We The People: This Day in History, October 8

BELL COUNTY, Texas (KWTX) - On October 8, 1850, Bell County held its first commissioners court meeting.

At the time, Nolan Springs was the county seat, which later became Nolanville.

The following year, the county seat was changed to Belton.

The first woman elected as governor in the United States was born in Little River.

“Ma” Ferguson served two terms; her husband, Salado native James Edward Ferguson, also served as governor before her.

While running, “Ma” Ferguson assured Texans that if elected, she would follow the advice of her husband and Texas would gain “two governors for the price of one.”

The county’s namesake, Peter H. Bell was the governor of Texas in 1849 and again in 1851.

Bell County was founded in the midst of his leadership.

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