The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-07-31
OBITUARY.

Died on the morning of Thursday last the I'd in.
slant Mr. BENJAMIN F. BELL. in the 22d year Of
his age Mr.. He'll was native of Locustve, Acco-
mac county, Virginia. Deprived, in tender child
hood, of a mothers, and few years later Of IA
theirs care he was, az an early age thrown upon
his own resources, and forced 10 depend upon him
self-for as it is impossible supply the loss Of a
mother or to fill the vacuum created by father =
death, ,howeyer much the love and gentle kindness
Of friends and relations may attemp) it is but rea-
sonable TO suppose that he was, on this account,
brought in contact with the great world, and COM
menced the battle of life at an earlier period than
those who are blessed with parents to guide their in
FAINT steps and lead them with affectionate interest
into the paths of virtue and of peace.
At the age of fifteen be came to Washington city,
and under the guardianship Of his uncle Mr. L. Bird,
learned the business OF carpenter faithfully serving
cut his apprenticeship to the satisfaction of his rel
tives working industriousy until he arrived al tie
age Of twenty one and remaining In their employ as
journeyman carpenter up to the day when ne re-
ceived the wound which resulted alter great ana pro-
longed suffering, in his death.
About three years and six months since, he be-
came resident in the family of Mr. John LarcOmb',
remaining with them to the hour Of his death.
During his long residence in the midst OF this
family so dignifed and honorable was his deport-
ment-so kind and gentle, and loving was his dispo-
siion that he was looked upon aud treated as sou
by the iath,r and mother OF the family, and as a
Younger brother by their and daughters They
were one family Mr. Bell looked up 10 this aged couple
as 10 father and mother, and repaid their care and
parental solictude by The enderest devotion to their
interests and wishes yielding ready obedience 70
their c0unsels consulting them upon all occasions a.
son, and receiving their advice ana connse' as conf
ing from parents heart.
During all the time of his residence in Mr.. Lap
combes family he neglected in no instance, the per
Torrance of any duty which he considered It was III
cumbcnt on him 10 perform.
He delighted in promptness. IL grained MN 70
manifest 10 this az well in other ways, his graft.
tude aud appreciation Of all the comforts OF his
Eome.
He was respected sul loved abroad, as well as at
home In his intercourse with mankind, he was
met generous and Memorabilia. he was kind To- the
poor-piyng freely and literally OF his means to re-
lieve their s-maintanug an unblemshcd repu-
tation "doing unto others o. ne would that ofners
should do unto him At the early age OF twenty-five
possessing so abundantly all the elements neces-
sary 10 q successful and useful future-he has been
cut down by the ruthless hand of death--not by the
visitation of God-not by any Of the iustrumentnl-
ties which wait around To hurry morals to the tomb
Sickness nor disease, nor Gccnt are chargeabe with
the production of this sad event.
Drawn, with many others, 10 the neighborhood of
the polls in the first precinct OF the Fourth Ward by
the rumor that the Mayor OF tie city was marching
AZ the head of a BODY of United States Marines 10
that pont-he was standing among group OF per
sons men, women, and children, at the corner Of
Seventh street. looking and wondering al the un-
precedented spectacle of the presence, OF United
States troops at the polls Of a municipal election -
What were they doing there The strictes scrutiny
could not detect the slightest necessity for their pres
ence AL was quiet and peaceabIe No noise, no con
fusion was perceptble, until charge was made by
the Marines upon small cannon in the possession
of some boys in the Market House. This cannon was
brought from the Navy Yard by these boys after the
Marines had left their Barracks and dragged along
Pennsylvania avenue immediately in front OF the
Marines, with the declared intent OF being USED
against them in case they fired upon the citizens
For this act these boys alone are responslble-ln
secondary sense though it must be admitted, for TIE
great primary cause Of its being there at all, was the
presence Of the Marines no HagmeS-No CANNON;
Knit why did not this company Of one hundred and
ten men singular enough is that forty or fifty men
should so suddenly have been. magnihed into one
hundred and ten take possession Of this gun when