Freeman Bell

BELL, RUSSELL, SUMMERS

Posted By: Fran Hunt Volunteer
Date: 10/8/2001 at 10:25:54

Freeman Bell was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1816. His parents moved to Huron County, Ohio in 1828. He was married to Miss Handa Russell, January 9, 1842, and to them were born nine children. In the year 1874, his companion departed this life. Previous to her death, five of the children had gone to their rest. He moved with his family to Iowa in the spring of 1865 and settled in Davis county. He came to Milton in 1872, where he spent the remainder of his life. He lived with his daughter Mrs. Summers since 1874. He died May 17, 1893, aged 76 years, 9 months and 26 days. He enjoyed good health until about two years ago, since which time without any special disease, he has gradually failed until at last the weary wheels of life stood still. When a young man he made a journey on foot into a newly settled part of Michigan That winter he taught school in a log schoolhouse that had just been erected. One of his scholars afterwards became his companion for life. The following spring he was employed by a fur company to purchase furs. He traveled on foot from one Indian village to another along the shores of Lake Michigan, purchasing furs and smoking the pipe of peace around the Indian campfires, until he reached Chicago, which then consisted of three houses and some Indian wigwams. As we see the Chicago of today with it million people and its massive buildings, we behold the progress of a lifetime. From this city he continued on his journey along the shore of the lake and across the country to Fort Amanda Ohio. He then became clerk for the company employed in building the Miami and Erie Canal. When this was finished he purchased 80 acres of land at Delphos, Allen County, Ohio where he lived until he moved to Iowa. That he was held in high esteem by his neighbors, is shown by the fact that he was for several years Railroad Commissioner, for fifteen years Justice of the Peace, and for six years County Commissioner, which position he held until he left Delphos. Thus briefly is the tale told so far as places, dates and occupations of his life and death are concerned, but the influence of a good character does not cease at death. A noble life is full of good influences which continue to voice themselves in the lives of friends and posterity.
The funeral took place at the residence of his daughter Mrs. L.F. Summers Thursday May 18th, Rev. Fitmer officiating.
Milton Herald
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[Note: Freeman Bell was Milton's first Mayor]
I am not related and am posting this obituary for those who might find this person in their family history.