William L. Bell was born in Wayne County in 1844, son of William R. and Elizabeth (Burns) Bell, who were born in North Carolina and Tennessee , respectively. The father came to Tennessee when a young man, and was a tanner by trade, and in connection with this followed farming. He was a Whig in politics and died in Wayne County in 1863. His wife died in 1844. The father was married four times, his first wife being a Miss Alexander; the second, our subject’s mother; the third, Adeline Stockard, and the fourth, Jane Meredith. Our subject was reared on a farm, and at the death of his mother was cared for by by his grandmother. From fifteen until nineteen years of age he resided with an uncle. He enlisted in the Confederate service, and served until the close of the war. He was in many of the principal battles, but was never wounded. He returned home in February, 1865. Shortly after his return he married Martha C. Whitaker, daughter of James and Delphia Whitaker. She was born in Tennessee in 1840, and is the mother of six children: Conly, (deceased), Elizabeth, Samuel, William H., Whittorne and Charles (deceased). Our subject farmed two years on rented land after his marriage, and in 1868, purchased his present farm of 340 acres. He is a Democrat, and held the office of deputy sheriff three years, giving good satisfaction.