1789 Hugh Bell m. Martha Watt 1793-1871 of Fairfield Co, SC and then Oktibbeha Co, Miss

1789 Hugh Bell BIRTH 2 APRIL 1789 • Fairfield, South Carolina on his farm near Winnsboro, DEATH 13 SEPTEMBER 1864 • Starkville, Oktibbeha, Mississippi  married Martha Watt 1793-1871

Parents:

• William Bell 1754–1825
• Margaret Montgomery 1754–1832

William Bell, Hugh’s father, dies Sept 3, 1825. Find a Grave page for William Bell: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25402886/william-bell

Margaret Montgomery, Hugh’s mother, dies January 10, 1798. Hugh Bell is 9 years old.  Find a Grave page for Margaret Montgomery: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/62891946/margaret-bell

Children:

• Maj William Bell 1814–1881 m. Margaret McClure 1818-1891
• Elizabeth Jane Bell 1816–1897 m. Frank Asberry Ware 1810-1897
• Nancy Rebecca Bell 1818–1856 m. William Clark McDowell 1814-1847
• James Watt Bell 1820–1877 m. Elizabeth H Brown 1827-1881
• Isabelle Elizabeth Bell 1823–1911 m. William Robert Wiseman 1816-1888
• John Thomas Bell 1827–1889 m. Mary Jane McCollum 1851-1829
• Sarah Martha Bell 1829–1901 m. William W. Goyen 1828-1864
• J. G. Bell 1830 –
• Mary Bell 1832–1864 m. Archibald Miller 1825-1905
• Henrietta Susannah Bell 1834–1855 never married

Siblings:

• William Bell, 1775-1845
• James Bell, 1779-1809
• Margaret Bell McGill, 1780-
• John Bell, 1781-1849
• Charles Bell, 1785-1844
• Thomas Bell, 1785-1850
• Hugh Bell, 1789-1864
• Elizabeth “Betsy” Bell McKell, 1790-1842
• Adam Bell, 1791-1833
• Robert Bell, 1795-1848
• Isabella Bell Montgomery, 1797-1891 (son in law Hugh Montgomery executor)

FACTS and NOTES:

Hugh Bell was born April 2, 1789 in Fairfield, South Carolina to parents William Bell 1754–1825 and Margaret Montgomery 1754–1832.

In 1800 Hugh Bell is 11 years old and living with his parents in Fairfield County, South Carolina – he would be one of the children listed on the 1800 US Census for William Bell Sr in Fairfield County, South Carolina.

Hugh Bell’s brother, James Bell dies October 11, 1809 in Fairfield County, SC.

Find a Grave for James Bell (1778-1809): https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41964927/james-bell

By 1810, Hugh Bell is 21 years old, but does not show up in a separate household in Fairfield County, SC.  He likely is still living at his father, William Bell Sr in Fairfield County, SC.

1810 United States Federal Census
Name: William Bell
Home in 1810 (City, County, State): Fairfield, South Carolina
Free White Persons – Males – Under 10: 1
Free White Persons – Males – 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons – Males – 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons – Females – Under 10: 2
Free White Persons – Females – 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons – Females – 26 thru 44: 1
: 5
Number of Household Members Under 16: 5
Number of Household Members Over 25: 2
Number of Household Members: 12
Year: 1810; Census Place: Fairfield, South Carolina; Roll: 62; Page: 591; Image: 00195; Family History Library Film: 0181421
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751176?h=41f502

1817 Nov 25 – … I, John Findley of Fairfield District … planter in consideration of $3000 dollars to me in hand paid by William Bell junior … release unto the said William Bell all that plantation or tract of land containing 300 acres being comp… of two original surveys that is to say a tract of 100 acres granted Maria Catherina Munichan the 21 day of Jan 1761 and a tract of 200 acres adjoining the same granted to James Trainer the 7th day of May 1774 situate on Broad River in Fairfield District …. bounding SW on said River, NW on John Hutcheson, NE on Philip Davison(sp?), and SE on Isaac and Charles Dansby …. Signed: John Findley. Wits: William McKell, John Findlay junr, Judea Findley. bk HH2, pg 110. Fairfield Co, SC.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-JYQ8?i=471&cat=207758

(the very next entry in bk HH2):

1818 May 23 – . . . I William Bell Jr of Fairfield Dist, SC, planter, in consideration of $4000.00 paid by Hugh Bell, of same Dist aforesaid, planter, grant . . . to Hugh Bell 300 acres composed of two – a tract of 100 acres granted to Maria Marina Munchan the 21st day of January 1761, and a tract of 200 acres adj the same granted to James Trainer the 7th day of May 1774 (or 1764 or 1794 – smudged), situated on the Broad River in Fairfield Dist bounding SW on said River NW on John Hutcheson NE on Philip Pearson onto SE on Isaac and Charles Dansing. Signed: William Bell Jr. Wit: Richard Nugent, Adam Bell, William Bell Sr. Proven on May 23, 1818 by Richard Nugent in front of JP Charles Bell. bk HH2, pg 112. Fairfield Co, SC. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKW-JYQM?i=472&cat=207758

The 1820 US Census in Fairfield County, SC shows Hugh Bell with 2 young sons and 2 young daughters along with himself and his spouse, Martha Watt Bell.

1820 United States Federal Census
Name: Hugh Bell
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Fairfield, South Carolina
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons – Males – Under 10: 2
Free White Persons – Males – 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons – Females – Under 10: 2
Free White Persons – Females – 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves – Males – 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves – Females – Under 14: 4
Slaves – Females – 14 thru 25: 2
Slaves – Females – 26 thru 44: 1
Number of Persons – Engaged in Agriculture: 4
Number of Persons – Engaged in Manufactures: 1
Free White Persons – Under 16: 4
Free White Persons – Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 6
Total Slaves: 8
Total All Persons – White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 14
1820 U S Census; Census Place: Fairfield, South Carolina; Page: 58; NARA Roll: M33_118; Image: 261
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751150?h=b40175

September 3, 1825, Hugh Bell’s father, William Bell Sr dies in Fairfield County, SC.

Find a Grave for William Bell: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25402886/william-bell

William Bell writes his will that is probated in 1825 and names his his children, including Hugh Bell.

1824 May 14 – Last Will and Testament of William Bell
Fairfield Wills, 1785-1865. Book 10, pg 5
South Carolina, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1670-1980
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751285?h=e95f03 (pg 1)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751287?h=5634ea (pg 2)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751291?h=6eeec1 (pg 3)

The probate accounting of William Bell Sr, dec’d estate from 1825 to 1832  shows Charles Bell and Hugh Montgomery as executors of the estate.   Distributions to the following children are noted in the Fairfield County, SC court minutes: Paid to:  Adam Bell, Robert Bell, John Bell, Margaret McGill, Charles Bell, Thomas Bell, Hugh Bell, Betsy McKell, and Isabella Montgomery.

