The 1860 census of Randolph County (Wesobulga) shows William B. or R. Bell, Wife Elizabeth (Eliza Dillard), William B/R, Columbus W. (Walter), Eugenia A, Mary F (Frances/Fannie) and Alex Z (Alexander Steven). I believe the census taker heard Alex Zander so put the Z. down as an initial...but that's my little take on it. Backing up: In 1850 they were in Calhoun County, GA. There were two sons listed, James M (11) and John W (8). that weren't shown in William's HH in 1860 in AL. Back to the 1860 census. John W.(17) was shown in HH next to William R. and Eliza, with his wife, Mary A. (19). Somewhere prior to 1863 he died (reportedly at Chickamauga of pneumonia). On April 6, 1863 wife Mary An M. Bell (listed that way), widow, filed a claim for benefits. I believe that they had a son, Henry Walter Bell b. 1861 (whom I can't find on any census) and that sometime after 1863 she remarried. Family story is that she married a Worthy, but I can't find a record of that. I found where two of John's sister's married Worthys. He does have the one sister Mary, so family may have confused this. Anyway, Henry Walter is my great-grandfather. Story also goes that after remarrying, Mary, spouse and Henry Walter went "out west" where she was killed in a tornado. Stepfather (Worthy?) brought him (& possibly some siblings)back to "be raised" by his grandparents, William and Eliza. However, he does not show up on 1870 census or 1880 census in their HH. Don't know what time frame his mother was killed in, but if it was after 1880 he would pretty much be grown and not have a need to be "raised" by anyone. Possible he came after 1870 and then moved out of the HH prior to 1880 but hasn't been found in AL or GA. on census until he was married and he married in Alabama. Does anyone have any info on this family? Or marriage records on John Willis Bell and a Mary (middle name probably Ann, last name beginning with M). Since they were living in Randolph County at the time thought they might have been married there. Also wonder if they may have married in Tallapoosa County. Also need to find where/if Mary An M. Bell married someone in 1863 or shortly afterward. Anecdote: Henry Walter was so traumatized by the death of his mother in a tornado that when he bought his home in Sylacauga, he built a storm cellar. So any Bell kin out there that might have heard this story or who has any info? I will certainly share what information I have. Laura Pleasant Grove, AL