Edward James Bell

Edward James Bell is the youngest of two children born to Edward Hyem Bell and Harriet Milsom, both of England. Edward and Harriet immigrated to America with their two sons. After their arrival, they traveled to Nebraska where joined the Daniel D. McArthur Company to journey to the Salt Lake Valle with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latte-day Saints. The company left August 6, 1863.

Exhaustive travel conditions, disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, prematurity, and extreme weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. Two weeks into the trek, 2-year-old Edward died of unknown causes. He is buried on the north side of the Platte River in Kearney, Nebraska.

From the Elijah Larkin diaries of the journey: “22nd Started at, 8. A.M. about 100 of our Oxen haveing Strayed during the night. I took my rifle with Bro.[.] P.M. saw Antelope on the Bottom but could not get near them. we went over the Hills but could not find any Game. Ed. Jas. son of Ja[me]s. Bell of [blank space] died at 3½ A.M. & was burried with Bro. Courts Child beetween 60 & 70 Miles above Kearney. North side of the Platte.”