an obituary
Havana Democrat, Havana, Mason Co., IL
Mason City Pioneer Passes Away
Eleanor Bell, nee Black, was born in Crawford Co., PA on December 8, 1820 and died at her
home on north Main street in this city on February 14, 1906, at the age of 87 years 2
months and 6 days.
Mrs. Bell was a daughter of James Black, a veteran of the war of 1812, and a granddaughter
of Col. Nathaniel Winton of Revolutionary war fame. Col. Winton have come over to this
country with Lafayette and in many ways distinguished himself during those days of
hardships and honor. Eleanor Black moved with her parents to Ohio when but a girl and
while in that state in 1841 was united in marriage with J. C. Bell. As a result of this
union, nine children were born, six of them having proceeded the wife and mother to the
Great Beyond, while the husband father departed this life about five years ago. Mr. Bell
and family came to this city in 1866 where for many years the former was identified with
the hotel business, owning and operating the Sherman house, now the Commercial, which
building Mrs. Bell continued to own, but leased to others, at the time of her demise.
Deceased is survived by three children, Mrs. Margaret Ruth of Aurora, Ill., Mrs. Eliza
Smith of Joplin, Mo., and Levi Bell of this city besides ten grandchildren, fourteen great
grandchildren and other relatives and many friends who mourn her death. The funeral
services were held from the Presbyterian church on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 and were
conducted by Elder J. M. Hanghey. Interment was made in the Mason City Cemetery.