Tales from the Cemetery "Toodle", # 7

Marian "Toodle" Johnson (Bell) was a remarkable woman whose life spanned an era of profound change in America—born on May 7, 1883, in the charming town of Dadeville, Tallapoosa County, Alabama, daughter of James Johnson (1844) and Pamela Kimball (1846-1905).

In the 1900 census, Marion, an 18-year-old student, lived as a single daughter in her parents' home. Her mother passed away only five years later, in 1905.

In the spring of 1909, Toodle was accepted into the Daughters of the American Revolution #73191 as a descendant of Capt. Charles Crawford, Daniel Marshall, and Levi Marshall.

*(Image Description, Handwritten on back "For Cousin Love from Little Marian, Nov. 16, 1894, Dadeville, Ala." Believed to be James Johnson and family (Carl, James, "Sweet", Marian). Found among family photos belonging to Mrs. J.W. Moore.)

Marian, a lively 26-year-old, and George Lumpkin Bell Jr., well-liked young members of the Dadeville social scene, surprised everyone when they married in Fulton, Georgia, on January 28, 1910. Marian was in Georgia visiting family when she met George in Atlanta, and they married, leaving friends and family thrilled for the happy couple.

In the 1910 and 1920 censuses, Marion was documented as a married daughter residing in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama, where she lived with her husband and father. The small-town atmosphere provided a close-knit community backdrop to her life. By 1925, however, tragedy struck as Toodle's father passed away, leaving her to navigate life's challenges with only one brother.

Marian experienced remarkable historical moments, from the turn of the century through two World Wars, along with the incredible social and technological changes of the 20th century.

By 1930, when the census was recorded, Toodle and her husband had moved to Dothan, Houston, Alabama. Her husband was farming, and they still did not have children. They are back in Dadeville by 1950.

Fondly referred to as Toodle by her friends and family, she grew up in a warm and loving community where family and faith were central to everyday life. Her deep ties to Dadeville kept her closely connected to the vibrant history and culture of the South, which she cherished. She passed away eight years after her husband and left no heirs.

In her 85 years, Toodle demonstrated resilience, grace, and dedication to her family and community. She experienced both hardship and triumph, embodying the strength and spirit of her generation.

Toodle passed away on October 29, 1968, in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, leaving a legacy of love and perseverance. Her life is a testament to the enduring values of kindness, dedication, and the importance of cherishing one's roots.

If you have additional information about Marian 'Toodle' Johnson (Bell) that you'd like to share, or if you notice anything that needs to be corrected, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me—your contributions will help honor her memory and enrich her story for others to appreciate.

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Resources:

* '''1950 Census''': "1950 United States Federal Census"
National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Roll: 2823; Page: 4; Enumeration District: 62-24
{{Ancestry Sharing|33720345|7b22746f6b656e223a22794f5171356f6d6459597a4767317a7a484a7772306378324a446f5079704342494d77797777415a4151513d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|62308|99624832}} (accessed March 12 2025)
Marion J Bell (68), wife, in household of George L Bell (68) in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama, USA. Born in Alabama.

* '''Burial''': "U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current"
{{FindAGrave|54801127}}
{{Ancestry Record|60525|92347508}} (accessed March 12 2025)
Marian J Bell burial (died on October 29 1968) at Dadeville City Cemetery, Dadeville, Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States of America. Born on May 7, 1883.

"1900 United States Federal Census"
Year: 1900; Census Place: Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Roll: 41; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0072
{{Ancestry Sharing|33712318|7b22746f6b656e223a2236492b436a324a3151354653502b564f42623266723138457468775666556b46314a70727839313175696b3d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|7602|34990455}} (accessed 12 March 2025)
Marion Johnson (18), single daughter, Student in the household of James Johnson (58) in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama. Born in Alabama, USA.

"1910 United States Federal Census"
Year: 1910; Census Place: Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Roll: T624_34; Page: 2b; Enumeration District: 0167; FHL microfilm: 1374047
{{Ancestry Sharing|33712503|7b22746f6b656e223a2279375941536f4d3468533475757062363363787a306e552b4d564c593670364f4f352f56374275745a65773d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|7884|238912}} (accessed 12 March 2025)
Marion Bell (26), married daughter in the household of James Johnson (65) in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama, USA. Born in Alabama.

"1920 United States Federal Census"
Year: 1920; Census Place: Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama; Roll: T625_43; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 170
{{Ancestry Sharing|33712723|7b22746f6b656e223a226e70594c646433327a6d756b4b316c51565539724d4550366974476643554b356f37336c4652596c707a733d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|6061|106653809}} (accessed 12 March 2025)
Marion Bell (35) married a daughter in the household of James Johnson (75) in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama. Born in Alabama.

* '''Marriage''': "Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978"
Georgia Archives; Morrow, Georgia; County Marriage Records, 1828–1978
{{Ancestry Sharing|33720518|7b22746f6b656e223a222b683330533631533441386964494e676c526c724c2f507a734b776477504a4d7862515a714c6e6c4c54493d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d}} - {{Ancestry Record|4766|21104521}} (accessed March 12 2025)
Marian Johnson marriage to George L Bell on January 28 1910 in Fulton, Georgia, USA.

* '''Military''': "Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (152 Vols.)"
Original data: National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Lineage Books of the Charter Members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Vol. I-CLII (152)
{{Ancestry Record|3174|70264}} (accessed March 12, 2025)
Name: Mrs. Marian Johnson Belle; Gender: Female; Birth Place: Dadeville, Ala.; Relative: Capt. Charles Crawford, Daniel Marshall, and Levi Marshall.; Spouse: George Belle; Comments: Mrs. Marian Johnson Belle.DAR ID Number: 73190; Born in Dadeville, Ala.; Wife of George Belle. ; Descendant of Capt. Charles Crawford, Daniel Marshall, and Levi Marshall. ; Daughter of James Johnson (b. 1844) and Pamela Kimball (1846-1905), his wife, m. 1882. ;; DAR ID. Number: 73190.

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