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Below is a family biography included in County of Todd, Kentucky, Historical and Biographical edited by William Henry Perrin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Co. in 1884.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM M. BELL, “Roseheath.” The subject of this sketch is a native of Todd County, Ky., and was born in his present residence, June 25, 1840. His father, Rev. Caleb N. Bell, was born in 1788, in Beaufort, N. C.; was an itinerant Methodist preacher in Virginia; removed to Kentucky in 1820, and died here in 1872, having been a useful minister of the Gospel for sixty-two years. He was thrice married, and his children are: Martha A. (Greenfield), John W., Mary S. (Clark), Eliza J. (Mills), Caleb M. and subject, who received a classical education at Emery and Henry College, of Virginia. Subject is a farmer by profession, having 300 acres of first-class land near “Bell’s Chapel.” His brick residence was built in 1828 by his father, by whom the place was originally cleared and improved. In 1862 Mr. Bell was accidently crippled in such a manner as to disable him for life, and he consequently employs much of his time in literary pursuits, being one of the most extensively read and well posted men in the county. Being unmarried, his fine farm and books claim his chief attention. He is a member of the Grange; in religion is a Methodist, and in politics is identified with the Democratic party. Mr. Bell’s portrait appears elsewhere.

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This family biography is one of 200 biographies included in The History of Todd County, Kentucky published in 1884.  For the complete description, click here: Todd County, Kentucky History and Genealogy

View additional Todd County, Kentucky family biographies: Todd County, Kentucky Biographies

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