The following BELL and VAUGHAN items were transcribed by Karen Sorensen Thanks Karen!!
The Healdsburg Enterprise 3 January, 1891
At half past eleven o'clock on the night of December 26th, Mrs. Margaret Bell passed out of life at the advanced age of 84
years, 2 months and 11 days.
She was born at Richmond, Virginia, in 1806. When twelve years of age she removed with her parents to Kansas where she
resided until after her marriage. This happy event occurred in 1823, her husband being Samuel Bell, at all times a man of
sterling character. A few years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bell took up their abode in Missouri, where they lived very
happily for many years. In 1854 Mr. Bell was called away by the death angel and in 1857 his widow crossed the plains to
California in an ox team, being accompanied by her younger children. The lady settled here in Healdsburg where she spent
the remainder of her long and useful life.
Mrs. Bell was the mother of ten children, of whom seven are yet alive. Five of the number are respected residents of this
locality; J. S. Bell, G. K. Bell, A. K. Bell, J. W. Bell and Mrs. L. Vaughan. The others - W. T. and H. H. Bell - reside in
Missouri. And a most excellent mother she was, too, rearing a large family in a way that made her old age peaceful and
blessed.
She lived in the front ranks of our race in its mighty march across the continent. She saw the wilderness blossom as the rose
and cities rise up where for ages no mark of man appeared. And she enjoyed her experience keenly, and made use of the
opportunities it afforded of doing lasting good works.
Early in her career, the lady joined the Methodist Church and her life harmonized well with the teachings of that great
institution. Her home here was a preaching place for the early Methodist clergymen. Although she suffered much pain in
the closing years of her life, Mrs. Bell was never known to murmur or complain. She bore her crosses patiently and lived a
cheerful, Christian life to the last.
Her remains were interred at Oak Mound Cemetery, last Sunday afternoon, the funeral services being held at the M. E.
Church, South, and the cortege being one of the largest ever seen in Healdsburg. The pall-bearers were; W. T. Allen, S. O.
Heaton, D. D. Phillips, I. C. Laymance, D. Thornton and John Clack. All of them save Mr. Thornton had known Mrs. Bell for
over 33 years.
May the venerable lady rest in peace.
Healdsburg Enterprise Dec 5, 1878
Died; Vaughan - In Healdsburg, December 2, 1878, Mrs. Louisa J. Vaughan, aged 71 years, 5 months and 1 day.
Deceased was born August 1, 1807 in Louise county, Virginia, and went to Kentucky when 7 years of age and in 1829 was
married to Thomas Vaughan. In 1836 they moved to Missouri, where they lived till 1857 when, with their children, they came
to California and located near Healdsburg. Since 1857 deceased has lived in or near Healdsburg. Her husband died here
thirteen years ago. Mrs. Vaughan leaves five children, viz: William J. and Jesse Vaughan, Mrs. John D. Hassett, Mrs. Aaron
Hassett and Mrs. James T. Walker. Her illness was rather short, the cause of her death being softening of the brain. The
funeral cortege included over thirty carriages and wagons, the deceased having had many friends in the community. The
remains were interred in Oak Mound Cemetery, by the side of her husband, who preceded her to the grave.
The obituary of Jesse H. Vaughan, son of Thomas and Louisa Vaughan.
Sonoma County Tribune 24 Dec 1891
Another good citizen has gone to the sweet eternity. Jesse Hutchins Vaughan peacefully passed from this life at his house
on East Street on Monday afternoon, a few minutes past 4 o'clock, having succumbed to kidney troubles. He was one of
Healdsburg's oldest residents and his friends were legion. Mr. Vaughan was born in Jackson County, Missouri on August
11th, 1836. He removed to California at the age of twenty years, during the gold boom, and settled in this valley. On May
15th, 1870, he was married to Ludie Francis Bell, and made his home in this city, where he entered into the livestock
business. A wife and son, Marvin T., survive him. The remains were interred at Oak Mound Cemetery yesterday under the
auspices of the local lodges of F. and A. M. and A.O.U.W. and the cortege was very large.
The obituary of William J. Vaughan, older brother of Jesse Vaughan
Thursday, May 27, 1909 Sotoyome Scimitar
Death of William Vaughn
William Vaughn, a prominent pioneer of this county, died at his home in this city last Sunday. The funeral was held from his
late residence at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The deceased was seventy-eight years of age and was born near Kansas
City, Mo. Mr. Vaughn crossed the plains and settled in Sonoma county in 1858 and has resided in Sonoma and Mendocino
counties since that time.
Interment was in Oak Mound cemetery on Tuesday, May 25, 1909.
The obituary of Eva Vaughan, wife of William Vaughan.
Thursday, June 27, 1918 Healdsburg Tribune
Death of Mrs. Vaughan Highly Esteemed Resident Called Suddenly by Paralytic Stroke
Mrs. Eva Vaughan died Thursday of last week of cerebral hemorrhage, following a third stroke of paralysis. Mrs. Vaughan
had been a resident of Healdsburg for many years and was the widow of the late William J. Vaughan. She had not been in
robust health for several months and had recently returned from San Francisco where she spent several weeks with her
sister, Mrs. Hendry, for the benefit of a change. She was taken seriously ill but a few days before her death, and had been
able to walk downtown daily up to that time. Mrs. Vaughan was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. The funeral
was held Saturday from the undertaking parlors of Clarence E. Curtis, E. B. Ware officiating. She is survived by one son,
George T. Vaughan, and a sister, Mrs. Annie Hendry.
