Another pioneer of Healdsburg passed away when Albert King Bell died at his residence in this city at an early hour Sunday
morning. He was one of those early pioneers of California who came across the plains by ox team to this state. He arrived
with his mother, sister and two brothers in 1857 and settled that year on the old Bell place on Dry Creek. This property
remained in the hands of some one of the Bell family up to a few years ago and is known as the old Kimsey Bell place.
Mr. Bell was a native of Missouri, being born in Jackson county in that state on November 13, 1840. At the time of his
leaving his native state with his party for the Golden West, his father had died. Mr. Bell was then sixteen years old.
On November 28th, 1869, Mr. Bell was married to Isabel Laymance. His bride was also a pioneer of the Dry Creek Valley, she
having been the second white child born in the valley. Mr. and Mrs. Bell came to Healdsburg to live immediately after their
wedding and farmed their property at the edge of this city. He served as road master and as school trustee in the early days.
He was a member of the board of school trustees that brought Professor H. R. Bull here as the superintendent of the
Healdsburg schools some thirty years ago. Mr. Bell and his family lived for about twenty years at San Jose, conducting a
farm while he was there. During those twenty years, however, he always considered Healdsburg as home.
Mr. Bell had been in failing health for a number of months, but was not confined to his bed. His final illness came upon him
at nine o'clock Saturday night and he grew rapidly worse, and after over three hours of extreme suffering died half an hour
after midnight. Two physicians were in attendance upon him up to the last.
The funeral services were held at the residence on Matheson street Tuesday afternoon. They were conducted by Mrs. E. M.
Bent, First Reader of the Christian Science church, of which the deceased was a member. Vocal selections were rendered by
a quartet consisting of Mrs. C. E. Curtis, Mrs. Kinsella, Dr. E. L. Morse and Rollo Wheeler. The body was taken to San
Francisco Wednesday morning for cremation.
Besides the widow, a daughter, Mrs. Lilah Bell Reese of Willows, Glenn County, a brother, John Bell and a sister, Mrs. L.
Bledsoe, both of this city, survive the deceased.
Sotoyome Scimitar Thursday, May 27, 1909
W. S. Kelley went to San Francisco on Wednesday to transact business and to visit Charley Bell, the Dry Creek young man
who has been in a private hospital in the metropolis for some time. Mr. Bell suffered a surgical operation sometime ago
wherein a large portion of his skull was removed and for a time his condition was very serious. Mr. Kelley stated on
Wednesday that he hoped to be able to bring the young man home in a short time.
Healdsburg Tribune, Thursday, November 28, 1918
Mrs. Ellen Bell, through her attorney, Marvin T. Vaughan, petitioned the Superior Court Tuesday for letters of
administration, will annexed, on the estate of her son, Charles K. Bell. The property is valued at $8426. The final account of
Mrs. Bell as the guardian of the estate of her son was also filed in court by Attorney Vaughan.
Healdsburg Tribune January 18, 1911
MRS. JOHN W. BELL PASSES AWAY
The community was saddened last Thursday when the news passed from lip to lip of the sudden death of Mrs. John W.
Bell at her home on Matheson street. She had been in apparently good health, but on Thursday morning was stricken with
apoplexy and death soon followed.
Mrs. Bell was a native of Missouri and was 58 years of age. Her maiden name was Candace Angeline Wood. She came to
Healdsburg in 1864 with her parents and in 1868 she was united in marriage to John W. Bell, a prominent pioneer resident of
this section. Three children came to bless this union, a daughter Lena who passed away in 1877, and two sons, William S.
Bell of San Francisco and Harry W. Bell of Coalinga, who together with the husband, live to mourn the loss of a devoted wife
and loving mother. Mrs. Bell also leaves a sister, Mrs. Lizzie Graham of Oklahoma and two brothers, John and James Wood
of California.
The deceased was a member of the Methodist Church, south, and possessed a true and noble Christian character, her life
and influence in the community always being one for uplifting. The wide circle of friends that she possessed, in whose
hearts she held a warm and loving place, unite in sorrow with the bereaved husband and sons. The funeral services were
held from the residence on Matheson street Sunday afternoon, Rev. Webb of the M. E. church, south, conducting the
services, interment taking place at peaceful Oak Mound, and the grave was left a bed of exquisitely beautiful floral tributes.
Pioneer Reunion
The Bell Family Celebrate Fiftieth Anniversary
A reunion celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival in Sonoma county of the Bell family was held Wednesday,
Sept. 25th at the residence of Mr. G. K. Bell in Dry Creek Valley. The day was one of those sweet autumn days when nature
seems loth to part with summer, and while bidding it a lingering farewell, yet welcomes winter.
"Just a little sunshine,
Just a little rain."
The Bells have extensive family connections, including some of the best known people in this and adjoining counties -
Theodore A. Bell of Napa being an honored member - but the lowering clouds of Wednesday morning deterred many from
being present who otherwise would. Nevertheless twenty-one arrived early to enjoy the first occasion of its kind - the older
ones to live over again the stirring and often dangerous scenes of pioneer days, and recount the changes they have seen
wrought in this pretty little valley of ours.
In 1850 Thomas Bell crossed the plains to California to be followed two years later by his brother, the late Shadrich. G. K.
Bell came in 1854 and settled in the Santa Clara valley. In 1855, however, he returned to his home in Missouri to commence
preparations for bringing his widowed mother and the remainder of the family to this land of gold.
