In 1767, Peter and Anthony appear in the land records as purchasers of 248 and 105 acres, respectively, immediately adjacent to the Mason-Dixon Line, a few miles north of present day Hagerstown, Maryland. "Frederick County Maryland Land Records, Liber K Abstracts, 1765-1768. p. 99: 1269-1271. Peter Bell Recorded 29 May 1767, made 2 May between Peter Sheas of FC, for L70 sells tract of land called All That is Left, beginning at part called Bell's Choice, containing 248 acrea. Signed Peter Sheas by mark before Jas Smith, Jos Smith. Receipt. Ack. and Elizabeth wife of Peter Sheas released dower. AF paid." This single land record, coming about four years after Anthony and Peter became citizens of Maryland, tells us quite a bit about the Bell brothers when placed in the context of the historical events swirling about them.
We know from later census documents that Anthony was born in 1734 and Peter in 1736, which makes them 33 and 31 at the time of purchase. Anthony's wife, Maria Schneeberger, was 19 and Peter's wife, Elizabeth Vogeler, was 26. Although marriage records have yet to be found, we know from later church records that both families had their first child that year.
The title of the tract, "All That's Left", signified exactly what it says; no other good farmland land in that vicinity remained available for purchase. Peter Schiess (Sheas), a German born land speculator, sold the last piece of a large tract that he owned to the Bell's.
The Bell brothers paid cash for the land, somewhat unusual for recently arrived immigrants. They also acquired premium land, good for farming and located on one of the main routes for migration into the Shenandoah Valley of the increasing numbers of German-speaking imigrants arriving from Europe through the Port of Philadelphia.
The Bells' purchase also coincides with the conclusion of the French and Indian War and the completion of the Mason-Dixon survey. The French and Indian war started in 1754, probably the same year that the Bell brothers arrived in Maryland. Then Lieutenant Colonel George Washington, as second in commend to Colonel Joshua Fry, led a force through western Maryland to a bloody encounter with a French force near Fort Duquesne in Ohio. Many of the troops in the expedition were recruited from the German settlers already in the region. Colonel Fry died after first encounter, falling from his horse. Washington assumed command, built Fort Necessity in anticipation of an attack from a larger force sent by the French from Duquesne. The French attacked and defeated Washington on July 3, 1754, but release him under terms of surrender after which he returned to report the defeat to Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia.
News of Washington's defeat swept through region. On July 17, 1754, the Maryland assembly appropriated 6000 pounds to raise a defense force. In November of 1754, Governor Sharpe of Maryland assumed command of a force consisting of 1000 North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland troops, the last of these coming from the predominantly German settlers in the western part of the colony, generally known by the name of Conococheague after the stream that flowed through it.
In February 1755, General Braddock arrived from England and took command of the British forces, which he assembled at Frederick Maryland. His command, including Colonel Washington, set out for Duquesne on May 30. Maryland troops then moved into position inthe western part of the colony to protect the settlers. By June of 1755, Indian attacks on the German settlers, encouraged by scalp bounties offered by the French, started and became increasingly frequent, after the disastrous defeat of Braddock at Monogohela. Washington wrote: "The whole settlement of Conocochieg is fled and there now remains only two families from thence to Federicktown... That the Maryland settlements are all abandoned is certainly a fact as I have had the account transmitted to me by several hands and confirmed yesterday by Henry Brinker, who left Monocacy the day before, and who also affirms that three hundred and fifty wagons had passed that place to avoid the enemy, within the space of three days."
The Maryland Gazette gave grizzly accounts of the depredations: "On our march toToonaloways, about five miles this side of Stoddert's Fort, we found John Meyer's house in flames, and nine or ten head of large cattle killed. About three miles and a half farther up the road we found a man killed and scalped, with one arm cut off and several arrows sticking in him; we could not bury him, having no tools with us for that purpose." Report from Conococheague, March 11, 1756.
Begun in December 1763 and completed in December 1767, the survey finally resolved a thirty year dispute between the Calverts, proprietors of the Maryland colony, and the Penns, proprietors of the Pennsylvania colony.
How did they come by the money for the purchase? How did they know where to go and what to buy? Many of the arrivals from the Rhine Valley, collectively described by the English as Palatines, brought little more than the clothes they wore and the skills they had learned. The region suffered the scourges of war, famine and religious strife for most of the 17th and early part of the 18th century. Naturally, the vast amounts of inexpensive unsettled land, promises of religious toleration and freedom from the ravages of war and also military conscription attracted many immigrants, a large number of which had to sell themselves as indentured servants for a period of seven years to pay for their passage to America.