Thursday, July 16, 1896
Peaceful Sleep
Death of J. Shadrick Bell
A Victim of Paralysis, the Estimable Pioneer's Career is Ended
The soul of J. Shadrick Bell, a pioneer settler, a prominent rancher and a much esteemed citizen, left its fragile clay Friday
morning and soared aloft to its creator. Death came with slow but certain approach and it had been expected for many days.
A few months ago deceased was stricken with paralysis and from that time on he was in such a condition that his life was
despaired of and no hopes were entertained of his recovery.
Few men in Sonoma county were as widely known, and his personal popularity was more than ordinary. He was an ardent
and tireless friend and never seemed to bear malice toward anyone. Genial and affable, he was loved by all who knew him.
His death has not alone produced the profoundest of mourning in his neighborhood, but cast a hazy gloom in Healdsburg.
J. Shadrick Bell was born in Jackson County, Mo., in 1834. At the age of 18 years he crossed the plains to California while
the gold boom was raging. He first located in San Jose, then a little settlement, and later came to Sonoma county. Here he
soon came into prominence, actively engaging himself in everything that advantaged the community.
In 1862 he was married to Miss Amanda White, and in 1867 they began their long residence on Dry Creek.
Deceased leaves a wife and three children, namely Mrs. M. J. Chadbourne, Mrs. J. M. Stone, both of San Francisco, and
George S. Bell of Dry Creek Valley.
The funeral, which was held Saturday, was a striking demonstration of the esteem in which the deceased was held. The
cortege was one of vast length and under escort and the auspices of the Sotoyome Lodge No. 123, F. and A.M. of which Mr.
Bell was a revered member and a past master.
Shortly before noon the funeral procession arrived at the M. E. Church, South, which was already occupied by many
people awaiting the services.
Rev. Staton delivered a brief sermon and the sacred songs were sung by a combined choir from the various churches. At
the grave the rites of Masonry were performed.
The family of the deceased have the profound sympathy of all in their sad bereavement.
Healdsburg Tribune Thursday, December 5, 1929
Mrs. L. Bledsoe, Pioneer Woman, Called by Death
Resident of Healdsburg for 75 years; Funeral on Saturday
Death in Santa Rosa Wednesday evening claimed Mrs. Louisa F. Bledsoe, 82, one of the oldest pioneers of Healdsburg in
point of residence. Mrs. Bledsoe's death was not unexpected as she had been in feeble health for the past eight months and
recently suffered a stroke. She was taken to Santa Rosa for treatment in a hospital there. She was the mother of Justice of
the Peace Marvin T. Vaughan of Santa Rosa.
Born in Missouri, Mrs. Bledsoe, then Louisa Bell, crossed the plains by ox team with her mother and four brothers as a girl
of nine in 1857. The family came directly to Healdsburg, where it has been prominently known for almost three-quarters of a
century.
The mother was Mrs. Samuel Bell and the brothers, some of whose children still live in the Healdsburg section were the
late Kinsey, James S., Albert and John Bell. Mrs. Isabel Bell of this city is a sister-in-law.
About 60 years ago Louisa Bell was married to Jesse H. Vaughan and with him occupied a home in East street of this city,
and she continued to make her home there until her death with the exception of four years when she lived with her son in
Santa Rosa. Justice Vaughan was born in this home.
Jesse Vaughan died in 1891 and in 1900 his widow married Lynn Bledsoe, Healdsburg merchant, who preceded his wife in
death by a few years.
Mrs. Bledsoe was a devout Christian and was an active worker in the Methodist church in which she had a lifelong
membership. She was known for her amiable disposition and kindly ways. She was prominent in the works of the Eastern
Star and at one time served as worthy matron of Sotoyome Chapter.
Besides her son, who was at her bedside when she died, Mrs. Bledsoe is survived by two grandchildren, Mrs. Marjorie
Kinslow of Santa Rosa and Mrs. Esther June Hardin of Oakland, and one great grandchild, Fisher Kinslow Jr. of Santa Rosa.
Funeral services will be held here Saturday morning at 11 o'clock from the chapel of Fred Young & Co. and interment will
be in Oak Mound Cemetery.
Healdsburg Enterprise 3 July, 1915
GEORGE KIMSEY BELL JOINS SILENT MAJORITY
George Kimsey Bell, pioneer resident of Healdsburg, and for many years identified with the contracting and building
business, died Thursday morning at his home on Piper street, aged 79 years, 3 months and 21 days. Heart failure is given as
the immediate cause of death.
Kimsey Bell was a native of Missouri, being born in Jackson county on March 10, 1836. He went from there to San Jose,
arriving in California in 1854. Not being satisfied with that part of the state he moved to Sonoma county in the vicinity of
Healdsburg in the year 1857. He has resided in this vicinity since that time.
Mr. Bell is survived by wife and three children, Mrs. Marguerite Kelly, Mrs. McCord and Charles Bell. His brother, John
Bell, who is also a resident of Healdsburg, suffered a stroke of paralysis last Friday and is very low.
The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the family residence.
