Jacob Bell was born in Leitersburg District [Washington County, Md.], March 26, 1773, the son of Anthony and Maria (Snowberger) Bell. After reaching manhood, he engaged in farming, continuing in this occupation as long as he was actively engaged in business. After his father's death, he purchased the farm of 208 acres formerly owned by the latter, in addition to which he subsequently acquired the farms in Washington Township, Franklin County, Pa., now owned by Matthias Deitrich and Peter Smith. These farms are situated at the junction of the two main branches of Antietam creek. On that of Mr. Smith there was a hemp mill, built in 1799, and this was operated by Jacob Bell in connection with his farms. In 1841, having disposed of his property in Leitersburg District and Washington Township, he removed to Richland County, Ohio, transporting his family and household goods thither by wagon. There he purchased land in the vicinity of Mansfield, the county seat, where he resided until his death, November 19, 1847. He was a successful business man, and left to each of his sons a farm of 160 acres and to each of his daughters the sum of $2,500. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. He was a member of Jacobs Lutheran Church and an officer in the congregation for years; he was also chorister, and served in this capacity as long as German was the language used in public worship. He married Barbara, daughter of Ludwig and Susan (Emminger) Emerick, and their children were Mary, who married David Leiter; Anthony; Jacob; Susan, who married John Shutt; John; David; Peter; and Samuel. All of the sons with the exception of Jacob located in Richland County, Ohio, where the family is numerously represented. Herbert E. Bell, who has served as prosecuting attorney of Richland County and post-master of Mansfield, is a son of Samuel Bell.

History of Leitersburg District, Washington County, MD, Charles Bell