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William Bell
William (2), son of William (1) Bell, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1842, died May 3, 1876. He was educated in the public schools, and worked with his father in the grist mill until the outbreak of the war between the states.
He enlisted, November 5, 1861, in Company K, One Hundred and First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 101st Regiment, as a private. He was promoted to corporal, sergeant, major and for "gallant and meritorious conduct" was commissioned first lieutenant.
When his term of enlistment expired in 1864 he re-enlisted for three years, or during the war. In April, 1864, he was captured at Plymouth, North Carolina, and for ten months confined in the prison pen at Andersonville. He was then exchanged, honorably discharged at Newbern, North Carolina, January 25, 1865, and returned to his home broken in health.
He never recovered from his prison experiences and was a partial invalid, although working at his trade as miller until his death. He was a good soldier, saw much hard service and earned his lieutenant's commission by bravery in many actions. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church.
He married Mary Lower, born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1849, who survives him. She is a daughter of Jacob F. Lower, born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, died at McKnightstown, Pennsylvania.
He married Eliza Thomas, also of Adams county. Children of William and Mary (Lower) Bell; Harry J., Emma Grace; George W.
Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1912.