1825 Sept 20 – Letters Testamentary for William Bell decd.
Granted to Charles Bell and Hugh Montgomery named executorys in the said Will.
Fairfield Estate Records 1821-1837
Item Description Estate Records 1821-1837. pg 1.
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751234?h=233187

1825 Nov 2 – Appraisement of William Bell decd’s estate
1825 Nov 3 – Sale of William Bell decd’s Estate
Will Bk H, Vol 10. 1825-1828. pg 321-324
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751462?h=c9710c (pg 1)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751468?h=8018fd (pg 2)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751475?h=34b5a0 (pg 3)

1832 Jan 19 – Accounting of William Bell decd’s Estate
Will Book L, Vol 13, 1830-1835. pgs 46-48
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751352?h=353e72 (pg 1)
https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/29751359?h=464b16 (pg 2)

Between 1825 to 1832 the Fairfield County, SC court noted the following transactions on William Bell Sr dec’d estate.  The court notes transactions of the following family members:
1832 Jan 1 :
Recd note of Adam Bell
Recd note of Robert Bell
Recd note of Hugh Bell
Recd note of Thomas Bell
Recd note of Charles Bell
Recd note of Hugh Bell on an open account

The following family members received payments:
1827 Aug 2 – paid Adam Bell
1829 Feb 17 – paid James Bell Legacy and interest
1829 March 9 – paid R. M. Taliaferro amount of Legacy to his wife formerly Nancy Bell
1829 March 9 – paid James Watt amt of legacy bequeathed to his wife formerly Margaret Bell
1830 March 30 – paid Wm Bell amt of legacy and int
1831 Jan 1 – paid John Hawthorn amount of legacy to his daughters Margaret, Isabella, Mary, and Nancy.
1831 Feb 3 – paid William M. Bell amt of legacy and interest
1831 March 3 – paid Robert Bell’s proven account
1831 Aug 19 – paid Saml G. McCreight amount of legacy bequeathed to his wife (formerly Sarah Bell) plus int.
Signed by Charles Bell – one of the executors.

Charles Bell and Hugh Montgomery executors for William Bell Sr deceased turned in the accounting to the Fairfield County, SC Court.

1829 Nov 6 – William Brown of Fairfield Dist, SC in consideration of $300 dollars paid by Daniel Kellner of Fairfield Dist, SC … sell to Daniel Keltner land in Fairfield Dist, SC on Hunters Branch a water of Broad River part of a tract conveyed to William Brown by William Bell and Elizabeth McKell executor and executrix of William McKell decd, the remaining part of said tract being conveyed to James Alston…bounded by Charles Free, James Alston, Nathan Free … Signed: William Brown. Wits: James Alston, Hugh Bell. Fairfield Co, SC deed bk HH2, p 113. http://www.ken-shelton.com/Fairfield/Deeds/Deed_HH2/Deed_HH2.htm

1830 July 17 – Petition for Sale of Negroes – Filed July 17,1830
William Bell-deceased-Will dated May 14, 1824
Margaret Bell-daughter-dicd in November 1824-married a McGill
Isabella McGill- granddaughter-married William Hodge
Mary McGill-granddaughter-married William Robinson
William McGill-grandson
Andrew McGill-grandson
Nancy McGill-granddaughter
Charles Bell-son
Hugh Bell-son
Betsy Bell-daughter-married a McKell
Isabella Bell-daughter-married Hugh Montgomery
Equity Court Decrees Film No JR 4705 – Fairfield Co, SC
South Carolina State Archives box – FA76
Frame 129 – 1830 #1
http://fairfieldgenealogysociety.org/Members_Only/PDF/Books/Fairfield%20County%20Equity%20Court%20Records%201807-1870.pdf ;
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSR8-J3JN-X?i=134&cat=437262

Jan 26, 1835 a final accounting was filed by Charles Bell, Esq. It noted payments of notes to William Bell Junior, and Hugh Bell.   Distributions under the will are noted to:
Adam Bell, Robert Bell, John Bell, Margaret McGill, Charles Bell, Thomas Bell, Hugh Bell, Elizabeth McKell, and Isabella Montgomery.   Signed by Charles Bell.

The 1830 US Census in Fairfield SC shows Hugh Bell with 1 male 40-50, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 10-15, and 1 male under 5.
It shows 1 female 30-40, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 5-10, and 2 females under 5.

1836 May 5 – Hugh Bell from J. Erskine Pearson, bk MM, p 349. Fairfield Co, SC.
… that I, J E Pearson … for and in consideration of the sum of eleven hundred and two dollars … paid by Hugh Bell … sell … unto the said Hugh Bell all that parcel plantation of tract of land situate lying in said District of Fairfield on Wilkinsons Creek a branch of Broad River bounded by lands of Daniel S Free, J E Pearson, L Day, and Nathan Free, being part of a plantation formerly the property of Nicholas Tungis deceased having such forms boundaries and buttings as by reference to the plats of resurvey made by Jacob Feaster DS dated 25th Feb 1833 … containing 110 acres laid out for J E Pearson, one for DD Finley containing 165 and 1/2 acres together with all … to the said Hugh Bell … this 5th day of March 1836 … Signed: J Erskine Pearson. Wits: Wm F Pearson, W D Lyles.
Nov 12, 1836 – Ann W Pearson, wife of J. Erskine Pearson, appears in court to renounce her right of dower …
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSR7-YDQJ?i=480&cat=207758

1838 Jan 4 – Hugh Bell of Anderson Orne – Deed bk 2, p 510 Pontotoc Co, MS
… Henry Anderson and Edward Orne of the County of Pontotoc and State of Mississippi for and in consideration of the sum of $2082 dollars and 34 cents paid to us by Hugh Bell of the County and State aforesaid … convey unto the said Hugh Bell … the following tract or parcel of land … the N half of Sec 21 in TS9 of R3E …. 320 and 36/100ths acres … Signed: Henry Andreson, Edward Orne. Wit: W G Crawley, G E Hallett. Pontotoc Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3Q9-CQT2?i=550&cat=250540

