Memorial Record of Western Kentucky, Lewis Publishing Company, 1904, pp 618-619 [McCracken] W. JESSE BELL, one of the successful business men of Paducah, Kentucky, was born in McCracken county, Kentucky, February 24, 1847, and is a son of James M. and Mary E. (Hall) Bell. His father was born in Muhlenberg county, Kentucky, and his mother was born in Logan county, Kentucky. His father became an early settler of McCracken county, and was a farmer by occupation, becoming very successful in his undertakings. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. During a long and useful life he was honorable and charitable and was a most highly esteemed gentleman. Mr. Bell was reared upon a farm, and on account of the war received by limited educational advantages. During his business career he has engaged in farming, and was a bridge and road contractor for a number of years. In 1881 he was married to Miss Lizzie Aker, who was born in Mississippi. The children born to this happy union were as follows: Clarence K., Mamie, Ray H., Jesse, Lulu and Herman. In politics Mr. Bell is a Democrat, but has never desired office. In addition to carrying on general farming Mr. Bell is a very successful dairy farmer and owns one hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Baptist church. Fraternally he is a Master Mason. The whole family are held in highest esteem throughout the entire neighborhood. Bell Hall Aker = Muhlenberg-KY Logan-KY MS http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/mccracken/bell.wj.txt