William Nathaniel Bell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Nathaniel Bell
|
|
|---|---|
Sketch of Bell made in 1890, after his death
|
|
| Born | March 6, 1817 |
| Died | September 6, 1887 (aged 70) |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Ann Peter (1838–1856) Lucy Gamble Peter (1872–1887) |
William Nathaniel Bell (born March 6, 1817, died September 6, 1887) was an important pioneer in the early history of Seattle, Washington. He was originally from Edwardsville, Illinois and also lived in Portland, Oregon. Bell was part of a group called the Denny Party. They were some of the very first settlers to arrive in what is now Seattle.
He lived in Seattle for several years, first from 1851 to 1856, and then again from 1870 until he passed away. In 1852, William Bell played a role in a meeting called the Monticello Convention. At this meeting, people created a special request, or "petition," for the U.S. Congress. This petition asked to divide the large Oregon Territory into two parts. Their goal was to create a new area called the Washington Territory, which later became the state of Washington.
William Bell's Family Life
William Nathaniel Bell was married twice during his life. His first wife was Sarah Ann Peter. Sadly, Sarah Ann passed away in June 1856 from a sickness called tuberculosis.
William and Sarah Ann had five children together:
- Laura Keziah (1842–1887)
- Olive Julia (1846–1921)
- Mary Virginia (1847–1931)
- Alvina Lavina (1851–1857)
- Austin Americus (1854–1889)
After Sarah Ann's death, William Bell married again. His second wife was Lucy Gamble. Interestingly, Lucy was the younger sister of his first wife, Sarah Ann.
Bell's Lasting Legacy in Seattle
William Nathaniel Bell's family is remembered in the name of a well-known neighborhood in Seattle. This area is called Belltown. It is located just north of Downtown Seattle. This neighborhood is where William Bell's original land claim was located.
William Bell also helped name many of the streets in this area. He named them after his own children. For example, you can find Bell Street, Virginia Street, and Olive Street. Olive Way is also named after his daughter Olive. Stewart Street was named after Joseph H. Stewart, who was Olive's husband. These names help us remember the early pioneers of Seattle.
