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Newspaper article: "Death of Samuel Bell. 'Ah, broken is the golden bowl! the spirit flown forever! Let the bell toll! a saintly soul floats on the Stygian river'. Another day has dawned upon us, but another soul has been wafted to its eternal resting place in bright mansions above. Death, the dread reaper, from whom chilling embrace none can hope to escape, has been among us again and gathered to himself perhaps the oldest citizen of San Antonio, one whose name will awaken feeling of intense regret. Mr. Samuel Bell died yesterday evening about 7 o'clock, at the residence of his son David, on Travis street, at the ripe old age of 81 years. Mr. Bell was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on July 16 1798. He lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, for a number of years, and came to Texas with his family, settling in San Antonio, in the year 1852. His lamented wife, who was one of the most charitable and lovable ladies that ever lived, preceded him to the nether world in 1858, from their residence then on south Arsenal street. Up to within a few weeks of his death, the old gentleman had led a life of almost incessant labor and toil, and very rarely was he missed from his accustomed place of business. Temperate and frugal in all things, he was thus enabled to live a life far longer than the allotted span of four score years and ten, and also more free from the abuse and ills that humankind are heir to. Thirteen children were the offspring of his marriage -- five of whom, four sons and one daughter, still live to mourn his death and revere his memory. Though having excluded himself from society for many years, all knew the white haired old gentleman, and respected and honored him for many noble qualities. No old citizen has passed away so full of years and honors who will be more sincerely and deeply lamented. When the dark clouds of war hung over his country like a funeral pall and the angry passions of men waged bitter strife, Mr. Samuel Bell espoused the cause of the Union, which he loved with his whole heart and soul, and maintained his principles at a time when his life was almost in danger. Still he clung to the union of the American states in their darkest hour of need, and when the Federal troops entered this city in 1865, Mr. Bell was the first to unfurl the stars and stripes -- the old flag he cherished -- and rejoice that the union was maintained at the cost of so much precious blood and treasure. One picture will remain in our memory as long as memory remains to us -- and that is a scene which occurred in this city many years ago in which Mr. Bell was the central figure, waving the stars and stripes from the top of the old Alamo -- the olive branch of peace extended to our suffering people from the very topmost heights of the birth-place of Texas Independence. 'Twas a day which can never be forgotten. The act reflects only the greatest credit on the venerable head of the departed, for he was steadfast in his convictions, and remained true to himself, his country, and his God. During his last illness, which resulted from his extreme old age, Mr. Bell recognized the painful fact that his end was drawing near, and expressed to those faithful hearts around his bedside his perfect resignation and willingness to die. Thus he passed peacefully and quietly away, crowned with an old age that is vouchsafed to but few. 'Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath; But thou has all seasons for thine own, oh Death!'" |
