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George Bell, of Blount & Washington Co., TN
Facts and Events
George Bell was one of the Early Settlers of Augusta County, Virginia
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About George Bell
Information about this George Bell has been documented in the publication "George Bell of Blount and Washington Counties, Tennessee and his descendants through his two sons, John B. and Samuel S. Bell", by Craig Lowell Foster. George Bell was born abt. 1751, apparently a son of Samuel Bell and Jane Holmes of Augusta County, Virginia. George migrated to the western part of what was then North Carolina that became the eastern part of Tennessee in the 1790's. George was among six men surnamed Bell who obtained land in Washington County between 1784 and 1798. His earliest land record was on 30 March 1790 when he received a 145 acre tract of land from John Allison located on Big Limestone Creek. It was one of many land purchases he made in the Washington County area. It is not known if George Bell fought in the American Revolution, but a list of former Revolutionary War soldiers who lived and/or died in Washington County include a Thomas Bell of the Virginia line (possibly a brother to George). Samuel S. and John B. Bell, two of George's sons, participated in the War of 1812. Samuel was a Captain in John Hampton's Company, while John was in Captain Jonathan Wadell's Company of the East Tennessee Drafted Militia.
Most of what little is known about this George Bell can be ascertained from his last will and testament, naming his children. Although not wealthy, he was at least comfortable enough to own a slave by the name of James Bell, whom he later freed in his will. Virginia marriage records support a George Bell that married a Sarah Shaw, daughter of Samuel Shaw on 3 Nov. 1786 in Montgomery County, Virginia that appears to be George Bell's wife; she apparently preceded him in death because she is not listed in the 1830 U.S. Census. Some internet trees claim [without sources] have surmised she may have been named Elizabeth Mitchell, which appears unlikely but may deserve additional research. George Bell did name the following children in his will: John B. Bell, Catherine [Bell] Johnson, Margaret [Bell] Henderson, Thomas Bell, Samuel S. Bell, Mary Bell, Elizabeth Bell and Sarah Bell. The 1830 U.S. Census shows that George Bell was living in Washington County, TN with no wife, his five daughters, all born between 1801-1810, and one male slave, which is undoubtedly the slave "James Bell" that George Bell later freed in his will. In 1833, George Bell acquired property in Blount County where he died and left his will which was written on 11 March 1839 and proven 3 June 1839.
Records in Virginia
- Montgomery County, VA, Road Orders: Ordered that Jno Miller be appointed overseer of the road from the foord of Reed Creek at Doughertys to the foord at George Bells. [1]
- Montgomery County, VA Road Orders: 7 February 1781, MCOB 2, p. 305. John Adams same from Reed Creek to the ford above George Bells and that he with all the Tithables in Capt. Montgomeries Company keep the same in repair. [2]
Records in Tennessee
- [Note: Tennessee was formed from part of North Carolina in 1796]
- 30 March 1790: Washington County, TN Deeds, Book 5, pg. 26
- This Indenture made and Confirmed this thirtieth Day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety between John Allison of the one part and George Bell of the other part Both of the County of Washington and State of North Carolina. Witnesseth that he the said John Alison for and Consideration for the Sum of Ninety pounds to him in hand paid the Receipt whereof he Doth hereby Acknowledge Hath granted Bargained Confirmed and sold & Do by these presents grant Bargain Sell and Confirm unto the sd. George Bell his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of Land Situate Lying and being in the County and State aforesaid on the waters of Big Limestone Begining at two post oaks thence Runing east two hundred and sixty five poles by Land now belonging to John Anderson to pointers and a Stake thence by Andrew Duncans Land South twenty Six poles to three white oaks and South nine Degrees East fifty poles to heap of Stones thence by Robert Alisons Land West one hundred poles to a white oak near a small Branch thence South seventy Degrees west one hundred and seventy eight poles to a white oak thence North one hundred twenty pole to the Begining, Containing one hundred and forty five acres More or Less which tract or parcel of Land together with all and every of the appertainance there unto Belonging to the sd. George Bell his heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns forever will warrant and forever Defend as an Indefaceable Inheirtance in fee Simple. Witness my hand and Seal this day and year above Written. [Signed] John Allison. Test: Andrew Duncan, John Strain.
