Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 6th ed., 1887,
Shelby Co.

MARY A. BELL was born October 6, 1833, in Shelby County, Ky., to Nathan
and Mary Ann (Cosby) Howell, of Shelby County.  The Howells came originally
from North Carolina, and settled in Shelby County.  In July, 1854, our
subject was united in marriage with James H. Bell, who was born October 16,
1830; was a farmer, and died February 3, 1866.  The children born to this
marriage are named as follows: Nathan P., William H., Laura, Kate B., Lee,
Jimmie and Walter (deceased).  One of the sons is married.  Mrs. Bell's
people were among the most energetic men of their time; her father was the
founder and builder of the Baptist Church in Shelbyville, and was one of
the largest slave-holders of his time.  Mrs. Bell has 375 acres of land,
and manages and care for her large farming interests as skillfully as any
man, which shows the ability of the American woman when called on to act.

Bell Cosby Howell
=
NC

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/shelby/bell.ma.txt