Elijah Bell
Elijah Bell, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Joseph and Nancy (Shubridge) Bell, the former a native of Pennsylvania, where he was raised, and the latter a native of Virginia, where she was brought up. They were married in Morgan, now Noble County, Ohio, where they were early settlers. In that county both lived and died, he January 7, 1866 and she February 13, 1870, both members of the Baptist Church. and he through life by occupation a farmer. Their children were thirteen in number, and seven are now living, viz., John W., in Oregon; James, of Athens County, Ohio; George, in Oregon; Elijah, our subject; Leander, of Noble County, Ohio; Clarissa C., of Oregon; and Charlotte C., of Athens County, Ohio. Elijah was born in Noble County, Ohio, in 1832. He was raised to farm life and acquired a common-school education. He remained in his native county until 1853, when he came to Madison County and commenced teaching, which claimed his attention several years. In 1857, he married Mary, daughter of the pioneer David Sidener, of Jefferson Township, where she was born. They have ever since resided in Jefferson Township, where he now owns a good farm of 150 acres and where he is an enterprising and well-to-do farmer. He and wife are the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living, viz., Joseph M., David C., Nancy E. and Lucy J. Elijah's twin brother, Elisha, is deceased.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]