NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926 A. B. Bell In the death of the honored subject of this memoir, which occurred August 9, 1921, at his home in Ida Grove, Ida county, there passed away a man who for forty years had been closely identified with that locality, being numbered among its successful agriculturists and public-spirited citizens. The story of his success is not long nor does it contain many exciting chapters, but it is replete with a record of duty faithfully performed under all circumstances and of the application of sound judgment in all of his affairs - the story of a noble life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every direction. Alvin B. Bell was a native of Indiana and was born on the 20th of February, 1848, a son of Enoch B. and Sarah (Handley) Bell. His parents were natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married, and in 1847 they went to Indiana, where the father engaged in farming. In that state they spent the remaining years of their lives, both being deceased. They became the parents of four children, of which number two are living. Alvin B. Bell was reared on the home farm in Indiana and received his education in the public schools. In 1880 he came to Iowa and located in Ida county, where he bought land, in the operation of which he was eminently successful, creating a fine and valuable farmstead. As he prospered he bought additional acreage until eventually he became the owner of a thousand acres of good Iowa land. He made many valuable improvements on his tract, on which he lived for a number of years, and then moved into Ida Grove, where he resided up to the time of his death. On April 9, 1871, Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Sabina E. Brandenburg. Her parents were natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married, and later moved to Indiana, in which state they passed away. They had five children, of which number two are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Bell were born two children: Verlin O., born February 25, 1872, and now living in Nebraska; and Welby L., deceased. Mrs. Bell has also a granddaughter, Miss Ruth H. Bell. Mrs. Bell is a member of the Church of God at Ida Grove, in the work of which she takes a deep interest. She is still the owner of five hundred acres of valuable and well improved land and two good residences in Ida Grove, and gives her personal attention to the management of her estate. Her gracious qualities have endeared her to a large circle of friends throughout this community. Mr. Bell was a man of great initiative and ability, who did well whatever he undertook, and among his fellowmen bore an enviable reputation because of his sound business judgment, progressive methods and public spirit. Debbie Clough Gerischer