Bryan morning eagle and pilot. (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1909, 1909-02-17
CAPT w v. 4. BELL Bell N:ljL DEAD l:Iu
Died Suddenly on his Farm in Brazos
fn Bottom Of heart Failure
tuesday Morning.
SUPERB MAN AND CITIZEN.

| terday morning when the sad news
was phoned in from the Brazos bottom
| that Capt. VIM. A. Bell was dead. Al
| first was hard to believe that thi:
stalwart, strong. manly man was dead
but additional messages came giving
assurance that the report was only toe
true
/ Death came suddenly without a
moments warning and was evidently
the result of heart failure. The partic
ulars as the Eagle gathered them are
| about as follows: He had gone from
his home on the Parker plantation
down to his own farm some three
miles away and was riding over the
farm inspecting the work being done
by the hands. He alighted from his
horse to assist a negro in adjusting
his pillow, and as soon as adjusted the
negro drove on. After going a short
distance he looked back and just as
he did so Capt. Bell was falling. He
Immediately ran to him, but he never
spoke and drew his last breath just
as the negro reachd him.
News was at once sent to the Park
er store and Mr. Milton Parker and
several other gentlemen went down
and conveyed his lifeless body to his
hcme. As soon as the news reached
Bryan, Messrs. G. s Parker, j. L. But
Ter, Seth Mooring, DR.. w. II. Oliver.
J o. Chance and Il. H. Astin left at
once for the Parker plantation in the
bottom. OF course they found him
beyond the pale Of human aid, but
the great friendship they cherished
for the distinguished dead influenced
them in wishing to be near him to
render whatever assistance was pos
| sible.
Capt, Bell was 81 years and 3 months
of age He was born in Grimes coun-
ty near Nayasota, but came to Brazos
county when six years of age and was
raised near this city by his uncle, Capt
VIM. Bell Sr. Soon after reaching his
majority he went to the Brazos bot
tom TO live and soon thereafter was
engaged by Mr. NJ. Parker to assist
in managing his extensive farming
interests He had continued in this
capacity for the past thirty years and
was beyond question one of the most
successful farmers, as well as farm
managers, to be found anywhere. 1t.
is doubtful if he had an equal in Tex.
as. The hands under him held him
almost in reverence. their great re-
spect being won by his quiet, gentle,
yet absolute firmness with them With
the other managers and owners in the
bottom, he was always in perfect har-
mcny and bore their good will and
highest esteem. When asked upon
one occasion the secret of his perfect
harmony with all about him, replied
that be made it a rule to treat the
other fellow just little better than
the treatment he received from him,
Capt. Bell was perfect type of the
Southern gentleman. Courteous and
amiable to all with whom he came in
contact, as brave as a lion, yet as gem
tie and tender as a woman. Strong
and rugged physically, with a heart
of oak, and a sense of hnor that was
never questioned. BY his upright life,
his square, fair dealing with his fellow
men, he was respected and revered
by all, and builded for himself a monu-
ment more lasting than brass-the
monument of a good name, that which
is to be desired rather than great
riches.
Mr. Bell was neever married and
leaves no family of his own He had
one half sister, Mrs. John X. Davis of
lola, and was an uncle of w. H.. and
C. NJ Bell of this city He was also
related to Mrs. Sam l.. Eaves. Mrs.
Burt Norwood, Mr.. John Majors, and
has other relatives in different parts
of the state. -
He will be laid to rest in the City
Cemetery this afternoon at 2:3O
O'Clock, the funeral to be conducted
from the residence of Mrs. Bette Bell.