- 13 Feb 1792: Washington County, TN Deed, pg. 13-14. James Hall to Isack Bales; 130 acres on Big Limestone "between Nicolas Fains and James Deals and joining lies with David Stuart". CONS: 180 lbs. ADJ: Elizha Haddon. SIG: James Hall. WIT: George Bell, Moses Rodgers. [3]
- 1792: Washington County, TN Wills; George Bell witnessed the will of Robert Allison with John Anderson, proven May 1792.
- 14 May 1792: Washington County, TN Deeds, Book 5, pg. 84.
- This Indenture made this fourteenth day in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and ninety two. Between George Bell of Washington County in the Territory of the United States of America South of the River Ohio yeoman of the one part and Richard Burtch of the same place of the other part. Witnesseth that the said George Bell for and in Consideration of the sum of Sixty pounds Virginia Currency to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and the said Richard Burtch and his heirs, Exetr. and Adminrs. for ever acquited and discharged by these presents hath granted bargained and Sold and by these presents doth give grant bargain & sell unto the said Richard Burtch and to his heirs and assigns for ever all that tract or parcel of Land Situate lying and being in Washington County on the north fork of Sinklng Creek, Begining at a hickory saplin on the top of a ridge near William Barrons line thence North one hundred and twenty poles to a Maple tree near a branch then East seventy two poles to a black walnut tree on James Barron Senr's line thence .. [some boundaries omitted].. thence South forty six poles to a Stake at said Creek on John Fords line.... [some boundaries omitted].. to the beginning Containing one hundred and fifty acres of land which granted from the State of North Carolina to Christopher Shoote as y Patent in fee as in and by the same bearing date the tenth day of November one thousand seven hundred and Eighty four and recorded in the Register's office in the County aforesaid in Book 6 page 196 appear, together with all and singular Buildings [some portions omitted]... of him the said George Bell of in the premises or any part or parcel thereof. To have and to hold the said described one hundred and Fifty acres of Land Hereditanents & premises hereby granted mentioned or intended to be granted with there and every of their appurtenances unto him the said Richard Burtch his heirs and assigns to the only proper use benefit and behoof of him the said Richard Burtch his heirs & assigns for ever under and Subject to the yearly Taxes that may be laid on the same. And the said George Gell and his heirs the described piece of Land hereditaments and promises with their and every of their appurtenanaces unto him the sd. Richd. Burtch and his heirs & against him the sd. Geo. Bell & his heirs against all and every other person or persons whatsoever Claiming by from under him there or any of them shall and will warrant & forever defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the Sd. George Bell hath hereunto set his hand and seal dated the day and year first above writteh. [Signed] George Bell. Sealed & delivered In the presence of: George Pale, James Chamberlain, Zachariah McCubbin. Washington County May Term 1792 this deed was duely acknowledged in Court. Let it be registered. Test> Jas. Seveir. C.C.
- E-88: 22 Feb. 1794, Anthony Dunkin of Green Co. to William Jackson, £120, 152 acres at head of Sinking Creek waters of Holstun, corner John Ford and George Bell, John Bell. Wit. Joseph Duncan, William Dodson, George Jackson. Rootsweb.com
- I-340/1: 6 April 1801, Francis Shaw of Blount Co. to Joseph Duncan, 6 acres on the head of Big Limestone Creek adj. Thomas (Givens?). Wit. Frances Cunningham, George Bell. Rootsweb.com
- I-347/9: 2 April 1801, Samuel Johnston to James Cunningham, 125 acres on the middle fork of Big Limestone adj. George Bell, John Squibb's Mill, Joseph Denton, Robert Allison. Wit. Joseph Duncan, Ann Duncan, George Bell. Rootsweb.com
- 1807: Washington County, TN Wills; George Bell witnessed the will of John Ferguson with James Kennedy and Joseph Duncan, proven May 1807.
