JAMES BELL. Of the many European countries that have given to America their best and bravest citizens, the fair Emerald Isle has ever been found in the foremost rank. Persecuted and oppressed by powerful nations, many of her high-spirited sons and daughters have sought a land of freedom, and finding the object of their quest in America, have bled and died to maintain the honor of their adopted country. James Bell was born February 9, 1844, near Bangor, County Down, Ireland, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. He soon evinced an inclination for mechanical work, and by indulging this natural taste, finally became quite a successful carpenter. On March 17, 1873, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Jane Major, a native of the same county. She was born December 3, 1855, and was a daughter of David Major, a merchant of Bangor, County Down, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Bell decided to begin their married life in the New World, and in June, 1873, sailed from Larne, County Antrim, on the State-line ship "Pennsylvania." After a voyage of thirteen days they landed at New York, thence proceeded to Steubenville, Ohio, where they remained a short time then settled at Midway, Penn. Mr. Bell there found employment in outside work at the coal mines, but through working with untiring industry, his health began to fail from the unaccustomed and severe manual labor. In 1880 he opened a small grocery, being obliged to begin on a modest scale, as his finances were very limited. But undaunted by the many obstacles before him, with the spirit of energy and pluck characteristic of the sons of Erin, James Bell began at the foot of the commercial ladder. Slowly, yet steadily, he began to rise; round by round he ascended, watching and working, with his faithful wife by his side to encourage and aid in the stubborn conflict; at last success dawned and the darkest hours were over. To-day James Bell conducts the most extensive individual mercantile business at Midway. He has been compelled to enlarge his business facilities, and is enjoying the well-earned reward of those weary, toilsome years. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James Bell: Minnie, David, William M., Bessie M. N., James A., Hugh W., John (deceased in infancy), Mattie S. and John N. In politics Mr. Bell was formerly a Republican, and in 1884 joined the Prohibition party, with which he has since been connected. He and his wife are earnest members of the U. P. Church.

Text taken from page 1163 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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