My Genealogy Hound

John Shell, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Grant County, was born in Jackson County, Ala., November 8, 1822, to the union of Adam and Mary Ann (Gross) Shell, natives of Eastern Tennessee, both dying in Jefferson County, Ark. The father was born February 7, 1799, and died in 1865; his wife’s birth occurring about 1805, she dying in her sixty-fifth year. They were married in Jackson County, Ala., making that their home until 1850, when they came to Arkansas, and settled in this neighborhood. Mr. Shell began farming, in connection with tanning, and afterward continued it. He was a successful farmer, though he spent a great deal of money. Both he and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he being ruling elder for many years. He was of German descent, and believed in the principles of Democracy. Through his marriage to Miss Gross he became the father of five children. Two, John (our subject, who was the oldest) and Elizabeth Chadick (a resident of Jefferson County, this State) are among the living. John Shell received his education in Jackson County, Ala., and at the age of twenty-one began to farm for himself. He remained in Alabama until 1850, when he came to Arkansas, locating on a farm, near where he now lives. At the beginning his means were very limited, but by industry and good management, he now has a fine farm of 260 acres, having divided much among his children. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Brooks post-office after the war, and has served ten years as postmaster. He has also been justice of the peace some time. On November 26, 1847, he was married to Margaret Benson, of Jackson County, Ala., a native of Sevier County, Tenn., born on September 18, 1826. By this marriage there were nine children, all living: Mary J. (at home), James A. (an extensive farmer of Grant County), Ben F. (farmer), John M. (farmer), J. L. Ross and Sterling L. (farmers, of Grant County), Anna, Louisa and Solomon A. (at home.) Mr. Shell and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he, for fifty-one years, having officiated as ruling elder (since his seventeenth year). He is a Mason, and a member of the Democratic party. Stoutly supporting all benevolent and public enterprises, he is one of Grant County’s most energetic citizens.