- 00-199 Andrew Duncan's estate; inventory returned by Joseph Duncan, George Bell and Samuel Duncan, executors of said estate, the will annexed of said Andrew Duncan decd is as follows: (list of animals). An obligation on Saml. Vance of Green Co. for 500 acres of Jacks land desparate; warrant from Zachariah Cox for 2,000 acres land desparate; John Johnston Senr. endebted to said estate for $200 desparate; May 5, 1808, signed Joseph Duncan, admr; filed May, 1808. Rootsweb.com
- 13-395: 10 Aug. 1812, Samuel Johnston to Joseph Duncan, for 1 warrent of 94 acres to Joseph Duncan, Wash. Co., paid Samuel Johnston of Blount Co., Joseph Duncan, Sr., 10 acres in Wash. Co. on middle fork of big Limestone creek, including a grist-mill belonging to Joseph Squibb, as laid off by Joseph Duncan and conveyed as records show. /s/ Samuel Johnston. Wit. Nathaniel Jones, George Bell. Rootsweb.com
- 14 August 1812: Washington County, TN Deeds, Book 13, pg. 336. Deed Samuel Johnson to George Bell for 38 acres & 26 poles
- This Indenture made this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve between Samuel Johnson of the County of Blount of the one part and George Bell of Washington County of the other Part, both of the State of Tennessee. Witnesseth that I Samuel Johnston of one hundred and thirty three Dollars and thirty three cents and one third to me in hand paid the receipt is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained & sold a certain tract or parcel of land in Washington county and state afforesaid on the middle fork of Big Limestone. Beginning at a Stake on John Squibbs corner near sd. Bells field, thence North one hundred and five tenth poles to a white oak thence West thirty poles to a Stake near Sd. Limestone on James Cunninghams corner then South forty seven Degrees thirty minutes West thirty three poles to a black ___ Iron Wood and ash thence South fifty eight Poles to a post oak thence West forty six poles to a small Hickory an white oak thence South twenty and five tenths poles to a Stake near a sweet gum, Thence East one hundred poles to the Beginning, containing thirty eight acres and twenty six poles which tract or Parcel of land I the said Samuel Jonston will forever warrant and defend free from me my heirs executors administrators or Assigns or any other person claiming or to claim him the sd. George Bell his heirs executors administrators or assigns as an indefensible interitance in fee simple as Witness my hand and seal the day and year first above written. [Signed] Saml. Johnston [Seal]. Witness present: Andrew Duncan, John B. Bell, Jas. Meanole?. State of Tennessee, Washington County, May Sessions 1813. Then was the within Deed proven in Court & Recorded. let it be Registered. Teste: Jas. Sevier Clerk by his Dept Jno. Harris.
- 18-100: 14 Oct. 1812, Joseph Duncan, of Marion (sic) Co., Kentucky, sold to Uriah Hunt all rights ... in land, being 1/7 part of 229 acres as yet undivided, and joining land with George Bell. Wit. Jesse Hunt, Thos. Hunt, Richd. Martin. Wit. Jesse Hunt & Richd. Martin in court April, 1827. Rootsweb.com
- May, 1813, deed of conveyance from Samuel Johnston to George Bell for 38a and 26 poles proven in court by oaths of Andrew Duncan and John B. Black? Love?. (pg.214) Rootsweb.com
- May, 1813, deed of conveyance from Samuel Johnston to Joseph Duncan for 10 acres proven in court by the oaths of Nathl. Jones and George Bell. (pg.215) Rootsweb.com
- May, 1813, ordered by court that Isaac Depew, George Bell, Joseph Duncan, Sr, William Mclin, John Berkly, Nathan Nelson, William Miller Esq., Hugh McAdams, James Duncan, David Wilson, Elias Bowman, William Rodgers, be a jury ... lay out the road from Alexn. Stuarts ... to intercept a road contemplated through Greene County on the line between this county and that of Greene County on a direction from Jonesboro to Rogersville. (pg.215) Rootsweb.com
- Washington Co. TN Marriage Record: Andrew DUNCAN to Margaret A. Alexander, bond March 26, 1817, by Andrew Duncan and George Bell (0-160) Rootsweb.com
- 1819: Washington County, TN Wills; George Bell was named co-Executor, with Sarah Carson and John Strain in the will of William Carson, proven October 1819.
