This recipe has been passed down in my family since the depression. It has many variations, since it was a favorite of hobos living near the railroads in the 1920s. Here is our version. Great in cold weather with cornbread.
1 package dried navy beans
1 large can of tomatoes, mashed with hands
1 pound fried bacon, crumbled, save grease
1 large onion, diced
2 bay leaves
Cook beans with bay leaves. Remove bay leaves. Fry bacon and onion until bacon is crisp. Add to beans and tomatoes. Add bacon grease. Slowly simmer in covered pot for about 20 minutes.