Person Page - 35

     George Bell was born on 26 June 1780 in Southdean, Roxburgshire.^1,2 He was the son of William Bell and Markie Minto.¹ George Bell married Ann Scott, daughter of Thomas Scott and Ann Scott.³ George Bellappeared in the 1841 census at Bedrule, Roxburghshire,, as proprietor of Menslaws.⁴ He appears on the census of 30 March 1851 at Menslaws, Bedrule, Roxburgshire, "George Bell Esqr. Landed proprietor farming 200 acres arable (employing 5 men & 7 women)" listed together with his unmarried daughter Ann Bell and a niece, Dorothea L. Bell aged 18. The census shows two further houses at Menslaws which are occupied by the land stewart, Mark Turnbull and his family which consist of his wife and six children aged between 1 and 14 years of age. James Buchan, an agricultural labourer, his wife and grand daughter live in the second house which is recorded as Menslaws Hind's House.
The New Statistical Account of Scotland records that Mr. George Bell was the only heritor present [others being absentee heritors] and that his farms his own property with great skill and success [p. 287]. In commenting on the accommodation for farm servants it notes "Two cottages belonging to George Bell, Esq. of Menslaws, deserve particular notice, for their superior accommodation and comfort. Either of them would have been considered a very comfortable farm house, fifty or a hundred years ago. The floor of one of them surpasses, in one respect, any thing of the kind perhaps in the whole county. It is made of a compost of lime and gravel; and for hardness and smoothness, and appearance, equals any covered with flags, and will last, if properly taken care of, as this seems to be, longer than one laid with freestone flags. " [p. 292] He died on 25 October 1859 in Menslaws, Jedburgh, at the age of 79 at 10.15 in the morning.¹ He was buried on 28 October 1859 in the Old Churchyard, Ancrum.⁵ On 18 October 1860 The compact small estate of Menslaws was yesterday sold in Dowells & Lyon's rooms, at the upset price of £10,500 to Thomas Cockburn Esq., Sisterpath, Dunse.⁶

     Harriet Elizabeth Bell was born on 2 September 1834 in Calcutta, India.² She was the daughter of Robert Bell and Adolphina Rabeholm.¹ Harriet Elizabeth Bell was baptised on 23 September 1834 at Calcutta.²

     Helen Symonds Dobree Bell was also known in the family as Aunt Nell. She was born on 6 September 1856 in 6 Sussex Place, Southsea. She was the daughter of Dr. William Bell and Zébée Stewart Gordon. Helen Symonds Dobree Bell was baptised on 7 November 1856 at St. Judes Church, Southsea, by the Rev. J. Brownrigge. She was confirmed on 20 November 1874 at St. Pauls, Bedford, by Bishop Woodford the Bishop of Ely. Circa 1945 Helen Symonds Dobree Bell was living at 43 Sea Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth. She died on 27 May 1947 probably in Bournemouth at the age of 90.

     Isabella Bell was born on 30 April 1797 in Bedrule, Roxburghshire.² She was the daughter of William Bell and Markie Minto.¹ Isabella Bell was christened on 14 May 1797 at Bedrule, Roxburghshire.^1,3 She was buried in 1880 in the Churchyard, Ancrum,, first grave of the aisle.⁴

     Isobel Bell was born on 17 May 1760 in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.¹ She was the daughter of Robert Bell Senr. and Margaret Black.² Isobel Bell was baptised on 18 June 1760 at Associate Congregation Church, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.^2,1 She died in September 1760.² She was buried on 22 September 1760 in the Churchyard, Ancrum,, where the burial is simply recorded as a child of Robert Bell. Menslaws.²

     James Bell was born on 22 March 1782 in Southdean.^2,3 He was the son of William Bell and Markie Minto.^1,2 James Bell possibly firstly married Clara Ewan on 4 June 1817 in the Cathedral, Calcutta, There is an entry in the Asiatic Journal and Monthly Miscellany, 1817, which records this marriage and notes that the groom was an indigo planter. Whether or not this is the same James Bell is a matter for speculation. James Bell married Betsy Laidlaw on 26 October 1828 in the Parish Church, Jedburgh, Roxburgh, Scotland.⁴ James Bell and Betsy Laidlaw then again went through a wedding ceremony on 31 October 1828 in St. Cuthbert's, Edinburgh, Scotland.⁵ James Bell died on 28 May 1843 at the age of 61 at sea on passage from India. In the notice of his death, dated Menslaws, August, 1843 he is described as "late of Kishnaghur, Bengal".
He first went to India in 1811 where he became a successful indigo planter and merchant in Bengal.^2,6

     James Bell was born on 1 August 1751 in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.¹ He was the son of Robert Bell Senr. and Margaret Black.¹ James Bell was baptised on 25 August 1751 at Associate Congregation Church, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.¹

     Jean Douglas Bell was born on 10 August 1794 in Bedrule her name is registered as Jainy.² She was the daughter of William Bell and Markie Minto.¹ Jean Douglas Bell was christened on 14 August 1794 at the Associate Congregation of Free Church, Jedburgh, Roxburgshire.³ She married George Elliot on 17 December 1818 in Edinburgh (from a notice in Blackwood's Magazine).¹

     Louisa Maria Bell's birth was registered in the quarter ending June 1856 in the St. Pancras, London registration district.^1,2 She was the daughter of William Robert Bell and Louisa Harriet Crozier.¹

     Margaret Bell was born on 16 April 1786 in Bedrule, Roxburghshire.² She was the daughter of William Bell and Markie Minto.¹ Margaret Bell was christened on 30 April 1786 at Bedrule, Roxburgshire,³ where her name was recorded as Peggy Bell.⁴ She married Alexander Scott, son of Robert Scott, on 12 June 1814 in Cavers, Roxburgshire.⁵ Margaret Bell died on 5 July 1829 at the age of 43 "Mrs Scott 5th Jul=29."⁶

