From the book History of Walworth County Wisconsin, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Page 491
 
NATHANIEL BELL, son of James BELL and Isabel HARKNESS, was born at Truxton, New 
York, February 22, 1800; married, before 1830, Sarah Leonard, daughter of John 
COOK and Dorcas CASE.  She was born in 1810 and died January 31, 1847.  Major 
BELL came to section 25, Lafayette; in 1839 was chairman of the first board of 
county commissioners, and was five times a member of the county board of 
supervisors.  He was the territorial sheriff, 1845-8.  It is not known whence 
he derived his military title, but he may have been a drum-major, if not a 
major of New York militia.  He, with Riley HARRINGTON and Lot MAYO, with or 
without General WALLING, usually made martial music on patriotic or Democratic 
occasions.  John BELL, his brother, was assemblyman in 1853.  His sister, Mary 
Ann, was wife of Dr. Jesse C. MILLS.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)