Martha McFarlane McGee Bell's Irish Soda Bread

A favorite on both sides of the Atlantic. This traditional bread is wonderful served buttered with soups and stews for lunches and dinners. It can also be served with a variety of jams, jellies or fresh fruit for breakfast.

About Martha McFarlane McGee Bell
We acknowledge the Scottish-Irish branch of our family through this soda bread product. Eight generations ago, a woman by the name of Martha McFarlane was born (1735) in Alamance County, North Carolina to Scottish-Irish immigrants. Martha’s first husband, John McGee, was born in Ireland (1730). John and Martha had 5 children.

Stories describe Martha as an energetic, dignified, and resolute woman. She was known for her business sense, and farming skills, but also for her tenderness for the sick and afflicted.

Six years after John’s death, Martha married William Bell. Together, they owned and operated a gristmill known as “Bell’s Mill” in Randolph County. This is the site of the infamous occupation of General Cornwallis and his troops after the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781. Martha reluctantly allowed Cornwallis use of the mill in exchange for the safe keeping of herself and the property. Through this, Martha was able to gather intelligence and was recognized as a Revolutionary War heroine.

She feared only the Lord, and desired only peace, freedom, truth and righteousness. Martha died at the age of 85 years.