John Bell was killed in a duel in May 1856 in Dallas County, Alabama, and his son as well, John, Jr. (Selma is Dallas County.) He was killed in a duel over a slave; he was defending an enslaved man. I have a probate file on the Bell, the Alabama Supreme Court opinion on the case, and a grave marker. The grave marker reads "No Murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." Unsurprisingly, Bell was incredibly wealthy, and so was the accuser. Honor culture (which I'm not a fan of usually) will be a big part of the case
This is a cemetery in Cahaba, Alabama. Bell was killed in Cahaba.
Hurry up and write this article!
Posted by: Harwell Wells | December 31, 2024 at 09:02 AM
Ditto! Very intrigued by this!
Posted by: John Browning | December 31, 2024 at 09:34 AM
I am working on it! Bell was defending an enslaved person -- and he died (as did his son). I don't know of another enslaved person and "owner" that does that.
Posted by: Al Brophy | December 31, 2024 at 02:33 PM
It is great that you are posting and writing, Al.
Posted by: Steve L. | January 01, 2025 at 07:20 AM
I agree with Steve. See you soon in North Carolina.
Posted by: Scott England | January 01, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Yes--all of this!
Posted by: Alfred L Brophy | January 01, 2025 at 07:25 PM