George W. Bell

BELL, WALKER, FRAZEE, DAVIS, DENNING, LIKES, RUSSELL

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/2/2001 at 13:01:38

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
GEORGE W. BELL
George W. Bell, of the firm of Hill, Bell & Kays, dealers in lumber, grain and live stock, of
Milton Iowa, was born on a farm two and a half miles north of Keosauqua, one of the first
farms opened in Van Buren County, on June 18, 1840, and is the son of James and Barbara
Walker Bell. His education was acquired in the common schools of the neighborhood and his
youthful days were spent mid play and work in the usual manner of farmer lads. Having at
length attained to mature years, he was united in marriage with Miss Malvina Frazee, daughter
of William Frazee. She was born in Ohio and came to this county during childhood.
Their marriage was celebrated on January 5, 1862 in Van Buren County, and blessed with a
family of eight children, two sons and six daughters, as follows: Emery L., who married Etha
Pettit, and is living in Pueblo, Colorado; Mary I. Wife of Elbert Davis, a resident farmer of Davis
County; Barbara Alice, wife of John P. Denning, who is also engaged in farming in Davis
County; Angie, at home; Sadie, wife of George Likes, of Davis County, a teacher by
profession; Jennie and Willie a. at home; and one child who died in infancy. The death of the
mother occurred April 16, 1888. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Bell was again married on November 14, 1888 in Milton to Mary Elizabeth Russell,
daughter of John Russell, and a native of Sussex County Delaware, whence she removed to
Iowa with her parents in early childhood, the family locating in Van Buren County. Mr. and Mrs.
Bell are members of the Methodist Church, and in political sentiment he is a supporter of
Democratic principles.
The children of James Bell, father of our subject, were reared to habits of industry and
integrity and have proved worthy of their ancestry, while their lives have been carried out in
accordance with the teachings and example of their parents. As a family they are universally
respected, and in business the sons of James Bell hold their word as sacred as did their father
before them, which trait of character is sure to command respect and confidence. George Bell
entered upon his business career as a farmer of Roscoe Township, Davis County, and
continued operations in the line of an agriculturist until the autumn of 1890. He is yet the
owner of two farms, aggregating six hundred and forty five acres of land, which he still has in
charge. He has farmed and dealt in livestock since early manhood, and since becoming a
member of the firm of Hill, Bell, and Kays he has attended to the livestock department of the
business principally. The firm does an annual business of over $250,000, and as its members
are men of worth, ability and enterprise, they have won the confidence and respect of their
patrons. Mr. Bell is a member of Aurora Lodge, No. 50, A.F. & A.M.
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I am not related, and am posting this biography for those who may find this person in their family history.