Baby Bell

Notes:

The digital image of his actual Texas Death Certificate, viewable online at FamilySearch.org, Texas Deaths, 1890-1976, shows him as the son of Henry Bell and Francis Easley. The informant was Mrs. Nelva Johnson, daughter. His occupation was shown as Farmer. His address at the time of death was 1 block east of Hwy 96 in Pineland, and he was shown as a lifelong resident of Pineland.

(Medical):See attached sources.

Walter married Melvina Audrey Smith. Melvina (daughter of John Perry Smith and Alice Sophrina Ferguson) was born on 8 Jul 1891 in Texas; died on 10 Oct 1976 in Jasper, Jasper County, Texas; was buried in Brookeland Cemetery, Brookeland, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The digital image of her actual Texas Death Certificate, viewable online at FamilySearch.org, Texas Deaths, 1890-1976, shows her as the daughter of Perry Smith and Alice Ferguson. The informant was Mrs. Nelva Johnson, daughter. She was widowed at the time of her death. Her residence at the time of her death was 250 Springhill Road, Jasper, and she was described as a housewife. She died at the Mary Dickerson Hospital in Jasper.


(Medical):See attached sources.

Notes:

In her annotated transcription of the Brookeland Cemetery, Kay Parker McCary shows him as a son of John R. Bell and July Ann Bradshaw (sic). His tombstone is inscribed :He died as he lived trusting in God."

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Pr 3
Enumerated 5 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 70 Sheet 3A

37-37
Bell, Henry J. Hd W M Mar 1855 45 m26 Tx Ky Ky Farmer
Bell, Francis B Wf W F Nov 1857 42 m26 13/12 Tx Miss Miss
Bell, Ella Dau W F Jan 1879 21 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, John H Son W M Aug 1882 17 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Martha J. Dau W F May 1884 16 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Daniel O Son W M Dec 1885 14 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Walter Son W M Aug 1887 12 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Artie C Son W M Feb 1889 11 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Sudie Dau W F Oct 1890 ( S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Dollie Dau W F Nov 1892 7 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Baby B Son W M Apr 1899 1 S Tx Tx Tx

Household 35-35, on the preceding census sheet (2B) is that of
George Bell (b. Aug 1847 KY) and Mary Bell (b. Sept 1854 TX). Mary was shown as the mother of 12 children, 9 still living. Nine children were still living with them, Annie, Wm. F, Ella, Mary Lou, John Oliver, Bolivar, Pearl, Sidney and Thomas.

Household 36-36 was that of James Bell (b. Dec 1868 Tx) and Nellie Bell (b. Mar 1868 TX). They were the parents of 5 children/4 still living, Addie, Olliver, Richard, and Leona. James's father, John Bell, born Jan 1821 in Kentucky, was also a resident of their home.

HH 39-39 was that of Henry and Fannie's eldest son, George W. Bell, with his wife.


1910 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 3
SD 7 ED 133 Sheet 20B
380-385
Bell, J. Henry Hd M W 55 Wd Tx Ky Ky Farming
Bell, Owen Son M W 23 S Tx Tx Tx Laborer Farm
Bell, Artie Son M W 21 S Tx Tx Tx Laborer Farm
Bell, Sudie Dtr F W 19 S Tx Tx Tx
Bell, Louie Son m W 11 S Tx Tx Tx

John married Frances "Fannie" Benena Easley on 9 Jul 1874 in Sabine County, Texas. Frances (daughter of Clementine Watterson Easley and Elizabeth Jane White) was born on 4 Nov 1857 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; died on 1 Jan 1905 in Texas; was buried in Brookeland Cemetery, Brookeland, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her tombstone is inscribed, "In remembrance of J. H. Bell's Wife-Married to J. H. Bell 9 July 1874, She died as she lived trusting in God."

Notes:

As of the 1930 census, he was living as a boarder with Emma (Smith) Conner and her husband, William F. Conner in JP 1 of Sabine County.