1838 Jan 10 – Hugh Bell to W Goodman – Deed bk 2, p 292. Pontotoc Co, MS
… between Hugh Bell of the first part, Walter Goodman of the second part, and Henry Anderson and Edward Orne of the third part… party of the 1st part … purchased of the said parties of the third part the N half of Sec 21 in TS9 of R3E … sum of $2082.83 dollars and cents … a note at each, twelve twenty from thirty six months for $694 dollars and 11 cents each with interest from date on said sums at the rate of 8 percent per annum …. in consideration of the premises and to secure the parties of the third part the payments of said several sums of money and interest when the same shall become due and payable … in consideration of one dollar by the party of the second part to the party of the first part paid, the party of the first part hath granted … unto said Walter Goodman the above described half section of land … if the party of the first part shall make default in the payment of the above sums or any part thereof … when the same shall become due and payable then the said party of the second part shall proceed to make sale of said tract of land for cash by public or private sale as he may think best … out of the proceeds of such sale he shall pay and satisfy the charge of this conveyance … Signed: Hugh Bell. Wit: G E Hallet, W G Crawley. Pontotoc Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3Q9-C7M3?i=437&cat=250540

The 1840 US Census in Fairfield County, SC shows the following people at Hugh Bell’s residence shows the following people:
1 male 50-60, 1 male 15-20, 2 males 10-15.
1 female 40-50, 1 female 20-30, 2 females 15-20, 1 female 10-15, 2 females 5-10.

(Note:  Even though Hugh Bell is conducting land transactions in Mississippi, he appears to have kept a residence in Fairfield Co, SC where he shows up on the US Census).

1840 March 2 deed date – Hugh Bell from David D Free, bk NN, p. 268. Fairfield Co, SC.
… I, Daniel D Free of Fairfield District … in consideration of the sum of $605 dollars … paid by Hugh Bell of Fairfield District … sell and release unto the said Hugh Bell all that parsel plantation or tract of land situated lying and being in the said District on a branch of Wilkeson Creek a water of Broad River bounded at th time of resurveying by land of the said Daniel D Free on one side, by land held by Hugh Bell known as the Ranger Place (Note: or Ringer Place), on one other side by Nathan Free, and lastly by the public road leading from Hugheys Ferry on Broad River to the up country by Mr John Hutchesons being a piece of land set off and surveyed from a tract now belonging to DD Free known as the James tract having such other forms and marks buttings and boundings as by reference to a plat of resurvey made by William B Ethan DCS dated the 12th February 1840 containing 70 acres and 3/4ths …. Signed: Daniel D Free. Wits: Daniel B Kirkland, Charles Bell, Francis A Ware.
Proved up in court on March 2, 1840 by Francis A Ware by oath …. Recorded March 2, 1840.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSR8-X9XY-G?i=139&cat=207758

1840 Sept 19 – Hugh Bell to Jas M Drake – Deed bk 3, p 411 Pontotoc Co, MS
… between Hugh Bell of the County of Pontotoc in the State of Mississippi of the first part and James W Drake of the said County and State of the second part …. for and in consideration of the sum of $600 dollars .. to him in hand paid by the said party of the second part …. convey … to the said party of the second part … a certain tract of land situate withing the County and State aforesaid … Section 21, in TS9, R3E … containing 40 acres … Signed: Hugh Bell, Margarett Bell. Wit: John A McNeil. Pontotoc Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL5-WCPP?i=277&cat=250540

1840 Sept 19 – Hugh Bell to R E Orne – Deed bk 3, p 460 Pontotoc Co, MS
… between Hugh Bell of Pontotoc County of the first part and Richard E Orne of the second part, and Edward Orne of the third part…. said party of the first part did purchase under date of the 4th day of Jan 1838 a certain tract of land known and desiganted in the surveys … as N half of Sect 21 in TS9, R3E … in the County of Pontotoc and State of Mississippi … now in consideration of the premesis and to secure the party of the third part the payment of the said sums of money on the day when the payment falls and in consideration of one dollar by the party of the second part to the party of the first part, he that party of the first part hath granted …. unto said Richard E Orne the party of the second part the above described premises except 40 acres off the west side of the NW quarter of the same … if the party of the first pary shall make default … then the party of the second part shall procede to make sale of said land for cash … Signed: Hugh Bell, Edward Orne, Richard E Orner attorney in fact. Pontotoc Co, MS.  https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL5-WCVX?i=299&cat=250540

Nov 6th, 1842 Hugh Bell, William Watt and James McCreight sign a Petition for the Poor in Fairfield County, SC.

1843 Dec 14 – Hugh Bell to Edward Orne – Deed bk 5, p 275 Pontotoc Co, MS
… between Hugh Bell of the County of Pontotoc of the first part and Edward Orne trustee of Desoto in the State of Mississippi of the second part … party of the first part, for and in consideration of $282 dollars lawful money …. to him paid by the said party of the second part …. confirm unto the said party of the second part …. all that tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the County of Pontotoc and State of Mississippi … the N half of Sect 21 in TS9, R3E … except 40 acres off the West side of the NW quarter of the same … Signed: Hugh Bell. Wit: Richard E Orne. Pontotoc Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL5-79ZV-S?i=156&cat=250540

1844 Dec 17 – Hugh Bell from D A Outlaw and others bk 4, p. 465
… between Lawrence Beverly, Dandy A Outlaw, James Bell and David Bell all of the County of Oktibbeha and State of Mississippi of the first part and Hugh Bell of the second part … parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of $2560 dollars to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part …. sell unto the said party of the second part … a certain tract or parcel of land known and designated as follows the South half of Section 30, TS19, R15E, containing 320 acres … Signed: Lawrence Beverly, D A Outlaw, James Bell, David Bell, Clara E Outlaw, Eliza J Beverly, R A Bell. Wits: Lewis Moore, William E Smith. Oktibbeha Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL5-45Z2?i=246&cat=254636

(Note:  This is Hugh Bell’s first transaction in Oktibbeha Co, MS that I have found so far).

The 1845 Mississippi Census in Pontotoc County shows Hugh Bell has moved to Mississippi.   Hugh Bell’s household has 3 males and 4 females (no ages given).

Locations of Bell family lands and families related in Oktibbeha Co, MS:

The 1846 Oktibbeha County, Miss tax rolls show Hugh Bell in that county.

1847 June 14 – Hugh Bell from Charles P Montgomery and Caroline his wife. bk 4, p 93
… we Charles P Montgomery and Caroline B his wife of Mississippi and County of Oktibbeha of the first part, and Hugh Bell of the above named State and County of the second part … in consideration of the sum of $12 to me in hand paid by the party of the second part … quit claimed to the said Hugh Bell … land viz commencing at the NW corner of Sec 32, in TS19, R15E, thence S 29p chains, thence E 40 chains, thence south 23 chains to the road … contains 26 and 34/100 acres … Signed: C P Montgomery, C B Montgomery. Oktibbeha Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSL5-45C2?i=55&cat=254636

The 1850 US Census in Oktibbeha County, Miss shows Hugh Bell head of household age 61, Martha age 57, John age 23, Sarah age 20, Mary age 18, Susannah age 16, Jane McDowell age 32 with her children Martha age 9, Dorothy age 7, and Elizabeth age 5
All in the household were born in South Carolina other than 5 year old Elizabeth McDowell who was born in Mississippi.

