BIO:  Maj. Robert BELL, Gettysburg, Adams County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/adams/
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Chicago:  Warner, Beers & Co., 1886
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Part III, History of Adams County, Pages 349-350

MAJ. ROBERT BELL, cashier of the First National Bank, Gettysburg, is a native of 
Adams County, Penn., born in Menallen Township, March 5, 1830, a son of James 
and Martha (McIlhenny) Bell, natives of this county and of Scotch-Irish descent.  
James Bell, the grandfather of the Major, was a non-commissioned officer in the 
Revolutionary war, at the close of which he located on a farm in this county, 
where he passed the remainder of his days, an intelligent, energetic and highly 
esteemed gentleman.  James Bell, Jr. (father of our subject), was born on the 
farm on which Maj. Bell now resides, and early in life learned the milling 
business, which, in connection with merchandising, he followed many years.  He 
was the father of four children, of whom Maj. Bell is the youngest.  Our subject 
was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools and at Oak 
Ridge Academy.  June 16, 1863, he enlisted in the United States service and 
raised a company of cavalry, of which he was chosen captain.  The following year 
he was promoted to the office of major, and as such served until the close of 
the war, having been mustered out July 18, 1865.  He participated in a number of 
engagements and battles, and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee in 1865.  
Maj. Bell is one of the few who can present to the public the horse who shared 
with him the privations and dangers of war.  In 1853 our subject married 
Abigail, daughter of Jacob King.  Her grandfather, Hugh King, and her great-
grandfather, Victor King, served in the French and Indian and Revolutionary 
wars.  The Kings were of Scotch-Irish descent, and pioneers of the State of 
Pennsylvania.  To the Major and wife the following named children were born:  
Fannie J., James F., Nannie A., Martha A., W. W., Robert K., Carrie K. and J. 
Grant.  The parents are identified with the Presbyterian Church.  Maj. Bell has 
through life been occupied principally as a farmer.  Since 1867 he has been one 
of the directors of the First National Bank of Gettysburg, and its cashier since 
1875.