Some immigrants came as part of organized religious groups, and these immigrants generally had some capital assets resulting from inheritance and acquired wealth. In the case of Anthony Bell, Swiss emigration records for his wife, Maria Schneeberger, show that she had the proceeds of a land right that she brought with her. In addition, the reference to a trade learned in Hesse suggests that Anthony, at least, had marketable skills in addition to whatever he produced as a farmer. As to Peter Bell, a hint contained in a Philadelphia newspaper advertisement, if it was placed by the same Peter Bell, suggests that he may have been a trading merchant early upon their arrival, if not also before they left Europe. Peter and Anthony may also have brought with them the proceeds of an inheritance; they also might have been employed as part of the Mason-Dixon surveying crew.
We know for certain from the inventory of Peter Bell's estate, that he became a prosperous and successful merchant before marching off to fight with General Washington in the Philadelphia Campaign in the summer of 1777. Herbert C. Bell notes: "The main road from Hagerstown to Nicholson Gap passed through his land and the travel over this thoroughfare doubtless gave him advantages not enjoyed by his more isolated neighbors." And he also notes: "About the year 1775 he removed to Hagerstown, where he owned the lot at the corner of Franklin and Potomac streets now the location of the market house in that city. It is probable that he engaged in merchandising here, as the settlement of his estate shows that 225 persons were indebted to him in sums ranging from 1s. 3d. to 65 pounds."
From surviving records, we can tell that Peter Bell was a leader within his small community and that he became involved early on in the events leading to the Revolutionary War. As early as 1775, Peter Bell provided rations to a company of militia forming int he county. "Rendered patriotic service by providing "rashons" for the use of the military in July, 1775, as recorded by the Committee of Observation at Elizabeth Town on November 4, 1775 [Ref: Q-150]. Rendered patriotic service in Hagerstown by providing Sundries to Capt. John Nelson Company, continental service, Maryland line, April 1776 [Ref: Q-162]" Herbert C. Bell writes: "On the 25th of November, 1776, he was elected a member of the Committee of Observation for Washington County, and during his connection with this body he served as a member of a subcommittee of seven appointed for the purpose of 'licensing suits.' It appears that the judicial functions of the Committee were intrusted to this sub-committee. On the 30th of December, 1776, the Committee ordered the militia of the county to march to the assistance of General Washington. Some who had served in the Flying Camp claimed exemption from this order, and it is entered in the minutes of the Committee under date of January 4, 1777, that 'On motion of Captain Bell it is resolved that the Flying Camp are by no means exempt from marching with the militia.' "
Peter Bell went on to become a Captain of that militia, and in his turn, he marched to war. The following entry occurs in the minutes of the Counsil of Safety under the date of January 15, 1777: "Gentn Washington County January 11th 1777. "The militia of my Battalion have marched almost generally. Colo Smith's Battalion are now ready, there are some of the former Commissioned officers who have gone in the German Battalion whose places are vacated in the Militia, others have been elected to serve in their room, viz. Capt. Peter Beall in the room of Capt. Wm Heyser, Jacob Ott, 1st Lieut. Michael Ott 2nd Lieut. and William Conrad, Ensign: likewise the followingGentlemen were advanced in Capt. Fackler's company, viz.Leonard Shryock to 2nd Lieut. in the room of Adam Smith andMichael Tomer, Ensign. It is earnestly requested that Commissions may be made out for the foregoing Gentlemen, each respectively and sent by the Bearer Melcher Belsheever, who will meet the Battalion at Philadelphia. The men are spirited in the defenceof Liberty, and hope no delay will be made in forwarding their Commissions, otherwise I doubt confusion may arise in their companies as they are agreeably elected, and have pledged my honour to be assistive in procuring their respective Commissions, and send an express for that purpose. I hope my request will be comply'd with, and am, Gentlemen, Your most obedt & Humbl Servt The Honble Council of Safety John Stull. of Md at Annapolis.
According to Herbert C. Bell "Their commissions were duly forwarded to Philadelphia, and Thomas Johnson, the first Governor of the State, writing from that city on the 29th of January informed the Counsil of the arrival of Stull's battalion. There can be little doubt that it proceeded to New Jersey, the the scene of Washington's operations." The records of the Council corroborate H.C. Bell's account: "Wednesday, January 15, 1777. Council met. Present as on yesterday. Commissions issued to Peter Beall appointed Captain, Jacob Ott, first Lieutenant, Michael Ott, second Lieutenant, and William Conrod, Ensign of a Company of Militia in Washington County. Also to Leonard Shryock, second Lieut. and Michael Tamer, Ensign of a Company in said County."
