John B. Bell family papers, 1864-1963, bulk 1891-1963

Summary

Creator:
Bell family
Date:
1864-1963, bulk 1891-1963
Extent:
4.4 Linear Feet (11 document boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

John B. Bell family papers, ms740, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of papers of John B. Bell and the Bell and Bolling families of Stephens, Oglethorpe County, Georgia from 1864-1963. The papers include correspondence, bills, receipts, legal papers, bank statements and checks, printed material, and letters of dismission from various Baptist churches in Georgia. The correspondence is mainly personal between family members and friends but also includes letters pertaining to John B. Bell's law practice and business interests (1891-1920), the Georgia Baptist Convention, farming and the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (1926-1945), and letters between Florence B. Hawkins and her son Walter H. Bolling during his army service in England during World War II. Correspondents include Nolda Bell, Edward H. Bell, Elizabeth C. Bell, Mollie S. Bell, and Joseph S. Bolling.

Biographical / historical:

John B. Bell lived in Oglethorpe County at the turn of the century and was a leading lawyer in the area. His family lived near Stephens, Georgia. He married once and had seven children - three sons and four daughters. John owned a considerable amount of land stretching from Stephens to Washington, Georgia, which was passed on his children and so on. John B. Bell died at age 82. The Bell family appeared closely connected to local Baptist churches, in particular the Antioch Baptist Church.

T. J. Bowling also lived in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. He had a number of children. Included are two daughters named Hallie (who died before him) and Anna, and five sons named Joe, Walter, Willie, Tom, and Harry. He had at least one grandchild by Hallie before she died. He also owned a good deal of land in the area, which he passed down to his children.

Arrangement:

Arranged by record type.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

John B. Bell family papers, ms740, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.