Wash the beans and add to a medium to large pan on the stove.
Cover with water, boil, and turn off the heat.
Let sit about a 1/2 hour.
Drain the beans, and place all the ingredients in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or so, then switch to low and continue to cook. You want the beans to be done, but not mushy.
Add more water if needed to make it a soup consistency as it cooks.
Cut the meat off the bone and put in with the beans and remove the bay leaf before serving