Although Captain Bell's militia had been called up to serve only until March 15, 1977, Herbert C. Bell beleives that the company must have stayed with Washington's army for a longer period. If so, Captain Bell may have seen service in connection with the Philadelphia Campaign and the Battles of Brandywine, Paoli and Germantown before the army went into winter quarters at the end fo the year in Valley Forge.
At the time that Herbert Bell wrote in 1898, he did not have available to him any of the muster rolls for Peter Bell's company. Since then, however, at least two muster rolls have come to light from the archives of the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore. Since the militia formed from the residents of the area and each company elected its own Captain, the list tells us who lived nearby and also that Peter Bell was trusted by these men to take them into battle:
A List of Capt. Peter Bells Compy. as now Classd.Capt.
Peter Beall; 1 Liet. Jacob Ott; 2 do. Michael Ott; Ensign William Conrod; 1 Sergeant Frederick Roser; 2. do John Stonecyfer; 3. do Martin Fifer; 4. do Peter Sailer; 1 Corporal Simon Househalter; 2. do Peter Hout. 3. do John Conn; 4. do Jacob Fisher Junr
1st Class: Adam Dile; Nathaniel Morgan; Jonas Emerick; William Bishop; Martin Funk; Peter Smith; Peter Hess; Francis Cryley
2d Class: Rudolf Pligh(?); Dewalt Celhoffer; Jost. Wyant; William Muffet (Mussett?); Henry Wykell; Thomas Leveings(?); Peter Hoak; Peter Croft
3d Class: Abraham Bower; John Oster; Phillip Hornish; Martin Harry; Jacob Craver; Andrew Miller; Peter Hefley; Frederick Croft
4th Class: Jacob Harry; Micahel Fesler; Jonathan Harry; Jonathan Hayer [DAH: probably Hager]; Balzer Gull; George Arnold; John Sailer; Henry Mull
5th Class: Peter Woltz; Jospeh Kline; Henry Bowert; Phillip Reefnaugh; Martin Stake; Harmon Criley; Isaac Cnady; John Funk
6th Class: Melchar Bellhover; Francis Wagoner; David Harry; Jacob Nicholl; Thomas Rinehart; John Snyder; Phillip Oster; John Howard
7th Class: Jcaob Rozer; William Scott; Henry Tootwiler; John Rage; Earnst Ditz; Adam Ott; John Parks; Phillip Creeybam(?)8th Class: Joseph Hindman; Thomas SHoeman; John Onsell; George Dill; George Rinehart; Jacob Wirey; John Wise.
[Militia Lists of Daus. of Founders and Patriots, held by Md. Hist. Soc.]
Anthony Bell, his children, and the children of Peter Bell, Frederick Bell in particular, played important roles in the founding and organization of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Leitersberg and the rebuilding of Beard's church near Smithsburg. Many of their later descendants became ordain Lutheran ministers. Three of the stain glass windows in St. Paul's bear the names of Frederick Bell and his son George Bell.
Anthony Bell's father-in-law, Hanns Schneeberger (German for Snow Hill) , had deeply held religious beliefs of a different sort. He founded a religious community at Snowhill, Pennsylvania. Marie apparently parted with that particular sect when she married Anthony. Colonial Pennsylvania and Maryland, in the 1700's and even later, could fairly be characterized as a religious stew of Mennonites, Seventh Day Baptists, Quakers, Reformed (Swiss), Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists, Moravians, Dunkards, Amish, Anglicans, etc. Thge natural religious fervor reached an even higher pitch during the years immediately preceding the Revolutionary War when a religious awakaening swept the colonies. Unlike their counterparts in the European homeland, however, these diverse religious and ethnic groups not only tolerated each other, they also cooperated to the extent that some church structures served, on a time-share basis, the faiths of Reformed and Lutheran. Frederick Bell, for example, helped fund the building of a neighboring Mennonite church, though he was not a member of that congregation.
Further evidence, were any needed, of their faith comes from the words of their wills.