- 2 December 1824: Washington County, TN Deeds, Book 17, pg. 469. Deed Solomon Miller to George Bell
- This Indenture Made and concluded this Second day of December in the Year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and twenty four Between Solomon Miller of the County of Washington and the State of Tennessee of the one part and George Bell of the county Aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the Solomon Miller doth for and in Consideration of the Sum of one hundred dollars to him in hand paid the Receipt Whereof he doth hereby Acknowledge hath Granted Bargained and Sold and by these presents doth Grant bargain Sell Enforce convey and confirm unto him the Sd. George Bell a certain tract or parcel of land Lying and being in the County of Washington in the State of Tennessee on the Midle Fork of big limestone. Beginning at a Stake and thence South Eighty nine poles to two White oaks on Robt. Cars line thence East fifty one poles to a Stake thence North twenty and one half poles to a Small Hickory and Whiteoak thence East forty six poles to a postoak thence North ten poles to a Stake thence a Dividing Line to the Beginning containing thirty Acres All Which tract or parcel of lands the Sd. Solomon Miller Wills Warrant and forever defend from him his heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns or any other person or persons Claiming or to Claim unto him the Sd. George Bell his heirs and Assigns forever as an Indefeasible Inheirtance ___ in fee Simple. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Affixed my Seal this day and date above Written. [Signed] Solomon Miller [Seal] Signed Sealed in presence of us: Saml. douglass, Thos. Bell, Francis Duncan. State of Tennessee, Washington County. Monday 11th July Sessions 1825. This day was the Within deed Acknowledged in Open Court by Solomon Miller the maker thereof Recorded let it be Registered. Test. Jas. Sevier Clk by Elj. Seveir D.C.
- 18-181: 8 Oct. 1827, from Jane (x) Duncan, wife & relict of Andrew Duncan, decd, James Duncan, Samuel Duncan, Andrew Duncan, Joseph Duncan, Francis Duncan, Jonathan Duncan and George Duncan, heirs and representatives of said Andrew Duncan, decd, to Jacob Kibler, Junr, for $1200, 226 acres on Big Limestone, corner to 302 acre grant to James Randolph, line of Samuel Douglass, Isaac Mulkey's line, conditional line with James Adair. Wit. George Bell, Joseph Duncan, Jr., George Squibb. Deed signed by Jane Duncan and all other grantors above and also signed by Jane Guin and Thomas Guin. Wit. in court were George Bell and Joseph Duncan, Jr. Rootsweb.com
- 14 April 1828, deed of conveyance from Jane Duncan and others, widow and heirs of Andrew Duncan decd, to Jacob Kibler decd, for 226a 8 Oct. 1827, proven on oaths of George Bell and Joseph Duncan. (pg.57) Rootsweb.com
- 7 Sept 1833: Blount Co. TN: George Bell bought from David Edmandson a 186 acre tract of land on Baker's Creek. Baker's Creek is the northeast branch of the Tennessee River, emptying in at Morganton, Blount County. The land had originally belonged to a James Logan. Among the witnesses were John Eakin (who later witnessed George Bell's will) and, his oldest son John B. Bell. [Source: "George Bell of Blount and Washington Counties, Tennessee", pg. 5-6].
Will Transcript
- In the name of God Amen I George Bell of the County of Blount and State of Tennessee being infirm of body but of sound mind and memory, taking into consideration the certainty of my dissolution do make and appoint this my last will and testament, and first I resign my body to the dust whence it came and my soul to God who gave it. my funeral expenses to be paid out of my estate and all my just debts if any to be paid in like manner.
- The disposition of my worldly estate is as follows Viz:
- To my beloved children John Bell, Catharine Johnson, Margret Henderson, I give and bequeath all that which they have received of my estate.
- To my son Thomas Bell in addition to what he has received I give and bequeath the grey horse named Bell now in my possession.
