the age of ninety-five years, one month and eighteen days. She was the last of sixteen children to pass into the great beyond. 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. Besides the two children who survive are twelve grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren. The family moved to Iowa in 1866 and lived near Berwick, Iowa, for four years. They moved to this community in 1870. Mrs. Bell united with the Maxwell Church of Christ thirty years ago, to which she was a loved, faithful and consecrated member. For the past four years Grandma Bell has been confined to her bed, caused by a fractured hip that never healed. During these four long years she has been a patient sufferer, never complaining. She was a lover of music and was delighted to have anyone came and sing God's praises in her presence. Sweet in temper and gentle in manner, unselfish and self-sacrificing, she performed her duty day by day. Her life work may not seem great in the eyes of men, but it cannot fail to be highly esteemed by him who judges not according to the magnitude of the work, but according to the spirit in which it is wrought. Her virtues are known and will be held in loving remembrance by all whose privilege it was to be associated with her. Funeral services were held from the Church of Christ Sunday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev DeLoss Marken and a mixed quartet accompanied by Mrs. __ furnished the music. Six grandsons acted as pall bearers, and interment was made in the Brethren cemetery south of town, by the side of her husband. CARD OF THANKS - To the kind friends and neighbors who so willing assisted us during the illness and death of our mother and grandmother, we extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation. Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Enfield, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Bell, and the grandchildren."