Death Certificate, dated 28 May 1942. Physician attended John Perry from May 18 through May 28, 1942. Primary cause of death Automloxcater?? Informant Curtis B. Hamilton. Residence: Brookeland. (Source: Katherine D. Freistat).

John married Alice Sophrina Ferguson on 31 Oct 1887 in Sabine County, Texas. Alice (daughter of Gram Berry Ferguson and Mary Elizabeth Sophronie White) was born on 29 Mar 1871 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 24 Jan 1946 in Brookeland, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
According to Katherine D. Freistat, John Perry and Alice separated, however, Alice continued to use the signature Mrs. J.P. Smith for at least several years after their separation.

Notes:

In her annotated transcription of the Brookeland Cemetery, Kay Parker McCary shows him as a born in Green County, KY. There is a military marker at his grave site showing that he was a Pvt Co D 1 Texas HV ARTY, Confederate States Army. His tombstone was engraved "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."

At the time of the 1900 Sabine County Federal Census, 1900 Census,Enumerated 5 Jun 1900,SD 8 ED 70 Sheet 3A, Household 36-36 was that of James Bell (b. Dec 1868 Tx) and Nellie Bell (b. Mar 1868 TX). They were the parents of 5 children/4 still living, Addie, Olliver, Richard, and Leona. James's father, John Bell, born Jan 1821 in Kentucky, was also a resident of their home.



(Research):

Census Listings:

1860 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Bare Creek Beat
Enumerated 11 July 1860
262-262
John R. Bell 36 M Farmer $--- $825 Ky
Julia P. Bell 32 F Ky
George A Bell 11 M Ky
Martha Bell 10 F Ky
William Bell 7 M Ky
John Bell 5 M Ky
Franklin Bell 3 M Tx
Luther Bell 4/12 Tx

1870 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Beat No. 3, PO Brookeland
Enumerated 7 Aug 1870
Page No. 6
541-541
Bell, John B. 46 M W Farmer $1000 Ky
Bell, Julia Ann 40 F W Keeping House KY
Bell, George A 23 M W Ky
Bell, William 18 M W Ky
Bell, Henry 16 M W Tx
Bell, Frankline 13 M W Tx
Bell, Luther 10 M W Tx
Bell, Robert 9 M W Tx
Bell, Phillips 7 M W Tx
Bell, James 3 M W Tx

1880 Census
J. R. Bell Self Wd M W 59 Ky Farmer Va Va
Robert Bell Son S M W 18 Tx Wks on Farm Ky Ky
Phillip Bell Son S M W 16 Tx Wks on Farm Ky Ky
James Bell Son S M W 12 Tx Wks on Farm Ky Ky
Luther Bell Son S M W 20 Tx Farmer Ky Ky
B. A. Bell Wf M F W 18 Tx Tx Tx
Source: Pr 3, Sabine, TX
FHL Film 1255325 NA Film #T9-1325
Page # 209D

John married Julia Ann "Annie" "JulyAnn" Smith. Julia was born on 12 Dec 1829 in Green County, Kentucky; died on 4 Mar 1879 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Brookeland Cemetery, Brookeland, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In her annotated transcription of the Brookeland Cemetery, Kay Parker McCary lists her as JulyAnn Bell (nee Bradshaw), and indicates that her tombstone was inscribed "Wife of J. R. Bell, She lived as a Christian as a Christian Died. "

The death certificates of her sons George, Luther, and James Walter, however, all indicate that their mother's name was instead Julia Ann "Annie" SMITH. Perhaps the confusion in her last name arose due to the fact that Julia Ann's son, Bob, did marry a Julia Ann Bradshaw.

