Bell - Robert - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Soon after Dr. Greene moved here, George Bell, of Hedrick, came to visit him, they being old friends. Bell took a fancy to our town and soon after he and the Dr. bought the old Beck corner on the corner of Main and Franklin Streets. Mr. Bell and family made frequent visits here until all became acquainted and seemed to be part of us. One of his boys, Robert, became a favorite with our young people, and when his father and the Dr. began the erection of their new building, Robert came and assisted the Dr. in his drug store until fall, when he entered the junior high school class, making his home with the Dr. and making many warm friends among his associates. Although not a stout, rugged boy, he was fond of the boyish sports and enjoyed the company of his young friends, yet he was a man among men far in excess of his years. During the winter his health gave way and he was compelled to quit school, returning home some four or five weeks ago. His letters to his friends here did not indicate anything of a serious nature and all hoped to hear of his recovery—until last Friday the news came that Robert Bell is dead. It was a great shock to his many friends here, as it was wholly unexpected.

Rose and Ella Maguire attended his funeral on Sunday, going to Hedrick on Saturday. His classmates sent a large floral pillow as a slight token of their esteem, and but for the distance and bad railroad connection would have attended in a body. His funeral was the largest ever seen in Hedrick, showing the esteem in which he was held at home. He died at the age of 18 years and was not thought to be dangerously sick but a couple of days. Thus another young life is gone out. The family has the sympathy of this entire neighborhood in this their great affliction. -s