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         WILLIAM BELL, Esq., now living in Morning Sun, Iowa, is numbered among the pioneers of Louisa County of 1837. He was born Sept. 25, 1818, in Preble County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Sarah (Davison) Bell. His parents were both natives of Ireland, the father emigrating to America with his parents when ten years of age, and the mother coming when a mere child. William Bell, Sr., first settled in Abbeville, S. C., where he resided until after his marriage, removing in 1815 to Preble County, Ohio, settling near Oxford, and in the midst of the dense wilderness made a home. Seven children, five sons and two daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bell.

Our subject received his education in the pioneer school-house of his native State. In 1836 he went to Calhoun County, Ill., there spending the winter, and in April, 1837, came to Louisa County, where he has made his home for more than a half-century. He has not only witnessed but has aided in the development of the country, and has always been identified with its growth and progress. To such men Louisa County owes her present prosperity and high rank in this great commonwealth. Mr. Bell entered a claim in Morning Sun Township, and immediately began the improvement of his land. In May, 1848, his marriage with Miss Elizabeth C. Bell was celebrated. The lady is a native of South Carolina, and was born in Colston, in March, 1832. After his marriage he began life in earnest, and fortune has favored his efforts. By energy and perseverance, he has accumulated a comfortable property, has now a pleasant home, and to-day is one of the well-to-do men of the county. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bell, seven of whom are now living—Gerty, Verona, Maggie C., Martha K., Dora May, Emma E. and Walter W.

Our subject is one of the self-made men of the county. Receiving but limited opportunities for acquiring an education, he overcame his early disadvantages, and being of a studious nature and blessed with a retentive memory, has acquired a knowledge of men and events which many a one more favored in youth might envy. He and his wife have been lifelong members of the United Presbyterian Church, and are earnest Christian people. He is not what would be called a politician, for he has never sought public office, but has been the people’s choice for certain positions at several different times. He served as Justice of the Peace, was Notary Public for twenty years, and Township Assessor for many terms, during which time he proved an efficient and capable officer. During the half-century of his residence in Louisa County, by his honest, upright life, he has won the confidence of the entire community, and is held in the highest respect by all.