Cold Weather Bean Soup

1 pound dry navy beans
1 meaty ham bone
2 cups cubed ham
1 small onion (finally chopped)
8 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 bay leaf

Rinse the navy beans. Soak (cover with water) in a saucepan or bowl for 3 hours. Pour off water then put beans and the remaining ingredients in a large kettle. Heat to boiling, cover and simmer 3 hours or until the beans are tender. (add additional water if necessary). Skim off foam once in a while. Remove the ham bone and bay leaf before serving. Trim the meat off the bone and return to soup. Salt to taste.