By 1851 Hugh Bell has taken on William W. Goyen as a boarder in his home while William W. Goyen teaches at the local school.  During his time there, William W. Goyen marries Hugh Bell’s daughter – Sarah Martha Bell (b. 1829).

At least two of William W. Goyen’s letters he wrote while living as a boarder at Hugh Bell’s home have survived.  Transcripts of them are below.   William W. Goyen’s parents (Drury Goyen and Elizabeth) had died around 1847-1848 leaving several of his younger siblings as true orphans.  Those siblings are raised by relatives.  The letters below are letters to his sisters and cousins who live with his paternal grandmother Doshia Plaxco (mother of Drury Goyen – she had remarried to a John Plaxco after William W, Goyen’s grandfather Elijah Goyen died in 1807).  The cousins were the McCluneys, and his sisters are the “Goings” – he and his sisters used both the Goings and Goyen spellings.  After the mid-1860s some of the siblings kept Goyen, others kept Going as the spelling of their last name.

July 29, 1851 – William W. Goyen Letter:  William W. Goyen is living as a boarder at Hugh Bell’s place in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Miss, and writing his sister Elvira D. Goyen and to his cousin Adeline McClueny who are living at his uncle Thompson McCluney’s home in Yalobusha County, Miss.

Miss. – Oktibbeha County, July 29, 1851

(William W. Goyen to his sister Elvira D. Goyen) – (W W Goings to E D Goings). 

Dear Sister,

I embrace this opportunity of answering yours of June 10th which gave me great satisfaction to hear that you were all enjoying tolerably good health.  It found me in good health.  My health for the last few days has been rather delicate, but it is improving, owing to the intensity of the heat and long continuance of the drought I concluded to defer comming down until fall. 

My first session closed the 18th inst. and I will resume the second the 4th of August.  I had quite an interesting examination and an excellent dinner given by the patrons and friends of my school.  The Rev. Mr. Presley delivered an address suited to the occasion.  All that was present was well pleased.  Next session I shall have several new schollars.  I am well satisfied and am getting along with great facility.  Since my school closed I have enjoyed myself finally. 

Last week I road about and became acquainted with several young ladies, some of which I am greatly distressed about.  This week we have had a protracted meeting at the 16th Dist. Section.  I saw the Miss Burts and Miss Rife there.  I can say but little about them except they are not married as yet and I suppose there is no probability of it soon.

I am still in the notion of settling myself next fall though; if I could always have such a boarding house as I have now I would be satisfied to board.  I have all the conveniences that I could ask for and nothing to pay. 

I am now boarding at the house of Mr. Bell the father of the beautiful Miss Bell I alluded to some time since.  I intend to make a speach to Miss Bell in good earnest soon.  If you or cousin A. either are going to marry I want you to write and I will come down without delay.  If not I will not come before my school is out which will be the first of Dec. 

The health of the country is good so far as my knowledge extends.  Crops are very short in this vicinity owing to the drought.  So nothing more. 

Give my best love and respect to all and more especially to Granma.  Tell her I want to see her very much. 

I am your most affectionate Brother until death. 

Wm W. Goings. 

Part 2 of letter

(William W. Goyen to his cousin A. E. McCluney) – both letters sent on same paper at same time.

I was greatly moved when I heard of your illness, but glad to hear that you are getting better when Sister wrote.  I am sorry to say to you that owing to the delicacy of my health that I shall have to defer paying you a visit until fall.  Nothing is more painful to me than to defer a visit in which I have anticipated as much pleasure.

At this time I have vacation.  I have enjoyed my self finally for the past week, and am getting along most admirably both in school and out of school.

I spend my evenings in conversation with a very amiable and intelligent young lady who shares the greater part of my affections and is sweet and consoling to me.  I vainly cherish the hope that my love is reciprocated by her.  However, I have pledged myself not to give my hand in matrimony until I see Miss P of whom you spoke of, and I am resolved to stick to my integrity if Miss P does not marry, which I hope she will not do before I come down.

Though the time may seem long the fleeting moments will soon rool round.  If it be the will of God for us to live we may then be blessed.  Think not hard of me dear cousin for not coming sooner, for I want to see you all worse than you can want to me.  Write as soon as this comes to hand.  Give my respect to all and believe me I am your

Affectionate cousin until death.

Wm. W. Going

to Miss A. McCluney

(Source: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, William Goyen, 1915-1983, Papers, ca. 1923-1984, 54 Boxes, Box 43 – Folder 10 and Box 48 – Folder 4)

July 13, 1851, Hugh Bell’s father in law – William Watt – dies in Fairfield County, South Carolina.  In the will, William Watt names his children.  He names:

Son – James Watt (who was married to Margaret Bell – sister of Hugh Bell).  Find a Grave:  http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=43075933
Son – Charles Watt
Son – Thomas Watt
Son – John Watt decd – (his children – Nancy Rabb, Alexander Watt, William Watt, John Watt, Rebecca Watt, Thomas Watt, and Mary Watt)
Son – William Watt decd – (his children – Elizabeth Watt, Lenora L. Watt, Mary Jane Watt, Nancy Louisa Watt, and William Watt).
Daughter – Martha (Watt) Bell wife of Hugh Bell
Daughter – Margaret (Watt) Weir (actually Margaret Ware – she married Thomas C. Ware who died in 1835 in Fairfield County, SC).  (Hugh Bell is listed several in the probate papers on Thomas C. Ware’s probate papers).
Daughter – Jane Watt Jr

James Watt and Thomas Watt are appointed as executors:

Probate distributions in 1853 and 1854 name several of his children who have been living in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi since before William Watt’s death in 1851.

1851, September 9 – William W Goyen letter to McCluney family:

1860 May 7 – William W. Goins admr of estate of A S Davis – No. 314. p. 335-336
W W Goins and John E Davis administrators – 1st annual acct.
1859 disbursements noted to:
John E. Goins, Pig Cromwell, Chapmnan and Seely, Thomas Ward, Wm McCreight, James Ross, John M Moseley, James Gillespie, Mat Ames, S Milton, J M Rogers, Cross and Suddoth …
Signed: J E Davis, W W Goins, admrs.
SALE of A S Davis intest estate included the following purchasers: A W Miller, Squire Clark, Hugh Bell, A W Miller, P Cromwell. Signed: W W Goins.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99QX-789T?i=173&wc=M7MK-3P8%3A344538001%2C344782201&cc=2036959&cat=242852

1860 Nov 26 – Letter to Elizabeth Wiseman in Texas from Hugh and Martha Bell in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.

