BELL, Eli d.: 1834-1921

BELL, MATHEWS, BROWN

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/12/2013 at 04:16:25

Obituary of Eli D. Bell.
**Handwritten: 1921

Eli D. Bell was born in Campbell county, Kentucky, June 11, 1834, and departed this life November 11, 1921, aged 87 years and 5 months. He came to Iowa with his parents, James and Barbara Bell, in 1837, settling on a farm 2 1/2 miles northeast of Keosauqua. Here he grew to manhood, attending school in his home district and one term at select school in Keosauqua. He was united in marriage to Sarah Ann Mathews of Washington, Iowa, in February, 1857, and to this union three daughters and one son. One daughter died in infancy, the son James died in 1913, Edna the other daughter, now Mrs. Sherman Brown, of Pembine, Wis., survives, along with her husband and three children.

In March, 1858, he moved to Washington county, Iowa, and from there to Kansas in 1860. That fall he returned to Van Buren county, Iowa, where he bought a farm and took possession in 1865. This he improved and made it his home for 50 years. In 1913 he disposed of the farm and moved to Keosauqua, where he knew well the people with whom he had mingled for many years in a business and social way. He was one of nature's noblemen. Choosing farming as his occupation he delighted in working in the fields, with his stock and his fruit. During his last illness he was cared for by the loving hearts and willing hands of his daughter Edna and his daughter-in-law Mrs. Carrie Bell. His wife preceded him in death some years ago. After moving to Keosauqua he united with the Christian church, having previously belonged to the Presbyterian church at Mt. Zion, of which he was a faithful member. In the death of Eli Bell the community has lost a good and useful member, the church an earnest supporter and the remaining relatives a loving father and grandfather.

Funeral services conducted by Elder Lafayette Hoff, were held at the home at 2 o'clock, Monday afternoon, Nov. 4, and burial was in the Purdom cemetery.

--The following relatives from out of town attended the funeral of Eli D. Bell, Monday of this week: John S. Bell, of Valley Junction; Emery Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Newt Bromley, and Mr. and Mrs. Davis, of Milton; Mrs. Charles Shaffer, of Douds; Mrs. Henry Jackson and children, of Birmingham, and Mrs. Robt. Carlin, of Washington, Iowa; Sherman Brown, of Pembina, Wis.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 241, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA