Shown are pictures of the grave of John A Bell that’s located in the “New” Cemetery at the Old Cahawba Park in Dallas County. On May 23rd, 1856, there was a shootout on the main street in Cahawba, with J. R. Bell and his two sons against Will E. Bird, Mathew Troy and Thomas Hunter (members of an extended family). Most of the town watched while huddled behind shutters. J. R. Bell and his son, John A. Bell was killed during the shootout. The survivors were exonerated in a court of law but, not in the eyes of the Bell family judging from the inscription on the grave of John A. Bell. The inscription reads: “No murder hath eternal life abiding in him”.
If you visit Old Cahawba, be sure to start at the Welcome Center. Exhibits are displayed that feature archaeological finds and photographs of the homes and businesses that once were located in Old Cahawba. You will be provided with instructions for the routes to take to get the most out of your visit.
Click here for additional details about the Old Cahawba Park.
Source: Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cahaba’s “New” Cemetery (available at the Old Cahawba Park Welcome Center).