Starkville, Miss. Nov. 26, 1860

Mrs. E. Wiseman,

My Dear daughter,

It has been some time since I heard from you and as a parent I will address you again by the way of latter and perhaps for the last God only knows for I feel some times as though my probation was at an end and my case was finally consumated and I shall soon go forward to receive my reward from the judge both of quick dead. This leaves us all well as usual. your father is enjoying good health considering his superanuated frame.  He like myself has almost numbered his three score and ten years. Pray that we may be prepared for the coming of the Son and that we may have our robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb and be able to enter into the marriage feast. And prepare thyself to meet us there. It is our constant prayer that you may have your house in readiness and waiting for the coming of the bridegroom for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh.

We have no news of importance. Crops are a general average cotton in particular.

Margaret Valentine has another daughter. Her health is not good but she is better than she has been for a few weeks past.

Martha I. Miller has a fine son almost able to plow considering he is yet an infant. Frank’s people has got well again after a protracted spell of sickness. I believe I have given you all of the general news of the day. James W. Bell’s people are well as far as I know and the friends generally speaking.

Write often is the request of your father and mother. Mr. Wiseman shares this letter equally with you. Nothing more but remain.  Your affectionate Father and Mother

Hugh and Martha Bell  (Written by Martha Bell).

(Source: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, William Goyen, 1915-1983, Papers, ca. 1923-1984, 54 Boxes, Box 43 – Folder 10 and Box 48 – Folder 4)

1861 April 3 – No 132. Wm McDowell intes acct and rept of the proceeds of the sale of slaves account and report of Hugh Bell, admr of W C McDowell decd on account of the proceeds of sale of two slaves George and John.
J W Bell for negro man George dated Jan 9, 1860 – $2010.10
Robert Miller note for negro John dated Jan 9, 1860 – $1905.00 …
… by amt paid Martha Jane Miller, formerly Martha Jane McDowell as per 1/3 – $1280.63.
… by amt paid J W Bell guardian of Dorothy and Elizabeth McDowell 2/3 – $2561.27.
… TO estate of Nancy McDowell to negro woman Julia and her child George hire of woman Julia in 1860 …
… Jan 1, 1861 by amt paid executor J W Bell …
… shows in said report the delivering of the property of the estate of Nancy McDowell to the executor James W Bell the same having been paid for out of the portion of her husbands estate to which she was entitled, the notes reported by the final settlement … Signed: Hugh Bell. Filed April 2, 1861. Book Inventories No 1, page 434.
“Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99QX-7ZTS?cc=2036959&wc=M7MK-3P8%3A344538001%2C344782201 : 21 May 2014), Oktibbeha > Final records 1857-1867 > image 204 of 415; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99QX-7Z1M?i=224&wc=M7MK-3P8%3A344538001%2C344782201&cc=2036959&cat=242852

1861 May 6 – No 314 A S Davis intestate annual acct. W W Goyens and J E Davis admins of A S Davis decd, 1861 2d annual acct.
Disbursements (payments to the following people listed): J E Davis, R A Miller, James Williams D S Johnson, James Gillespie, W C Bishop, Calvin Bridges, Squire Clark, E M Sayle, T J Black, W L Cromwell.
Receipts (payments from the following people listed): T C McCuney, James Williams, Mrs T Davis, G W Champion, Thomas Rice, J B Saunders, T W Strowhan, T E Davis, R P Davis, Silas Cooper, John McCarady, Hugh Bell.
Signed: W W Goyen.
“Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9QX-7C4N?cc=2036959&wc=M7MK-3P8%3A344538001%2C344782201 : 21 May 2014), Oktibbeha > Final records 1857-1867 > image 242 of 415; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.

1861 June 19 – Hugh Bell from F A Ware – E, NE, 34, 19, 15. bk 14, p 340. Oktibbeha Co, MS.
… between F A Ware and E J Ware his wife of Oktibbeha Co, MS of the one part and Hugh Bell of Oktibbeha Co MS of the other … F A Ware and E J Ware his wife … in consideration of $480 dollars … convey to Hugh Bell … the East half of the NE quarter of Section 30, TS19, R15E …. 80 acres … Signed: F A Ware, E J Ware. Wit: H B Ware, D Valentine. Oktibbeha Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3Q8-T9W8-1?i=176&cat=254636

1861 Nov 11 – Letter to Elizabeth Bell Wiseman (Hugh Bell’s daughter) in Texas from Isabella Jane Ware (neice of Elizabeth Bell – and daughter of E. Jane Bell Ware and Frank A. Ware).  Second part of letter is to William R. Wiseman from Frank A. Ware.

Starkville Miss. Nov 11, 1861

Mrs. I. E. Wiseman,

My dear Aunt,

I seat myself this morning to write you a few lines to let you know that I have not forgotten you yet but I think you have entirely forgotten me. I have written to you two or three times but have not received an answer but I thought that I would write to you whether you write to me or not. We are all well. We had a great deal of sickness last summer. Nearly everyone on the place was sick black and white. All the white ones were sick but Paul and Martha and myself. We had three doctors and they were here twice nearly every day. We had two negroes to die. Themis’ oldest child. He was about fifteen years old and Betty’s oldest. He was seven. There was only two weeks between their deaths. They died with inflamation of the bowels. We had to sit up every night for four weeks. Grandpa’s family is all well. Bell has been home and he has gone back to Due West. He has been gone five weeks. We have heard from him twice since he left. He is well. Cousin Elizabeth McBell’s oldest son went back with him. I received a letter from Sally Bell about two months ago. She said her Pa’s family was all well. She was in Winsborough going to school but she has gone hom to stay. She asked me to tell her where you Post Office was that she was going to write to you. I don’t know whether she wrote or not. Aunt Margy is not well. She has a young baby not a week old. It will be a week old tomorrow. It is a girl. I believe the rest of her family is well. We have a negro woman got a baby just four weeks old and Grandpa’s Cely has got a baby three months old. Grand Pa bouth a little negro girl from a trader. He gave one thousand dollars for her. She is about ten years old. There isn’t any preaching at the A. R. Church today. Mr. Pressly will preach over at Pine Cone. Ma and Pa have gone over there to preaching. They will stay at uncle Miller’s tonight and come home in the morning. Uncle Miller’s family is all well.

