James Madison Bell

1826 -1902

Name: James Madison Bell

Birthplace: Gallipolis Ohio

Status: Free Person of Color

Occupation/Training: Brick Mason/Plasterer and Poet

Abolitionist Involvement: After moving to Canada, Bell became acquainted with John Brown, assisting in raising funds for Brown's efforts to assist the Negro slaves. Some of Bells funds assisted in funding Brown in the raid at Harper's Ferry in 1859. As a writer, Bells early poems frequently addressed the issue of emancipation, and this was a constant theme in his poetry. He moved to California in 1860 remaining till the end of the Civil War. Throughout the war, he spoke out against slavery and for the emancipation of slaves in the US and the West Indies

Family: Wife--Louisiana Sanderline.

Place of Death: Toledo Ohio

Publications/References: "The Day and the War"--Emancipation Day poem, dedicated to John Brown. "Valedictory of Leaving San Francisco California" Biography of Bell can be found in Firffith Brawley's Work "The Negro Genius." (1931) "The Poetical Works of James Madison Bell"c.1901

BACK to African American Genealogical Resources

The Genealogy Forum - Main Page
Beginners' Center | File Libraries | Internet Center
Message Boards | Resource Center | Reunion Center
Genealogy Forum News | Surname Center
Shop With Us
Guestbook

© 1999 - 2005 Some Graphics By Carol, All Rights Reserved.
Genealogy Forum.com is a production of Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Armada, Michigan.
© 1998 - 2005 All Rights Reserved. Brenda Bova, President.
The Genealogy Forum is a member of the Federation of Genealogical Societies
and the National Genealogical Society.
Tree logo provided by MeadPond Designs
and is the trademark of GenealogyForum.com.

If you have any questions or comments,
please contact GenealogyForum@aol.com