George W. Bell, 40th USCT-- Part 3: Met President Lincoln and Moved to Waukegan, Illinois

It was reported that while serving with the 40th USCT, he met Abraham Lincoln and prepared a meal for him.  On occasion, while in camp, Lincoln would always greet George.

After the war, he came first to Fairbury, Illinois, and then moved to Waukegan.

His home in Waukegan was on Clarke Avenue and he worked as a bricklayer.

His wife was Emily Bell, born 1848, died 24 October 1908 (aged 59-60) and she is also buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

--Old Secesh

George W. Bell-- Part 2: Former Slave, 40th USCT and Waukegan Resident

From Find A Grave.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BELL

Birth   16 October 1816, Tennessee

Death:  6 December 1910, Waukegan, Illinois

Burial:  Oakwood Cemetery, Waukegan, Illinois

Has a Union veteran headstone.

George W. Bell was born a slave in Tennessee.  He was out with his master during the Civil War and both captured by Union troops.  Given a chance to fight for the North, he joined Company B of the 40th  United States Colored Troops.

--Old Secesh

George W. Bell (Former Slave, Served with Union Army and Settled in Waukegan)-- Part 1

One of the people buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Waukegan is George W. Bell and has been featured in the well-known annual Cemetery Walk.

He was born into slavery in Tennessee and captured by the Union Army during the Civil War and served with the army.  In the 1880s he and his family moved to Waukegan, becoming one of the first permanent black families to live there.

He is buried on Oakwood Cemetery.  Born 16 October 1816  Died 6 December 1910.

--Old Secesh