Martha Jane and Mr. Miller are living over there about a half a mile from uncle Miller. Mr. Miller is building Mr. Muse a fine house. Martha Jane has got a baby three weeks old. It is a boy. When we heard from Aunt Sallie she was well. They are going to live over at Trim Cane next year. Pa made a good crop of cotton. He made 75 or 80 bales. He won’t get it picked until March. He did not make much corn. We did not raise but about ten hogs to kill. We will have to buy meat next year and it is so dear. Pork is worth nine cents a pound. We have got a garden full of cabbage and a good turnip patch. Pa saved a large wheat patch and there is a good stand up. Captain William Montgomery had a little negro girl burnt to death last Monday morning and Mr. Tom Gladny had one burnt to death last night. Charles Adams is married. He married Elisa Ann Reese. I have not seen his wife yet. Cousin Thomas Adams is up here. He lives in Dixon County and is up here on a visit. Cousin Robert Bell is married. He married Miss McCall. Presbytery will meet here next April. Martha wrote to you the last time I wrote you and you have never answered our letters yet. I sent you a piece of my hair. When you write you must tell me whether you got it or not Auntie. If you don’t answer this letter I don’t think I will write you any more. I think you might answer my letters as I am your namesake and the only one of your nieces that writes to you. If you don’t answer this letter I will think you don’t care anyhing about me. I have written two or three letters and have received no answer yet. Pa wrote to uncle William but he did not answer his letter. We have got a box of apples put up for winter. I wish you were here to help eat them. If you will come out here next spring I will save you some. We had a great deal of fruit this year. Tell Sammy and Erskine to come out here to live and they will have plenty of apples and peaches to eat. Well as I have nothing more of importance to write I will close. Give my respects to uncle William and all of the children. Uncle John is not married yet. Now you must be sure and answer this so good bye.

From your affectionate niece,
Isabella J. Ware

Mr. W. R. Wiseman,

As there is still room I will try to write you a few lines to inform you that I am still in the land of the living and not altogether forgotten you although it seems that we are forgotten by you. I suppose you have got so old and so rich you scarcely remember that there is such beings as we are on the earth. But I can assure you that we are sitll knocking about doing as well as we can. Trying to get out the cotton now and it is raining and cold. I am compelled to loose $1000 worth of cotton. I have sixty-five out and one hundred acres I might say never touched. We have hired all that I can and now the weather is so bad that it wil not pay to give a high price for hands to pick and you may guess I am in the suds or blues which please to call it. I can’t contrive what is best to do. We are making a fair crop of cotton in this neighborhood. It is not so around us. Cotton is flat in Mobile. Worth ten to eleven cents. Corn crop is short though plentiful in this neighborhood. We hear of great scarcity almost in every direction and pork is worth 9 cents and scarce at that. There will not be more than half a supply. Ben Seales is married to Wm. Vick’s oldest daughter, Mary Francis. Been married three or four weeks. I want you and Liza to come over soon. You won’t write and tell us what you are doing and I know I would be glad to see you once more and hear from some of your hunts and many other things would interest me if it should be about — If you don’t write tell the boys to write. We want to hear from you.

F. A. Ware

People mentioned: F. A. Ware, Elizabeth Bell Wiseman, William Wiseman,

(Source: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, William Goyen, 1915-1983, Papers, ca. 1923-1984, 54 Boxes, Box 43 – Folder 10 and Box 48 – Folder 4)

1862 May Court – No 314 A S Davis intestate annual acct...
Receipts noted from the following people: A W Miller, Hugh Bell, R P Davis, W H Cross.
Paid: W W Goyen admr – on voucher at 8 percent: $3690.22.
Signed: W W Goyen, admr.
“Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9QX-7C4N?cc=2036959&wc=M7MK-3P8%3A344538001%2C344782201 : 21 May 2014), Oktibbeha > Final records 1857-1867 > image 242 of 415; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.

1863 Feb 10 – Hugh Bell from John T Bell 1 slave, bk 15, p 1.
… in consideration of the natural love and affection I have for my son John T Bell, I Hugh Bell ... give to my said son John T Bell my negro man named Dick aged about 28 years … Signed: Hugh Bell. Wits: W J Richy, G A Culpepper. Oktibbeha Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3Q8-T97Z-5?i=308&cat=254636

1863 Nov 7 – Hugh Bell to John T Bell – S and ENE, 30 – bk 14, p 327.
… between Hugh Bell of Oktibbeha Co, MS of the one part and John T Bell of the same County and State … Hugh Bell for $4000 dollars paid by John T Bell has conveyed to John T Bell certain lands … S half and E half of NE quarter of Sec 30, TS19, R15…. containing in all 400 acres … Signed: Hugh Bell. Oktibbeha Co, MS.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3Q8-T9WW-V?i=169&cat=254636

May 9th, 1864 — Letter from William W. Goyen to his daughters and wife – Sarah Martha Bell (daughter of Hugh Bell and Martha Watt Bell) – from the field during the Civil War.  This letter and the following letter were found on his body after he had been killed on June 10, 1864 at the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads:

CAMP NEAR VERONA, MISSISSIPPI.

“Dear Little Girls” — Your dear Papa has for the first time in his life seated himself for the purpose of writing you. This leaves me in good health and doing well and I hope it may find you in the same enjoyment.

Papa often thinks of his dear little girls and asks the Great God to keep them from harm, and I hope that he will do so. Be good and kind to all, but especially to each other. Love is only to be obtained by giving love in return, and this I enjoin upon you. Love each other and you will have the blessings of your good and kind parents and at the same time secure the blessings of our appreciating God.

Study your books diligently and learn to write soon.  Papa would like to have a letter written by you very much indeed, and I know if you mind Cousin Martha that you will soon be able to write yourself, but now you will have to get them or Cousin Doff to write for you as you are just beginning to learn. My Dear Little Girls you must have them write me how you are getting along at school and how fast you are learning and whether you are well satisfied at school or not, also what you are studying.

Let me know when you heard from Ma and how she and John Bell and Eugene were.

My dear Little Girls you must be good to your kind GrandPa and Ma and must not vex them and they will love you and bless you.

I saw your Aunt NANNIE PROVINE and her little boy (Joseph Fipdley Provine) and Kin a few days ago at Coles Creek. They were very well and would like to see you very much. They speak of visiting you this summer.

Love to you and your Grand Pa and Ma, also Cousin Doff; Uncle Frankand Aunt Liz and cousin Martha and others that you wish to, and remember to do good. Goodbye my dear little “Bettie” (Martha Elizabeth) and Anna Mae. Love to all there and remember to do good. This is from your dear Papa —W. W. GOYEN. — P. E. – Write to me soon, Direct your letter to Duff’s Regiment, Verona, Mississippi.”

