The most notable thing about Henry H. Bell is who he was not. So much has been written about him in various places that what the majority of people believe is totally wrong. If one would take the sundry accounts as true, one would think that Henry was a full blooded Cherokee Indian who walked the Trail of Tears as a young boy. This legend goes on to state that he escaped his fate, hid in a cave, and eventually moved to Ozark County, Missouri, where he lived out the remainder of his one hundred plus years, having had several unlawful marriages to white women. In reality, when he was 13 years old, in 1843, he moved from Tennessee to Missouri with his parents and siblings. In 1845, he moved with his family to Arkansas and returned to Missouri years later.

Henry, the son of James and Caroline (Harrison) Bell, was born near Camden in western Humphreys County, Tennessee, on Wednesday, September 29, 1830. He was named in honor of his grandfather, Henry Harrison. In 1836, that part of Humphreys County where he was born was incorporated into Benton County.

In 1843, his parents and grandfather, Henry Harrison, moved the family to Cooper County, Missouri. Almost two years later, in 1845, the family moved to the primitive area of Washington County, Arkansas, where they settled in the sparsely populated community of Cove Creek Township. It was here that Henry grew to adulthood, during which time his father and grandfather worked building a productive farm. He attended a subscription school, and like most of his siblings, had his share of chores around the farm. When time allowed he enjoyed hunting and fishing and helped provide food for the family. Henry, age 20, was single and still lived at home in November 1850.

His siblings were George Harrison, James Jefferson, Jane Ellen, Malichi, Galveston, Cynthia Ann, Mary Elizabeth Rebecca Joplin Wire, Priscilla Melissa Holland, Martha Ellen, William Riley, and Alzona Faye.

Very little is known about his early years as an adult. His first marriage was between 1850 and 1853, but the name of his wife is unknown. Their son, John Henry, was born in Arkansas on November 15, 1853. Evidence supporting this fact can be found in the 1920 Federal Census record, which shows Henry listed as the grandfather of James W. Bell, the oldest son of John.

Henry's second wife was Sarah Jane Young. Their children were: Emanuel, William, Henrietta, Manford, Irvin Monroe, Marion, Alvis F., Mary Elizabeth, and Oliver Andrew. Sarah died about two years after Oliver was born (November 25, 1881).

He married his third wife, Louisa Driskell, in Harrison, Boone County, Arkansas, on March 6, 1886. They had three children: Alzona, Mattie, and Hattie. They were divorced in Douglas County, Missouri, on August 25, 1903.

Henry never remarried and eventually went to live with his oldest grandson, James William Bell (son of John and Emaline). He enjoyed going fishing and the solitude of the outdoors even though he was getting older and more feeble. He did fairly well up until the summer of 1921 when his health started deteriorating.

His brother, Malichi, lived nearby and was aware of his condition. Malichi's son, James Jeffrey Bell, wrote to his aunt, Hollan Sharp, to let her know that Henry was seriously ill. Priscilla Melissa Holland Sharp was Henry and Malichi's younger sister. She replied to James:
"Bellefonte, Ark
July 7, 1921
Mr. J. J. Bell,
My Dear Nephew,
I just received your letter. Was sure glad to hear from you all, but so sorry to hear of Brother being in that condition. Poor old fellow. He wont last long but he will wear a Bright crown when he passes from this world. He has always been a good upright man. I sure would love to go to see him but I am not strong enough to stand the trip and it would hurt me so to see him in that condition. I was glad to hear you found everything all right when you got home and that all are as well as common. Hope brother Mal is getting along all right. I am not well. . . . I sure appreciate you writing and letting me know. With love and best wishes to you all.
Your loving aunt M. H. Sharp"

Henry died on October 23, 1921, in the home of his grandson, James, at the age of 91 years and 24 days. His brother, Malichi, wrote to their brother, James, to let him know. James replied on October 28, 1921.

He wrote, "My dear Brother Malachi, I just received your letter a day or too ago telling me the sad news of our Brother's death. As soon as I saw the letter I knew that it would tell me the sad news of Brother Henry's death. He has passed away from this life of truble & I trust that he is in the world whear thare is no more sorrow or truble but all joy peace & happiness. Yes, we will soon folow him. . . . your affectionate Brother. J. J. Bell"

Today a large tombstone in Eaton Cemetery signifies the passing of a man who lived a long life. A large number of Henry's descendants have populated Ozark County, where he chose to live so many years. He kept a low profile in life, often preferring the solitude of his own company and that of nature. Only brief glimpses into history have in some ways portrayed his character. While some of his actions seem to be less than desirable, it is clear that many thought very highly of him and sought out his company. Due to the passage of time, much of his life will forever remain a mystery. Perhaps this is what he would have wanted.

Source: My book titled "The Family of James and Caroline Bell"
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Many thanks to Dylan Freeman for providing the name of Henry's first wife. He wrote, "Our family records show Henry H. Bell having a wife named Loo Eyes Bell which would be John Henry's mother according to our tree."