William Edward Bell, born in Muskingum County, Ohio, married Alta West. Alta was the daughter of Jacob Gillmore West and Julia Ann Sims. They were married on June 12, 1879, in Cumberland, Guernsey County, Ohio.They lived for several years in Ohio, near the parents of both, but eventually moved to Colorado. Some information about the family is shown below.
AFFIDAVIT. APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE. William Edward Bell & Alta West, filed and recorded July 3, 1879. Cumberland, Guernsey Co. Ohio. On LIST OF EARLY SETTLERS OF PALISADE, Mesa Co. Col. Bell, W. E. as Fruit Grower, 1903. Had 1st brick house built in 1902 in Palisade, CO. Corner of Peach Ave./W. 5th. No insulation needed because of 2 thicknesses of brick separated by an air space size of length of brick. 2 bedrooms on 2nd floor. 3 fireplaces on main floor. Basement - dirt floor still in 1980's, when Claud & I went to Palisade & family living there were kind enough to let us go through the home. Book 52 # 21877 Western Colorado Museum - J.W. Hugus stores were located in Palisade, CO. in 1897. 1900 - First newspaper in Palisade, Palisade Courier. 1904 - Palisade incorporated. 1905 - First valley cannery opens in Palisade. 1909 - Bridge connects Palisade and Vineland, A bridge now connected Vineland with Palisade where Iowa Day was celebrated due to the large number of Iowans settling in the area. Locals also cheered when the Palisade team played the Indian Team from the Teller Institute. Claw hammer, handmade by Colonel Bower, a pioneer of Palisade, for his son Phil. Phil grew up to operate a garage in Palisade. 1910 - Palisade High School constructed. "Mountain Lion" Mesa Co. Brand for Palisade, Colorado PEACHES which is what William produced on his property.
The family later moved to Emmett, Idaho.