William Bell
The names of those men who have distinguished themselves through the possession of those qualities which daily contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability, and who have enjoyed the confidence and respect of those about them,should not be permitted to perish. Such a one is William Bell, whose name needs no introduction to the readers of this book, and whose reputation is international, having long been one of America's importers of blooded horses. He is one of Wayne county's leading citizens and takes an abiding interest in whatever pertains to the general upbuilding of the community.
Mr. Bell was born in Bole, Nottinghamshire, England, December 17, 1861, the son of Samuel Bell, Sr., and Martha (Ellis) Bell. The father a man of sterling worth and excellent business traits, was born at Gainsboro, England. He was a stock man and well known in that line of business. William Bell was educated in the village schools of Bole, finishing his education at Wesleyan school, Gainsboro. Soon after finishing school he came to America, when nineteen years of age, bringing some horses with him, for he had early in his youth decided to follow the footsteps of his father in the stock business. He established himself at Montreal, Canada, and began importing horses, but believing that a better field for his operations existed at Wooster, Ohio, he soon afterwards came here. He had some valuable experience before coming west, shipping horses from New York, where he first landed, to Boston and other points, gradually becoming a more expert judge of horses and learning how to manage the business profitably, having by this time gained a very extensive knowledge of the commerical side of stock raising and selling. He formed a partnership with his brother, Samuel, the firm being known as the Bell Brothers, in 1880. They were successful from the first in this venture and the business grew from year to year, until today it has a national prestige. They have imported one hundred stallions a year for the past five years. The first few years was not especially "easy sailing" and the business has gradually grown until it has reached immense proportions. They are importers of shires, - Percherons, Belgian, and German coach horses, - all full blooded, and they are greatly admired by all who see them. They also handle large numbers of American bred horses.
That Mr. Bell is an excellent judge of livestock is shown by the following letter, which he received from the International Live Stock Exposition at Chicago, where he was a judge in 1909, which is self-explanatory:
"Union Stock Yards, "Chicago, Ill.,
December 22, 1909"
"Mr. William Bell
"Wooster, Ohio
"Dear Sir: The able and efficient service rendered our Exposition by your worthy self, as judge of the Percheron horses, is deserving of more than passing comment, for you not only justified the action of the board who selected you to act in this important capacity, but you also acquitted yourself with such credit that your splendid service was a subject of much commendation, and I am pleased to be able to report that not a single complaint of any description was brought to my attention in connection with your work. This must be exceedingly gratifying to you when you consider that your decisions were watched also by the entire livestock world, so to speak; for, as the International is regarded as the 'Court of Last Appeal,' you, therefore, descriptively speaking, held the position of a judge of the supreme court.
"I desire to thank you most heartily for your painstaking efforts, and sincerely trust that you will not hesitate to command me should I, at any future time, be able to prove myself of service to you.
"Wishing you the compliments of the season and hoping that the New Year will bring you much happiness and increased prosperity, I am, Yours very truly,
"B.H. Heide,
"General Superintendent."
In all his extensive and varied interests Mr. Bell has shown himself to be a master of details, possessing rare executive ability and business acumen of a high order. With duties that would greatly worry the average man, he has his labors systematized that he experiences little or no trouble in doing them. He is also strikingly original and fearless, having a keen discernment, prosecuting his researches after his own peculiar fashion caring little for conventionalism or for the sanctity attaching to person or place by reason of artificial distinction, tradition or the accident of birth. He is essentially cosmopolitan in his ideas, a man of the people in all that the term implies, and in the best sense of the word a representative of that virile manhood which commands and retains respect by reason of inherent merit, sound sense and correct conduct.
Mr. Bell was married in Wooster March 28,1888, to Ella Camp. Her parents were Ferdinand and Elizabeth (Brosius) Camp, who lived in North-Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. The mother died in 1876 and the father in 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Bell had two children, a son, William Ellis born October 29, 1894, died at the age of four years and seven months; a daughter, Esta Elizabeth, born June 7, 1901, and who is attending school. She is a bright little girl and the joy of her parents.
Fraternally Mr. Bell is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious membership is with the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Bell are whole-souled and very pleasant people to meet in their home at No. 111 South Market street, where everyone is made welcome.
From The History of Wayne County, Ohio, B. E. Bowen & Co., Indianapolis, 1910