Abner Bell Exhibit

Bell was the first settler in Buena Vista County. Existing by hunting, trapping and trading, he settled in the Sioux Rapids area in 1856, well before Storm Lake existed. Elk and wolves were still present as were not-always-friendly Native Americans.

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Originally hailing from New Jersey, Bell was Buena Vista County’s first notary, clerk and sheriff.

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The display includes an 1870 Assessors Book for Lee Township with many references to Bell and some of his own accounts. It is one of the few items saved from the Sioux Rapids Courthouse fire in 1877.