HANCOCK COUNTY OHIO *********************************************************************** File contributed for use by Ohio Biographies Project by Carolyn J. Burns January 2003 *********************************************************************** Marion Bell Centennial Biographical History, Hancock County, Ohio Page 501-502 Perhaps the best judge of horses in Findlay today is Mr. Marion Bell, who has made a study of horses all his life. His earliest life was connected with horses, having been born and brought up on a farm, and in every calling in which he has engaged ever since, it has been one in which he has employed horses. Mr. Bell is of pioneer Ohio stock, his grandfather, Jack Bell, having been a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. His father, Alfred Bell, was also born in Fairfield county, but came to Hancock county in early manhood. He was a farmer all his life, and died in Wyandot county in 1891. He was married in 1847 to Emmeline Glick, daughter of David Glick, of Hancock county, and they had nine children, of whom six now survive, as follows: Russell B.; Joseph T.; Emma, widow of Soloman Zimmerman; Marion; David; and Charles. The mother of this family died in 1883. The life of Marion Bell has mostly been passed near his native place. He was born November 23, 1856, and lived on his father's farm until he was fifteen years of age, attending the country schools. He decided to start out for himself, and for eight years worked on the farm of M. J. George; this was followed by a year's work for George June, at Fremont, Ohio, who was a horse trader. Mr. Bell then contracted to carry the mail from Findlay to Mt. Blanchard, and from Mt. Blanchard to Forest for a year. AT the end of that time he bought a half interest in a steam thresher, which he ran for three years. His acquaintance throughout the country being considerable, he began the business of buying and trading horses, in which occupation he has ever since been engaged. Mr. Bell was married in 1883, at Mt. Blanchard, to Carrie H., daughter of M. J. George, and they had one child, Eva L. The wife died in 1889, and Mr. Bell was again married, on May 21, 1891, to Sarah E., daughter of Grundy Ake, and they have one son, Frank Rice Bell. Mr. Bell belongs to no church and to no secret order. In politics he is a Republican in good standing.