- It is my will and desire that my son Samuel S. Bell continue to occupy the place where he now resides, and that my daughters Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah Bell continue to occupy the place where they now reside, he and they respectively occupying the houses which they now occupy and in case they continue to live thus together agreeable my will and testament is as follows to my son Samuel S. Bell I give and bequeath two horse beasts, my waggon and all my farming utilsils except my wind mill, and while my above named son and daughters continue to occupy as aforesaid my son Samuel S. Bell is the farm the plantation and to give my said daughters one third of the while product.
- Also I give and bequeath to my three daughters last named all my household and Kitchen furniture and further I give and bequeath to my said daughters one Grey mare named Kate and one colt, all my stock of Cattle and hogs except one white heifer which I will and bequeath to my colored man Jas. Bell. I also will by this my last testament that the said James Bell be hence forward and forever free. But in case my son Samuel S. Bell and my daughters Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah Bell do not continue to live agreeable as above, Then my said plantation and my Windmill to be sold and my son Samuel S. Bell to have the half of the price thereof, and my said daughters the other half.
- I make the following dispossession of my books to my son John B. Bell.
- I give and bequeath Pols Anndatians? to my daughter Catherine Johnson my large Bible and Psalm book, to my daughters Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah, Scotts; commentary the ballance of my books to be equally divided among my children Samuel S. Bell, Mary Bell, Elizabeth Bell, Thomas Bell and the heirs of Margaret Henderson dec.
- And Finely [finally] I make and appoint my son John B. Bell and Andrew Duncan Sen. Executors of this my last will and testament, signed and sealed this 11th day of March in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
- [Signed] George Bell [Seal]
- Attest:
- John Eakin
- Saml. Steele
Estate Records
- Blount County, TN, Petition #206: 1839, Petition from the executors of the estate of George Bell asking authority to emancipate a slave named James Bell as stipulated in the will. [4]
Image Gallery
References
- Foster, Craig L. (Craig Lowell). George Bell of Blount and Washington Counties, Tennessee and his descendents through his two sons, John B. and Samuel S. Bell. (Layton, Utah: [Craig L. Foster], 1992).
One of William Bell's children was Samuel (1724-1803) who was also born in Ireland. He married Jane Holmes of Augusta County and they had twelve children. Among those children was a son named George (1751- ) who was born in 1751. This could have been our George Bell who's will was written 11 March 1839 in Blount County, Tennessee.
The first cue is that our George Bell was living in Washington County in 1830 when the U.S. Census was taken. he listed his age as between 70 and 890 years, thus loosely fitting into the year range of George Bell, son of Samuel.
The second clue is that George named a son Samuel. That was Samuel S., the father of John C. Bell and grandfather of George Houston Bell.
The third clue is that George Bell (1751- ) had a brother named Thomas (1753- ). In the Washington County land grants both a George and Thomas Bell are listed receiving land from the State of North Carolina (Tennessee was then a part of North Carolina in 1790. Also our George Bell named a son Thomas.
The fourth clue is that several family names of Bell neighbors in Virginia, such as the Loves, Hendersons, Duncans, Alexanders and Houstons, later appear as neighbors and in-laws in Tennessee.
- United States. 1830 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M19).
Name George Bell
Home in 1830 (City, County, State) Washington, Tennessee
Free White Persons - Males - 70 thru 79 1 [b. bet. 1751-1760]
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29 5 [b. bet. 1801-1810, these are George Bell's five daughters living with him in 1830]
Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35 1
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49 5
Total Free White Persons 6
Total Slaves 1
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored) 7
Note: listed immediately after George Bell in this Census is his son Thomas Bell.
- Tennessee, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1810-1891.
Name George Bull
State TN
County Washington County
Township No Township Listed
Year 1814
Record Type Tax list
Database TN Early Census Index
- Tennessee, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1810-1891.
Name George Bell
State TN
County Washington County
Township No Township Listed
Year 1819
Record Type Tax list
Database TN Early Census Index
- Genealogy.com.
I am seeking information on George Bell who appears to have lived in Montgomery County, VA 1760-1780s and married Sarah Shaw.He moved to Washington County, TN and then to Blount County, TN where he died in about 1841.He was the father of Samuel S. Bell and John B. Bell who settled in Iowa.
https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/bell/2223/
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