> Hi Carolyn, We seem to correspond constantly! The Bell's are also in the line I'm researching. Katharine Wingate made some inaccurate remarks regarding the Bell family. Shadrack Bell was at Cape Elizabeth, ME in 1683, he was taxed in New Catle in 1691, took the oath of allegiane in New CAstle 1693, July 1696 was of New CAstle/Sandy Beach, taxed at New Castle 1699, 17 Jan 1712 was "of New CAstle" on 16 Sep 1723 admiinistration was granted to his widow Rachel and Shadrach, his son. (references can be given if needed) He and Rachel had Shadrach, Elizabeth, Meshach, Benjamin, and Thomas. Meshach was taxed in New Castle 1720. Thomas (above) b. 12 May 1699 m. Mary Sheafe and he died 3 Dec 1773 in New CAstle. Their children were Sampson, Thomas, Meshack, Matthew, abigail and Mary. Meshack was taxed in New Catle 1770 - 1772 and 1778. He was b. 25 Aug 1748 in New CAstle and died 8 Jul 1786 age 34 (a problem here). He married Jane Watkins 19 Nov 1776. According to "Abstract of Graves of Rev. Patriots Vol I" Capt Meshach Bell is buried in the Frost Cemetery New CAstle. According to Abstract of Probate Records of Rockingham County, NH 1771 - 1799, Lt. Meshech Bell - administration granted 14 Apr 1791 to George Bell, estate value 263.8.4 1/2 pounds; Also Meshech Bell will drawn 7 Oct 1788, will certified 20 June 1792, administration to wife Mary, estate value 303.18.11 pounds. Meshach Bell #5786, Roll #10 1792 Will  Everything to my wife, Mary Bell, while she remains a widow and no longer. After her decease the whole of my estate to be equally divided among surviving children. Executrix is my wife Mary. Dated 7 Oct 1788 Mary appointed administrator of the estate of Meshach 20 Jun 1792. Estate valued at 303.18.11 pounds, 7 Aug 1792. Additional inventory valued at 9.16.01 pounds30 Aug 1792. Two children might be George Bell, mariner and Thomas Bell, gentleman. They signed an illegible document dated 24 Oct 1795. Lt. Meshach Bell #5636, Roll #9, 1791 George Bell, mariner, appointed administrator of the estate of Meshach Bell, gentleman. Dated: 14 Apr 1791. An inventory also listed. Shadrack Bell #8344, Roll #19 1811 George Bell, Esquire, of New Castle, appointed guardian of Shadrack Bell of New Castle, mariner, who is adjudged and determined to be non confior mandis. (sp?) This is to continue until Shadrack shall arrive at a sound mind. Dated 20 Feb 1811 Thomas Bell #4075 film #2 O.S. 1774 (417) Thomas Bell, New Castle, 4 Jan 1774 Sampson & Thomas Bell, mariners, and Matthew Bell, merchant, all of New Castle, appointed administrators of the estate of Thomas Bell late of New Castle, who died intestate. His inventory amounted to 7,389  0  9 ½ pounds (very large). It consisted of the following (plus lots more): 1 house, wharf, warehouse & land in Portsmouth  2,500 1 house, and warehouse in New Castle, formerly Col. Atkinsons, & land - 135 Atkinsons pasture  14 A house & garden  10 Wharf, warehouse & land  47 Dwelling house and garden occupied by Capt. B. Randell  50 Dwelling house occupied by Thomas Bell with the land opposite & woodhouse  115 Etc. etc. included more houses, schooners, sloops, fish and household items Wife of Thomas Bell is Mary and she relinquishes her right of administration to her 3 sons  Thomas, Sampson and Matthew > WEll, I didn't realize how confusing the Meshach Bell's were until I > started writing this. I'd also welcome any help in straightening them > out that anyone can give. Thank you. Carol White > >Would appreciate *ANY* information anyone might have on any of the (numerous) "Meshack BELL"s who lived in and around New Castle, NH in the 1700-1800's. I have accumulated a large research file with numerous references to various men and can't presently link any of them accurately into the New Castle BELL family tree. > >Author Katharine Wingate in American Monthly Magazine (May 1917) said that in the BELL family of New Castle, the "eldest son was always called Shadrach, the second Meshach, and the third Abednego". Unusual given names (even if repeated over and over) but tough to link them to the correct parents. > >No apparent connection with the Londonderry BELL families, however. > >Any tidbits anyone may have come across while researching other local family lines--along with some sort of source or documentation--would be MOST aprpeciated. Thanks! > >~ Carolyn Depp > >______________________________ > > > >