Letter No 2:  dated June 7, 1864 – From William W. Goyen to his wife Sarah Martha Bell Goyen (daughter of Hugh Bell and Martha Watt Bell) from a camp near New Albany – this was the 2nd letter that was found on his body after he was killed at Brice’s Crossroads.  Both letters were returned home to his wife, Sarah Martha Bell:

“My Dear Wife: . — In haste I drop you a few lines. This leaves me in good health, and I hope it may find you in the same enjoyment.

We have been on the March two days to meet the enemy. They are at Ripley, and we expect to fight them today or tomorrow if they come on. I do not know how many there is. We have about 1500 in our Brigade. We have had a great deal of rain here. I found all the boys willing and in good spirits. I hope that we will come out all right.

Tell Billy to push ahead. I will write again as soon as we get through the scrap that we are in.

Write to me – Direct it to OXFORD, Duff’s Regiment, Company “K”.  Kiss the children for me.

God Bless all of you.  — W. W. GOYEN” 

1864 October – Letter from Frank A. Ware and Hugh Bell Ware in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi to Elizabeth Bell Wisemand and William R. Wiseman in Texas.  The letter is to inform of the death of Hugh Bell and of Hugh Bell’s daughter, Mary Bell Miller – who was married to Archibald Miller.

Hugh Bell (Apr 2, 1789 to Sept 13, 1864) – Find a Grave:  http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=43738791

Mary Bell Miller (Oct 3, 1831 to Oct 4, 1864) – Find a Grave:  http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=67530658

(Letter to Mrs. I. E. Wiseman from her nephew Hugh Bell Ware).

Starkville, Miss. October 1864

My Dear Aunt,

As an opportunity presents itself of sending a letter by hand across the river, I will write you a few lines informing you that we are all well. I have been very sick but I am going about improving rapidly. Sad new to write you I dislike writing, nevertheless it is my duty and must be performed. Grandpa and Aunt Mary Miller have departed from this earth to take their final resting place elsewhere. Grandpa died the 14th September very suddenly. He was taken about dark with an appoplectic fit. He lived about four hours with the fit on him speechless the whole time. Aunt Mary died from the effect of measles on the 4th of this month. She was sensible to the last and died willingly. She left five children the younges nearly two years old. Arch Miller is at home and has been ever since the fall of Vicksburg. He was paroled and has never been exchanged. His children are staying with him at home. He (Mr. Miller) has one of his sisters keeping house for him. You heard I guess befoe this that Mr. Goings  was killed the 10th of June in an engagement in the northern part of the state. Aunt Sallie has four children the youngest nearly three years old. She is keeping house and getting on finely. Brother Thomas is in the army in Georgia. We have not heard from him in a month the last we heard he was well and getting on finely. I had a letter from Jimmie Wiseman a few day ago. He was well and getting along pretty well. Mr. Miller is here and sends his respects to you all. Have not heard from South Carolina in some time. As Pa wishes to write a few lines I must quit for him. Write to me soon. Nothing more. Kiss your children for me. I will write again. I would write more bu Mr. Gibson who will take this is in a hurry to leave.

Your most sincerly
H. B. Ware

(Letter to Mr. W. R. Wiseman from F. A. Ware – brother in law).

Dear Brother,

As Bell has left room for me to write to tell you some about the things left as the will of our old father which I send you a copy in this. I am going to test the validity of the will and think you might authorize me to act for you or someone. I wish to know from you if you want the will contested or not and it will be necessary for you to have some agent here to sign for you. Do not think I wish to be your agent. I mean that it is necessary you should have an authorized agent to act for you here. I have been today trying to compromise and do not know but I will succeed and if so you will need an agent to take charge of your property. Miller and John are in favor of setting the will aside. James is all I have to contend with. Sarah is willing to anything but she has an advisor as you may know. I am determined to put the thing through and I think I will succeed. I maynot. Billy is in the army in Virginia and I can’t hear from him yet will soon. If you conclude to take an interest let me hear as soon as you can from you. I can’t say anymore as I have to meet John in town. I have but few minutes. If the bearer of this, Mr. Gibson does not leave today I will write tonight and give you more of the particulars. As ever your true friend and brother,

F. A. Ware

(Source: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, William Goyen, 1915-1983, Papers, ca. 1923-1984, 54 Boxes, Box 43 – Folder 10 and Box 48 – Folder 4)

1864 Nov 7 – Letter from James Oliver Wiseman to his mother, Elizabeth Bell Wiseman (daughter of Hugh Bell and wife of William R. Wiseman – living in Texas).

(Letter from James Oliver Wiseman to Mrs. I. E. Wiseman)

Camp 4th Texas, Nov 7, 1864

Dear Mother,

Yours of the 25th Sept. was received this morning and my joy can better be imagined than described on paper. I could hardly contain myself. I was sorry to hear of Pa’s affliction and I hope by this time he is better. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news to you. Your Father and sister Mary Miller are both dead. Aunt Mary died on the 4th of Oct. from the effects of the measles. Grandfather was sick only 3 hours. I have not heard his disease or date of his death. His last words were, “I am slipping”. I am truly sorry to be the bearer or rather the writer of such bad news to you, but I fear that you have not heard it through other sources. Uncle James wrote uncle Billie’s family about it, and they wrote to me. Aunt Mary left five little children.

Uncle Billie’s family are all well. Cousin Sally has been going to school for eight months and she now is enjoying vacation for two months. From all accounts she with two others received the first honors. I received a letter this morning from my little South Carolina sweetheart. I received yours at the same time, but my anxiety to hear from home could not be compared to anything and so I devoured the contents of your letter first and came near forgetting the other.

Tell Mr. Erk and Press they had better be at school, for they are losing the golden moments fast. They should by all means be sent to school, for it is all nonsense to think of waiting until the war is over, for I would not be at all surprised if the war did last long enough yet for them to be old enough to be soldiers. I think our people of the South are acting very unwisely in not shcooling the rising generation. I think that it will take four more years of war to bring the northern people to their senses. I think that there is no doubt but that Lincoln will be elected. We will know be the last of the week who will be the next Northern President. This week will be recollected and noted, as our Congress meets and the Yankees choose freedom or despotism and perhapse some large battle will be fought. We are making our fortifications stronger every day, and you may be sure that Richmond can never be taken by assault and I might say it can never be taken while Gen. Lee and his army lives, for I consider Richmond now the strongest place in the South, and if we can not hold it we can’t hold any place. I sometimes think we are treated badly by our authorities. They will not give a man in the Brigade a furlough to go beyond Selma, Alabama. I am willing to stay here until next November and do good soldiering, that is if I live, and after that time I am going to come home, and I do not think the people of Texas can blame me or any one else.