Notes:

The following information was emailed to me by Tony Pickett (abpickett@aol.com)

Civil War Service Record, from the holdings of the Texas State Archives

Easley, C.W., 4th Sergt. Burroughs, J.M. Capt CSA June 15, 1863 at Hemphill for 3 mos Nativity: Tex; Age 36; Eyes Light Hair Dark; Complection Dark; Stature 5'10"; Occupation Farmer; R&F 67; roll date Jan 15-63 to Ap. 15-63; Co. sta. at Buenavista, Shelby County; Drury Field Insp. & Mus. Off.; Military App. very good; arms very few; accoutrements very ltd. & no tents; clothing limited.

Land Grants from the Republic of Texas Abstract: 97, Original Grantee: Clement W. Easley, Patentee: Clement W. Easley, Quantity: 251 acres Class: Third, Date of Patent: 20 June 1864 Pa: 36

790 Abstract of Land Titles, Jasper County Abstract: 141, Original Grantee: Clement W. Easley Certificate: #94 Patentee: Clement W. Easley Quantity: 320 Acres Date of patent: 14 Sept 1866 Pa: Vol Survey #6, Old Abstract #73


Deed Book F, p 250 Clement W. Easley 3rd Class-251 Acres Preemption Filed July the 16 1887 11 am W.T. Arnold, Clerk, Sabine Co, Texas

To all whom these presents shall come Know ye. I Pendleton Murray Governor of the State aforesaid, by virtue of the power vested in me by Law and in accordance with the Laws of said state in such case made and provided, do by these presents Grant to Clement W. Easley his heirs or Assigns forever, two hundred and fifty one acres of land, situated and described as follows in Sabine County, about 15 1/2 miles s. 34 degrees W of Milam, on the waters of Bear Creek; by virtue of Pre-emption Certificate No. 1 issued by the Clerk of said county, on the 15th day of November, 1858. .....Hereby relinquishing to him said Clement W. Easley and his heirs or assigns forever all the right and title in and to said land, herefore held and possessed by the said State to be affixed as well as the Seal of the General Land Office. Done at the City of Austin on the Twentieth day of June in the Year of Lord One Thousand eight hundred and sixty four.


Deed Book M, p 617 CW EASLEY 160 acres preemption Filed 26 March 1901 8 am J.A. Watson, Clerk, Sabine Co, Texas

To all to whom these presence shall come, know ye, I, O.M. Roberts, Governor of the State aforesaid by virtue of the power vested in me by law ans in accordance witht he laws of said State in such case made and provided do by these presents grant to C.W. Easley his heirs or assigns forever One Hundred and Sixty acres of land, situated and described as follows. In Sabine County about 6 miles S.55 W from Hemphill, by virtue of his affidavit made before the Clerk of the District Court for Sabine County July 1, 1871, Under an act supplementary to an Act to regulate the disposal of the Public Lands of the State of Texas approved March 24th, 1871, Beginning on Isaac F. Pace South b'dy at a Stake.....Hereby relinquishing to him the said C.W. Easley and his heirs or assigns forever all the rights and title in and to said land, hereafter held and possessed by the said State, and I do hereby issue this letter Patent for the same. In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the seal of the State to be affixed as well as the seal of the General Land Office. Done at the City of Austin in the ninth day of June, in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Eighty Two.

W.C. Walsh Commissioner of the Ge. Land Office O.M. Roberts, Governor

The State of Texas County of Sabine

Know all by these presents. That we Eliza Jane Easley, Surviving widow of C.W. Easley and Jas. T. Went & John E. Went & wife Fannie E. Went & D.H. Easley & C.M. Easley surviving heirs at law of said C.W. Easley of the said County of Sabine and State aforesaid for and in consideration of the Sum of Three Hundred Dollars to us in hand paid by J.H. Bell as follows cash in hand the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have granted, Sold and conveyed and by these presents do grant Sell and convey unto the said J.H. Bell of the County of Sabine and State of Texas all that certain tracts or parcel of land lying in Sabine County, Texas about 5 mile South West from Hemphill and being our entire interest in the C.W. Easley 160 acre pre-emption patented to....Witness our hands at Home this 12th day of October A.D. 1897 Eliza Jane Easley (her mark) J.T. Went D.H. Easley J.E. Went F.A. Went C.M. Easley

Clementine married Elizabeth Jane White about 1852 in Spring Hill Community, Sabine County, Texas. Elizabeth (daughter of Edward White and Elizabeth Strickland) was born on 1 May 1825 in Amite County, Mississippi; died on 19 May 1899 in Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was living with her parents, and with four small children, on the 1850 Amite County, Mississippi census.She went by the name of Jane.

