Robert Bell (1795 - abt. 1873)

Born 21 Feb 1795 in Dunmore, Lissan, Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland [uncertain]

Husband of Margaret (Jackson) Bell — married before 1825 in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland

Descendants

Died about 25 Nov 1873 at about age 78 in Dunmore, Lissan, Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Matt McNabb [send private message]

Biography

Robert Bell was born in Ireland.

Robert was born 21 Feb 1795 and lived at Dunmore, Lissan, County Tyrone. ^[1]

With wife Peggy Jackson, his children included Robert, James, Jackson, Mary Ann, George and John.^[1]

He likely passed away 25 Nov 1873 at Dunmore, married, "age 79" due to old age debility. Informed by John Bell, Dunmore. ^[2]

Research Notes

Two Roberts

There were two Robert Bell of Dunmore in the 1827 Tithe Applotment Book. They were known as "red" and "white".

Griffith's Valuation 1860 has for Dunmore: Robert Bell sen. 12+3+8 acres; Robert Bell jun. 1+5+5 acres. There were also Thomas A. Bell, George Bell, William Bell, John Bell, Thomas Bell sen.

There are two death records for Robert Bell of Dunmore too. The other dies 1888 age 91. See Robert Bell for the other Robert's profile.

I have assigned the 1873 to this Robert on the basis that the death record for wife Margaret in 1880 seems likely to be correct, and she was a widow. But it is possible that is the wrong death for Margaret, or her marital status was incorrectly recorded (did happen sometimes unfortunately).

Their death informants are "John Bell, Dunmore" (1873) and "David Bell, nephew" (1888). There were at least two John Bell of Dunmore; and as we don't know for certain who was whose brother amongst the Bells of this generation, we can't infer much from the nephew.

MyHeritage tree of P Caughey gives Robert as the uncle of James Bell although it is not clear on what basis those profiles have been arranged.

One of the two Roberts is likely to be the brother of Constable George Bell (abt.1809-1867) named in his will abstract.

Claggan Presbyterian

One of the two Roberts was a founding members of the Claggan Presbyterian church erected in 1846. The other founders were Robert Crooks of Claggan, William Jackson of Crievagh, and James Bell of Dunmore. ^[3]

In the 3rd Cookstown Presbyterian church notes, most of the families are updated through the 1850s after the initial taking of the notes in 1842-3; however this family is not. This could be explained by the family moving to Claggan Presbyterian after its construction in 1846.

Closer analysis of Griffith's Valuation

Lot 24 of Griffith's Valuation is clearly this profile: In 1869 the land goes to John BELL, and then to Jackson BELL, so the John in the Valuation Updates must be John Bell (1841-1904). Not to be confused with "John BELL Jnr." in the Valuation Updates, who would be John Bell (abt.1845-1911)

However, Lot 24c is split to John BELL Jnr. suggesing perhaps he was part of the same family group; and therefore maybe it is this Robert who was the brother of John Bell (abt.1806-1868).

Perhaps the Claggan Presbyterian is not necessarily a clue; in the 3rd Cookstown Presbyterian notes this family is not updated after 1842 which could indicate they left for Claggan.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} 3rd Cookstown Presbyterian Church: Notes on the Congregation
2. ↑ Robert Bell, 1873, Cookstown, 79 at Irish Civil Registration - Deaths
3. ↑ "Claggan Presbyterian", Mid-Ulster Mail - Saturday 15 August 1936. Page 3