In 1857, when but a young man of twenty-one years, Mr. Bell commenced the return trip at the head of a company of about
three hundred persons. The position of captain of a "train" was one of great responsibility and danger, it being the captain's
duty to ride in advance of the party to locate good camping grounds where the cattle could feed and where the company
would not be surprised by hostile Indians. Often, too, it required great tact and diplomacy to avert disorder and trouble
among members of the party, as the ill-fated Donner party bears witness, yet this mere lad fulfilled his obligations in a
manner worthy of a much older man. Besides his mother, Margaret Vaughn Bell, and sister Ludy, now Mrs. L. Bledsoe, three
brother, Albert, John and Harry, the party included an uncle, Thomas H. Vaughn, wife and three daughters, since Mrs. Lizzie
Hassett, Mrs. Josie Hassett and Mrs. Carrie Walker, and two sons, W. J. and the late Jesse Vaughn.
They reached a spot on Mill Creek September 25, 1857, where they remained some time and a few weeks later, the Bells
purchased the ranch where G. K. Bell and family now reside. The remainder of the party settled in and near Healdsburg,
where they have since lived, with the exception of Thomas and Harry Bell, who, after a few years, deserted the new home for
the old. Both are now living in Missouri.
Of the original party, nine are still living and five were present at the reunion Wednesday. The day was most delightfully
passed in reminiscences, games, races, songs and feasting. The table was set out under the old apple trees in the yard and it
groaned under the weight of the good things - the ladies of the Bell family having reputations as good cooks. But of
especial interest were the grapes, great bunches of luscious Missions, fresh from the vines fifty-one years old.
Reluctantly the guests watched the shadows lengthen, and all too soon September 25th, 1907 had passed into history, but
the memory of it will live always with those who were fortunate enough to be there.
Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. G. K. Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bell, Mr. and Mrs. John Bell, Mr. and Mrs. L. Bledsoe,
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Vaughn, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Hassett, Mr. and Mrs. Will Stine, Mrs. W. S. Kelly, Mrs. Lilah Reese, Misses
Sybil Hassett, Irene Kelly, Marjory Vaughn, Charley Bell and A. Vaughn Hasset and Rev. L. P. Shearer.
Mrs. Josephine Chadbourne of San Francisco, daughter of the late Shadrach Bell set congratulations and expressed
sincere regret at her inability to be present. Many more happy reunions are wished for the family.
Healdsburg Enterprise February 19, 1937
Mrs. Isabell E. Bell, one of the first white children born in Dry Creek valley, celebrated her 83rd birthday anniversary
Tuesday at her home on Matheson street when her daughter, Mrs. Lilah Bell Reese held open house. For the first time since
her illness, which started the middle of December, the pioneer woman was able to get up and she personally greeted the large
group of friends and relatives who called to extend felicitations and to shower her with gifts and flowers.
Assisted by Shirley Ewers, Mrs. Reese served refreshments to the guests. The afternoon was entirely informal. It was a
most happy occasion and the honor guest was in the best of spirits. Wednesday, she took her first ride since her sickness.
Mrs. Bell, the daughter of the late Mrs. and Mrs. I. C. Laymance, early pioneer residents of Dry Creek valley, spent most of
her life in the valley and in Healdsburg. She lived in Oakland and San Jose for 25 years and other places at different times,
but always considered this her home. Her husband was the late Albert Bell. The couple were married in Dry Creek valley and
lived there after their marriage.
The Sotoyome Scimitar 6 April, 1922
Mrs. Martha Ellen Bell, for many years a resident of this city, died last Sunday morning. Mrs. Bell was the widow of the late
J. K. Bell and she came to California in 1854. She had made her home in this section for 68 years. Two daughters, Mrs.
Margaret Kelly and Mrs. O. Thomwarden, and two grandchildren survive her.
Mrs. Ellen Bell was an earnest and sincere Christian, a loving mother, a good friend and neighbor. Her death is a sad one,
not only to the bereaved relatives but to hundreds and friends in this city and section.
May 2, 1929 Healdsburg Tribune
MRS. W. CHADBOURNE, FORMER HEALDSBURG WOMAN, SUCCUMBS
Early Settlers' Daughter Dies At Bay City Home
Mrs. W. Chadbourne, who was born and reared in Healdsburg, died this morning at her home in San Francisco. The
remains will be brought to this city Thursday and interment made in Oak Mound cemetery. The date for the funeral services
have not been set.
Mrs. Chadbourne is survived by her husband, two children, Russell Chadbourne and Mrs. Norma Hanlon, besides a great
many relatives living in Healdsburg and vicinity. George Bell of Dry Creek valley is a brother and Mrs. Ida Reed of Santa
Rosa is a sister. Among some of the nieces and nephews are Mrs. Walter Martin, Mrs. Grace Hartsock, Duval and Walter
Bell, Mrs. O. thom Wohrden, Mrs. Walter Pierce and Mrs. Lila Reese are cousins.
Mrs. Chadbourne was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Shadwick Bell, early settlers of Healdsburg. The family left
here about twenty years ago to make their home in San Francisco.
Members of her family were at her bedside when the end came. Mr. and Mrs. George Bell and Mr. and Mrs. Duval Bell
went to the bay city Tuesday and are expected to return Thursday to make arrangements for the funeral.