William married Mary Ellen Giddens. Mary was born on 14 Feb 1840 in Arkansas; died on 30 Sep 1932 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Shown as Ellen? on 1880 census? Or was the woman on the 1880 census a second wife?

Notes:

He and Green were twins.

Gram married Mary Elizabeth Sophronie White. Mary (daughter of James White and Drucilla C. Watkins) was born between 1848 and 1854 in Louisiana; died on 27 Aug 1921 in Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In her Rootsweb World Connect File entitled "Descendants of John and Mary Smith," Katherine Freistat shows that Mary White, the wife of Gram Berry Ferguson, is the daughter of James and Drucilla White. I believe that James and Drucilla are the most likely parents of Mary, but there are several discrepencies that should be resolved if possible.

1) The fact that Gram Ferguson's wife was a White is supported by this entry in "Sabine County Marriages 1875-1900 1900-1910 Prior to 1875" by Blanche Toole: White, Mary E to Green B Ferguson ca 1870

However, Green is Gram's twin, and it appears he actually married Lucy Bean in Orange County (source: Pam Mahon, family researcher)

2) A Mary E. S. White is listed on the 1850 Sabine County census as a two year old born in Louisiana in the household of James E. White and Drucilla C. (Watkins) White (#258-258), along with younger sisters Drucilla and Cordelia. However, the Mary Elizabeth Sophronia White shown as the wife of Gram Berry Ferguson by Katherine Freistat is shown as being born 6 years later, in 1854.

3) Another mystery is why she is not listed with her mother, Drucilla, and stepfather, John C. Partin, in the transcript of the 1860 Sabine County census by Helen Gomer Schluter. Her sisters Theodosia and Cordelia are listed. The actual microfilm should be reexamined. She would have been only 12/13 at the time, so it is doubtful she was already married. If she was not married, this means she had either died or was living with another family in 1860. Her grandparents, Edward and Elizabeth (Strickland) White were living in Sabine County in 1860, and an 11 year old girl, shown as L.E. White born in Texas, was living with them, according to the transcript of the 1860 census prepared by Mrs. Helen Gomer Schluter. Could this have actually been M.E. White? There is a discrepency in her birthplace, Texas vs. Louisiana. However, both she and her grandparents might have forgotten that she was born in Sabine Parish and not Sabine County. Additionally, L.E. White does not show up again. She may have either died or married after 1860, and may have indeed married Gram.

4) On a transcript of the 1870 Census of Sabine County (Blanche Toole), Household #25/25 lists:

Ferguson, G. 21 M W Farmer Texas
" , Mary E. 16 F W K.H. Texas

This would make Gram's wife born circa 1854, not circa 1848 as is shown by Katherine Freistat. I read the actual microfilm, and the ages on the transcript match those on the microfilm. It is possible that the census taker made a mistake when recording her age, or that Mary gave him incorrect information.

It could also be that Gram's wife is someone other thatn Mary White, the daughter of James White.

Notes:

Married:
Blanche Toole's SABINE COUNTY MARRIAGES shows a Green Ferguson to Mary E. White ca 1870. On Katherine D. Freistat's web site, she shows that Gram Ferguson married Mary Elizabeth White, daughter of Jarvis White and J. Massa in Orange County, Texas. Katherine further states that Gram died April 5, 1922 in Bronson, according to Pat. Pat also said that Mary died August, 1920 in Bronson.