How did they come by the money for the purchase? How did they know where to go and what to buy? Many of the arrivals from the Rhine Valley, collectively described by the English as Palatines, brought little more than the clothes they wore and the skills they had learned. The region suffered the scourges of war, famine and religious strife for most of the 17th and early part of the 18th century. Naturally, the vast amounts of inexpensive unsettled land, promises of religious toleration and freedom from the ravages of war and also military conscription attracted many immigrants, a large number of which had to sell themselves as indentured servants for a period of seven years to pay for their passage to America.
Some immigrants came as part of organized religious groups, and these immigrants generally had some capital assets resulting from inheritance and acquired wealth. In the case of Anthony Bell, Swiss emigration records for his wife, Maria Schneeberger, show that she had the proceeds of a land right that she brought with her. In addition, the reference to a trade learned in Hesse suggests that Anthony, at least, had marketable skills in addition to whatever he produced as a farmer. As to Peter Bell, a hint contained in a Philadelphia newspaper advertisement, if it was placed by the same Peter Bell, suggests that he may have been a trading merchant early upon their arrival, if not also before they left Europe. Peter and Anthony may also have brought with them the proceeds of an inheritance; they also might have been employed as part of the Mason-Dixon surveying crew.
We know for certain from the inventory of Peter Bell's estate, that he became a prosperous and successful merchant before marching off to fight with General Washington in the Philadelphia Campaign in the summer of 1777. Herbert C. Bell notes: "The main road from Hagerstown to Nicholson Gap passed through his land and the travel over this thoroughfare doubtless gave him advantages not enjoyed by his more isolated neighbors." And he also notes: "About the year 1775 he removed to Hagerstown, where he owned the lot at the corner of Franklin and Potomac streets now the location of the market house in that city. It is probable that he engaged in merchandising here, as the settlement of his estate shows that 225 persons were indebted to him in sums ranging from 1s. 3d. to 65 pounds."
From surviving records, we can tell that Peter Bell was a leader within his small community and that he became involved early on in the events leading to the Revolutionary War. As early as 1775, Peter Bell provided rations to a company of militia forming int he county. "Rendered patriotic service by providing "rashons" for the use of the military in July, 1775, as recorded by the Committee of Observation at Elizabeth Town on November 4, 1775 [Ref: Q-150]. Rendered patriotic service in Hagerstown by providing Sundries to Capt. John Nelson Company, continental service, Maryland line, April 1776 [Ref: Q-162]" Herbert C. Bell writes: "On the 25th of November, 1776, he was elected a member of the Committee of Observation for Washington County, and during his connection with this body he served as a member of a subcommittee of seven appointed for the purpose of 'licensing suits.' It appears that the judicial functions of the Committee were intrusted to this sub-committee. On the 30th of December, 1776, the Committee ordered the militia of the county to march to the assistance of General Washington. Some who had served in the Flying Camp claimed exemption from this order, and it is entered in the minutes of the Committee under date of January 4, 1777, that 'On motion of Captain Bell it is resolved that the Flying Camp are by no means exempt from marching with the militia.' "
Peter Bell went on to become a Captain of that militia, and in his turn, he marched to war. The following entry occurs in the minutes of the Counsil of Safety under the date of January 15, 1777: "Gentn Washington County January 11th 1777. "The militia of my Battalion have marched almost generally. Colo Smith's Battalion are now ready, there are some of the former Commissioned officers who have gone in the German Battalion whose places are vacated in the Militia, others have been elected to serve in their room, viz. Capt. Peter Beall in the room of Capt. Wm Heyser, Jacob Ott, 1st Lieut. Michael Ott 2nd Lieut. and William Conrad, Ensign: likewise the followingGentlemen were advanced in Capt. Fackler's company, viz.Leonard Shryock to 2nd Lieut. in the room of Adam Smith andMichael Tomer, Ensign. It is earnestly requested that Commissions may be made out for the foregoing Gentlemen, each respectively and sent by the Bearer Melcher Belsheever, who will meet the Battalion at Philadelphia. The men are spirited in the defenceof Liberty, and hope no delay will be made in forwarding their Commissions, otherwise I doubt confusion may arise in their companies as they are agreeably elected, and have pledged my honour to be assistive in procuring their respective Commissions, and send an express for that purpose. I hope my request will be comply'd with, and am, Gentlemen, Your most obedt & Humbl Servt The Honble Council of Safety John Stull. of Md at Annapolis.
