Thomas Montgomery Bell

March 17, 1861 – March 18, 1941

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Parents:                       William Bryan and Katherine McAfee Bell

Grandparents:             Montgomery and Comfort Brittain Bell

                                   Thomas Virgil and Elizabeth Fendley McAfee

Marriage:                    April2, 1885, to Mary Ella Winburn, Gainesville, Georgia

Cemetery:                   Alta Vista, Gainesville, Georgia

Place of Birth:             Mr. Bell stated that he was born in Nacoochee Valley.  However, his parents were living in the White County Courthouse in December 1859 and were building a house at that time on the southwest corner of the courthouse square.  The house was later expanded as a hotel and later referred to as the Barrett house. Since Mr. Bell was born on March 18, 1861, perhaps he was born in the new house on the square.

Education:                   Attended the common schools in Cleveland and Moore’s Business University in Atlanta.

Places of residency:     White County until 1885 when he moved to Gainesville, Georgia. He lived at 632  West Washington Street, Gainesville, Georgia.

Occupations:               Hauled mail between Cleveland and Gainesville for his father who was the contractor for the route.

                                   Taught in public schools, Cleveland, Georgia, in 1878 and 1879.

                                   Traveling salesman with many wholesale business houses in Atlanta and Baltimore, Maryland.

                                   Elected Clerk, Superior Court, Hall County in 1898 and served until 1904.

                                   Member of Congress – March 4, 1905 – March 5, 1931

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                                   Served as Majority Whip during 63^rd Congress

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                                   Vice-Chairman, House Post Office Committee                        

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Served on Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Represented Georgia Marble Company, Tate, Georgia

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White County Residence: Mr. Bell owned property now on Tom Bell Road, White County, Georgia. The old house is still standing on this property near Mt. Yonah. He referred to this property which included an apple orchard as the “Reservation.” He entertained many of his friends including those from Congress at this farm. Mr. and Mrs. Marion and Ora Glover lived on this farm for about three years and looked after the property for Mr. Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Claude and Mary Sims also lived on this farm. He drove Mr. Bell’s country string band around the 9^th district during one or more elections. The father of Mrs. Sims and Mr. Glover (sister and brother) and Mr. Bell wereousins.

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Mr. Marvin Lanier Chambers later bought the “Reservation.”  Mr. Chambers' mother and Mr. Bell weousins.