Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
William Bell
William Bell was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1797. In that large commercial city he and his revered father composed the widely-known firm of John Bell & Co., a very extensive manufacturing and exporting concern, giving employment to several thousand persons. A Great financial crisis destroyed their business, and involved them in overwhelming losses. From this shock, the subject of this notice never recovered. In 1842, he left his native Land for the United States. He was a prominent member of the society of Friends, and a Faithful defender of its principles and testimonies. For five years previous to his coming to this country he edited the Irish Friend, in which he boldly promulgated the principles And measures he held so dear. He was a resident of Richmond for about twenty years. During this time he was every ready to co-operate in works of benevolence. The cause of temperance, the abolition of slavery, and other objects of a philanthropic character, received his ardent and active support. He died March 5, 1871.
Source:
History of Wayne County, Indiana - by Andrew W. Young. - pub 1872. City of Richmond - Page 411