Many thanks to Sharron Bell, wife of James Bell (William's grandson), for providing more information about the family including a copy of William's death & funeral record.

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Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002

Name: W F Bell

Marriage Date: 17 Aug 1889

Marriage Place: Ozark, Missouri, USA

Spouse: Margarett Hubbs

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On September 20, 1861, William Franklin Bell, son of Henry Harrison & Sarah Jane (Young) Bell, was born in Dora, Ozark Co, MO.

Siblings who followed were Emanuel, Henrietta "Ettie," Manford, Marion, Irvin Monroe, Alvis F., Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie," & Oliver Andrew.

William's mother, Sarah Jane, is believed to have died in childbirth in 1883/1884.

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William was 27 years old when he married Margaret Jane Hubbs, 17, in Ozark Co, MO on August 17, 1889. His brother, Emanuel, married Margaret's sister, Olivia Josephine, known as Josie.

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William & Margaret's children were Landis, Ida O., Marta, Manuel, Julia, Billie, Floy, Emma, & John H.

Federal records have helped provided a brief glimpse into their lives. Their names are spelled as they are shown in the records.

On June 4, 1880 (Federal Census)

William Bell, age 18, single, lived in Richland, Ozark Co, MO with his parents. His father, Henry, farmed to support the family.

Household Members: Children born in MO

Henry Bell 50 Self (Head) - born in AR

Sarah Bell 45 Wife - AR

William Bell 18 Son

Ettie Bell 16 Daughter

Manford Bell 13 Son

Irvin Bell 11 Son

Marion Bell 9 Son

Alvies Bell 5 Son

Lizzie Bell 1 Daughter

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On June 15, 1900,

William F. & Margret Bell, ages 37 & 30, lived in Richland, Ozark Co, MO. They had been married 11 years; Margaret had given birth to 5 children, all of whom were living. William farmed to support the family. Their children, all born in MO, were:

Lando, age 8, born September 1890

Ida A., 7, born October 1892

Mertie, 5, born March 1895

Manuell, 2, born July 1897

July, 2 months, born March

(July was actually Julia born on February 22, 1900)

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Their son, Billy, was born in MO in 1903. In 1904 they moved to Poteau, Le Flore Co, OK.

On April 23/25, 1910,

William & Margret J., ages 45 & 38, were renting a farm in Poteau, Le Flore Co, OK. They had been married 21 years; Margaret had given birth to 8 children, all of whom were living. They were Landis, age 19; Ida A., 17; Myrtle, 15; Manual, 12; Julie, 10; Billy (male), 7; Floy (daughter), 4; & Emma, 2.

Floy & Emma were born in OK.

On January 3, 1920 (Federal Census),

William F Bell, age 56, and his wife, Margaret, lived in Poteau, Le Flore Co, OK owned (mortgage free) a farm located on Tarby and Shady Pt Road. William farmed to support the family. The record showed that he could read and write.

Household Members:

William F Bell 56 Head - born in AR

Margret J Bell 47 Wife - AR

Billie Bell 17 Son - MO

Floy Bell 14 Daughter - OK

Evna Bell 11 Daughter - OK

John H Bell 9 Son - OK

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On April 8, 1930,

Will F. & Margarit, ages 67 & 56, were still living on their farm in Poteau where he farmed to support them. None of their children were at home. The record indicated that William had not served in the military. *Contrary to papers showing he'd served during the Spanish American War of 1898.

Margaret died in Poteau on March 19, 1937.

William & Margaret lived on an 80 acre farm that they owned in Poteau, Le Flore Co, OK. William, who was almost blind, was probably visiting children in Fort Smith, AR when he was run over by a truck. He was visiting his son, Johnnie Bell, who lived in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co, AR when he was run over and killed on December 18, 1944. He was admitted to St. Edwards hospital in Fort Smith where he died from a brain injury three days later, December 21st. He had lived 83 years, 3 months, & 1 day. His body was transported back to Poteau where he was buried beside his beloved wife, Margaret.

"Last Rites Held For William F. Bell

Funeral services for William F. Bell, age 83, who was run over by a truck in Fort Smith and died at St. Edwards hospital there Dec. 21, were held at the Baptist church at Shady Point at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23.

Mr. Bell came to Poteau from Missouri in 1904 and had lived on a farm until he recently bought a home in Poteau and moved to town about a month ago. He was visiting his son, Johnnie Bell, at Fort Smith at the time of his death.

Survivors include two sons, Johnnie of For Smith and Manuel of Berkeley, Calif.; four daughters, Mrs. Julia Garrett of Fort smith, Mrs. Ida Ryan of Webb City, Mo., Mrs. Floy Abbott of Poteau, and Mrs. Evna Bull of Bakersfield, Calif.

Burial was at Shady Point Cemetery with the Miller Funeral home in charge."