Blair County PA Archives Biographies.....Bell, William ???? - August 1877
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Judy Banja http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00004.html#0000757 January 5, 2025, 11:21 am

Source: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair Co, PA: Philadelphia, 1892.
Author: Samuel T. Wiley

WILLIAM BELL
who died in August 1877, was widely known and warmly esteemed as one of the
most active and energetic members of this community. He was born in Dauphin
county, and in early life was trained to be a mechanic. Studious application
to his business and a natural aptitude for his calling led naturally to
successful endeavors, and so in good time he rose to be a building contractor
of more than ordinary importance. Upon taking a contract to construct what was
known as "Crooked Dam" on the Juniata River (for canal purposes), in Blair
county, he made his home in Williamsburg, and in the county resided ever
after until his death. In the spring of 1839 he moved to the vicinity of
Altoona, and devoted himself to farming pursuits. Upon the homestead he
passed the remainder of his life, which in all it phases presented a
wholesome influence and useful example.
   He lived to reach the age of seventy-six, his wife (Elizabeth, daughter of
Peter Good) having preceded him to the "silent majority" by eleven years. He
was among the formost workers in the Lutheran Church, and for forty-four
years he was an active and zealous member therein, having, with his wife,
joined the church (under Rev. Jacob Martin) in 1833, while living at
Williamsburg. His religious faith was a model, and the ardent enthusiasm with
which he devoted himself to church work a conspicuous illustration of that
faith.

Additional Comments:
Originally submitted 2001. Transcribed by Janet Gray.

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