According to Herbert C. Bell "Their commissions were duly forwarded to Philadelphia, and Thomas Johnson, the first Governor of the State, writing from that city on the 29th of January informed the Counsil of the arrival of Stull's battalion. There can be little doubt that it proceeded to New Jersey, the the scene of Washington's operations." The records of the Council corroborate H.C. Bell's account: "Wednesday, January 15, 1777. Council met. Present as on yesterday. Commissions issued to Peter Beall appointed Captain, Jacob Ott, first Lieutenant, Michael Ott, second Lieutenant, and William Conrod, Ensign of a Company of Militia in Washington County. Also to Leonard Shryock, second Lieut. and Michael Tamer, Ensign of a Company in said County."
Although Captain Bell's militia had been called up to serve only until March 15, 1977, Herbert C. Bell beleives that the company must have stayed with Washington's army for a longer period. If so, Captain Bell may have seen service in connection with the Philadelphia Campaign and the Battles of Brandywine, Paoli and Germantown before the army went into winter quarters at the end fo the year in Valley Forge.
At the time that Herbert Bell wrote in 1898, he did not have available to him any of the muster rolls for Peter Bell's company. Since then, however, at least two muster rolls have come to light from the archives of the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore. Since the militia formed from the residents of the area and each company elected its own Captain, the list tells us who lived nearby and also that Peter Bell was trusted by these men to take them into battle:
A List of Capt. Peter Bells Compy. as now Classd.Capt.
Peter Beall; 1 Liet. Jacob Ott; 2 do. Michael Ott; Ensign William Conrod; 1 Sergeant Frederick Roser; 2. do John Stonecyfer; 3. do Martin Fifer; 4. do Peter Sailer; 1 Corporal Simon Househalter; 2. do Peter Hout. 3. do John Conn; 4. do Jacob Fisher Junr
1st Class: Adam Dile; Nathaniel Morgan; Jonas Emerick; William Bishop; Martin Funk; Peter Smith; Peter Hess; Francis Cryley
2d Class: Rudolf Pligh(?); Dewalt Celhoffer; Jost. Wyant; William Muffet (Mussett?); Henry Wykell; Thomas Leveings(?); Peter Hoak; Peter Croft
3d Class: Abraham Bower; John Oster; Phillip Hornish; Martin Harry; Jacob Craver; Andrew Miller; Peter Hefley; Frederick Croft
4th Class: Jacob Harry; Micahel Fesler; Jonathan Harry; Jonathan Hayer [DAH: probably Hager]; Balzer Gull; George Arnold; John Sailer; Henry Mull
5th Class: Peter Woltz; Jospeh Kline; Henry Bowert; Phillip Reefnaugh; Martin Stake; Harmon Criley; Isaac Cnady; John Funk
6th Class: Melchar Bellhover; Francis Wagoner; David Harry; Jacob Nicholl; Thomas Rinehart; John Snyder; Phillip Oster; John Howard
7th Class: Jcaob Rozer; William Scott; Henry Tootwiler; John Rage; Earnst Ditz; Adam Ott; John Parks; Phillip Creeybam(?)8th Class: Joseph Hindman; Thomas SHoeman; John Onsell; George Dill; George Rinehart; Jacob Wirey; John Wise.
[Militia Lists of Daus. of Founders and Patriots, held by Md. Hist. Soc.]
Anthony Bell, his children, and the children of Peter Bell, Frederick Bell in particular, played important roles in the founding and organization of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Leitersberg and the rebuilding of Beard's church near Smithsburg. Many of their later descendants became ordain Lutheran ministers. Three of the stain glass windows in St. Paul's bear the names of Frederick Bell and his son George Bell.
Anthony Bell's father-in-law, Hanns Schneeberger (German for Snow Hill) , had deeply held religious beliefs of a different sort. He founded a religious community at Snowhill, Pennsylvania. Marie apparently parted with that particular sect when she married Anthony. Colonial Pennsylvania and Maryland, in the 1700's and even later, could fairly be characterized as a religious stew of Mennonites, Seventh Day Baptists, Quakers, Reformed (Swiss), Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists, Moravians, Dunkards, Amish, Anglicans, etc. Thge natural religious fervor reached an even higher pitch during the years immediately preceding the Revolutionary War when a religious awakaening swept the colonies. Unlike their counterparts in the European homeland, however, these diverse religious and ethnic groups not only tolerated each other, they also cooperated to the extent that some church structures served, on a time-share basis, the faiths of Reformed and Lutheran. Frederick Bell, for example, helped fund the building of a neighboring Mennonite church, though he was not a member of that congregation.
Further evidence, were any needed, of their faith comes from the words of their wills.