(Source: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, William Goyen, 1915-1983, Papers, ca. 1923-1984, 54 Boxes, Box 43 – Folder 10 and Box 48 – Folder 4)

1865 March 4 – Letter from James W. Bell to his sister Elizabeth Bell Wiseman (both children of Hugh Bell).

Starkville, Mississippi – March 4, 1865

Mrs. Elizabeth Wiseman

Dear Sister,

Jimmy is going home. I will endeavor to drop you a few short lines. As there are so many going to write I will not endeavor to give you any news and as James is here he can tell you all. I was glad to see him and somewhat surprised too.

I have no doubt you have heard how father made his will. He left everything to John, Mary, Sarah, and myself. I don’t suppose any of his children or anyone else knew he had such a will. We have all agreed to make an equal division at mother’s death but some of them are not willing for that.

I think som of them have acted queer in the eyes of the world. They are all mad at poor old mother who had nothing to do with it and must grieve because it was so.

I will tell you how the Ware family has acted. They have sworn they would never eat a mouthful in the house and Peggy not much better. You know it grieves mother. They scarecely ever put a foot in the house but we are getting along very well without them. I don’t think I could treat my own dear mother the way they have treated her. She went to Wares a few times after father’s death and they would hardly countenance her.

I know they will give you an account of it all. I will leave for you to say if that is Christian like and to treat one so that was innocent an has done so much for them but eaten bread is soon forgotten. As for my part I am willing to divide if they don’t take it to law but if they take it there I will hold it if I can but I don’t want any more than my share. I don’t reckon some of them would have anything that was on the place and I don’t think they deserve anything after the way they have acted. They wanted a division this spring but they couldn’t get that.

As some of them have been praying for father’s death I reckon they will pray for mother’s now. They would turn her out of doors if they could. I have been attending to the place ever since the war. I don’t expect after the war is over there will be much to fuss over. If they free the negroes there will not be much left as the land is John’s. Enough of that subject. This leaves us all well and plenty to eat but don’t know how long it will be the case for we have nothing to call our own and never will again.

Elizabeth’s health is much better than it has been for many years. I have been four trips to the war but ninety days is the longest time I have ever been out bu I don’t it will have to be before I will have to go. E. joins in love to all the family. I hope we may meet in this world and if not I hope we will meet in heaven is my prayer.

I remain your affectionate brother.

James W. Bell

(Source: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, William Goyen, 1915-1983, Papers, ca. 1923-1984, 54 Boxes, Box 43 – Folder 10 and Box 48 – Folder 4)

1867 Sept 2 – J W Bell filed his – September Term of Probate Court of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
Annual account of J W Bell, executor of the last will and testament of Hugh Bell, decd.
Balance filed Sept 5, 1866: $2467.35
(Payments):
1866- …amt pd Jos Bardwell, guardiand and C. as per voucher $109.50
1866 Oct 8 … pd F A Ware administrator $154.70
1866 Dec 9 … pd Hamilton, Young & Bush $98.18
1867 May 29 … pd R W Bond for monument $105.00
1867 July 22 … pd W L Rives judgement in part $400.00
Total Pd: $866.38.
New Balance: $1600.97
Recorded Jan 17, 1868 in Book Inventories No 1, p 723.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9QX-7H5N?i=382&cc=2036959&cat=242852 ;

The 1870 US Census in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi shows 78 year old Martha Bell as head of household.  Hugh Bell has died back in 1864.  Living at the household is John T. Bell and Sarah Goyen with Sarah’s children – 15 year old Lizzie (Elizabeth), 14 year old Anna, 11 year old John, and 8 year old William.  Also at the house are 37 year old Henry Johnston, and 40 year old James Abercrombie.

The 1870 US Census above lines up with the letters above, Martha Watt Bell is head of household as Hugh Bell has died in 1864.  William W. Goyen died at the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads June 10, 1864 and his wife, the daughter of Hugh and Martha Bell – Sarah Martha Bell Goyen – has moved back into her parent’s home along with her children.

James W. Bell’s letter in 1865 says that “John” received all the land in Hugh Bell’s will – and there is 40 year old John T. Bell living at the home of his mother Martha Watt Bell.   John T. Bell is listed as a farmer – so obviously he is tending Hugh Bell’s old land that he has inherited.

The South lost the war, so just as James W. Bell predicted in his 1865 letter, the slaves have been freed, and so Hugh Bell’s other children have lost much of the value of their inheritance.

The following year, Dec 29, 1871, Martha Watt Bell dies.  Find a Grave:  http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=43738875

(Note:  The Find a Grave site for Martha Watt Bell mistakenly has her maiden name as Montgomery.  William Watt’s 1851 will confirms Hugh Bell married William Watt’s daughter Martha Watt.  Additionally, the 1852 letter from Susanna Bell to Elizabeth Bell Wiseman confirms that Hugh Bell’s children have “aunts and uncles” that are in the Watt family.  Susanna Bell never marries and never has children, so her only aunts and uncles could be from her own parents. We know Hugh Bell’s parents are father Bell and mother Montgomery – no Watts there.  These are not paternal aunts and uncles.  This verifies that these are Martha Bell’s siblings, and so her maiden name is Watt – daughter of William Watt – as stated in William Watt’s 1851 will.  I have provided information to Find a Grave and hopefully they will correct the entry).

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I want to give a special thanks to Nan Hoos – who provided me with the letters found on William W. Goyen’s body and photographs of Martha Elizabeth Goyen, and John Bell Goyen’s families (children of Sarah Martha Bell, and grandchildren of Hugh Bell) that I have used with the Bell and Goyen families that lived in Mississippi and then to Texas.   Nan Hoos’ grandmother was Martha Elizabeth Goyen – daughter of Sarah Martha Bell Goyen and William W. Goyen.

Sarah Martha Bell Goyen saved these letters.  Her daughter, Martha Elizabeth Goyen, saved the letters.  Martha Elizabeth Goyen’s granddaughters (Nan Hoos, Geneva Ashby Jones, and Mrs. Elmer Adams – Rosine Lanora Martin), all did significant work in ancestry research and maintaining copies and/or transcripts of these letters.  Nan Hoos has corresponded with and provided the information directly to me in my research.

Nan Hoos, Geneva Ashby Jones and Rosine Lanora Martin (Mrs. Elmer Adams) all provided copies of their information and letters to author William Goyen – who saved the ancestry information.   Their information was found in a collection of William Goyen’s literary work and personal letters, etc.  The ancestry information was ordered and  provided by the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center.  If you wish to order a copy of the complete ancestry files, you can order them through the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, William Goyen, 1915-1983, Papers, ca. 1923-1984, 54 Boxes, Box 43 – Folder 10 and Box 48 – Folder 4 – (those are the folders in particular that contain the ancestry information).

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1873 Oct 5 – letter to William R. Wiseman, from his son S. P. Wiseman while away at college.