     Margaret Bell married Hon. William Walker.¹

     Margaret Bell was born on 27 September 1758 in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.¹ She was the daughter of Robert Bell Senr. and Margaret Black.¹

     Marky Bell was born in 1784 in Southdean, Roxburghshire, (thought to be about 1783 from indications in the Bell family papers) but her death record gives her age as 76.^1,2 She was the daughter of William Bell and Markie Minto.¹ Marky Bell appeared in the 1841 census at Lanton, Roxburghshire. Together with her sister Isabella, their niece Marky Elliot and their nephew William Elliot.³ She died on 29 June 1860 in 41 Lanton Place, Jedburgh, 10.30 a.m., unmarried. The registration of death states that she suffered from several years of debility. Her brother, William Bell was present at the death.^1,4 She was buried on 4 July 1860 in the Churchyard, Ancrum,, in her father's grave or 4th grave below stone.^4,1,5

     Marky Minto Bell was born on 30 April 1816.¹ She was the daughter of George Bell and Ann Scott. Marky Minto Bell was christened on 2 June 1816 at Jedburgh, Roxburgshire. She died on 24 April 1838 in Menslaws, Jedburgh, at the age of 21 recorded as 25 April in Ancrum churchyard.² She was buried on 30 April 1838 in the Churchyard, Ancrum,, 4th Row. 3rd Room. 3rd Grave. "Darling Child of George Bell."³

     Minto Bell was born on 20 June 1790.² She was the daughter of William Bell and Markie Minto.¹ Minto Bell was christened on 27 June 1790 at Bedrule, Roxburgshire, whilst the Bell Papers record 1782 as her date of birth.³ She married George Grieve, son of John Grieve and Isabella Turnbull, circa 1809.¹ Minto Bell and George Grieve emigrated in 1832 to Quebec, Canada, with their son William Bell.⁴ Minto Bell died on 27 May 1838 in Ormstown, Quebec, Canada, at the age of 47.^1,5

     Robert Bell was born in 1799 (corrected from 1791 indicated by the Bell papers).^1,2 He was the son of William Bell and Markie Minto.¹ In 1819 he travelled to India to join his brother.³ Robert Bell married Adolphina Rabeholm, daughter of N. Rabeholm, on 21 October 1825 in Serrampore. Robert Bell is described as being of Ramnagur.⁴ Robert Bell died in August 1834 ³ and was buried in Calcutta.³

     Robert Bell Senr. was born in 1730.¹ He was baptised on 30 August 1730 at Marlingdean, Jedburgh, Roxburgshire, Though the baptism is recorded in Bedrule the entry in the register reads "The minister being at Nithsdale Mr. William Turnbull Minr. att Abbotsrule preached here. Then baptised Robert son to Thomas Bell in Marlingdean Jeburgh Parish."³ He was the son of Thomas Bell.² Robert Bell Senr. was living in Menslaws, Jedburgh, possibly as a tenant before the present house was built. He married Margaret Black, daughter of Robert Black, on 10 June 1750 in Ancrum, Roxburgshire.^4,5 Robert Bell Senr. died in June 1802 in Jedburgh at the age of 71.¹ He was buried on 11 June 1802 in the Old Churchyard, Ancrum,, below the stone.⁶

     Rose Annie Stewart Bell was born on 29 May 1862 at Boundary Bank, Jedburgh. She was the daughter of Dr. William Bell and Zébée Stewart Gordon. Rose Annie Stewart Bell was baptised on 12 August 1862 at Jedburgh. In 1942 Rose Annie Stewart Bell was living at 7 Barnshot Road, Colinton, Edinburgh, which may also be Loudoun Cottage, Colinton, which is as the address is shown in Z.E. Rees's address book. She died on 23 April 1942 in Morningside, Midlothian, at the age of 79 (recorded as 24th April in official records).¹

     William Bell. Farmer of Menslaws.¹ He was born on 12 February 1756 in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.² He was the son of Robert Bell Senr. and Margaret Black.¹ William Bell was baptised on 14 March 1756 in the Associate Congregation Church, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.² He married Markie Minto, daughter of George Minto and Barbara Chisholm, on 29 July 1774 in Southdean, Roxburgshire.³ William Bell died on 25 March 1836 in 41 Lanton Place, Jedburgh, at the age of 80.¹ He was buried on 30 March 1836 in the Old Churchyard, Ancrum.⁴ Menslaws House is reputed to date from about 1786. Margaret Bell's birth on 30 April of that year is registered in the parish of Bedrule, in which Menslaws is situated. Prior to that date the estate had been owned by a Mr. Black. It remained in Bell hands until 1860 when Menslaws estate was sold to Thomas Cockburn.

     Dr. William Bell was born on 15 March 1792 in Bedrule, Roxburghshire.^1,2 He was the son of William Bell and Markie Minto. Dr. William Bell was baptised on 25 March 1792 at Bedrule, Roxburghshire.^3,4 He graduated in 1812 from Edinburgh M.D. He entered military service as a Hospital Mate for General Service 24 August 1812, promoted Assistant Surgeon 56th (or the West Essex) Regiment of Foot, 4 Mar 1813; 40th (or the 2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot 20 Sept. 1827; Surgeon 26th (or the Cameronian) Regiment of Foot 15 Mar 1831: Staff Surgeon 1st Class 7 June 1844; Deputy Inspector General of Hospitals 12 Mar 1852; Inspector General 7 Dec 1858. Granted local rank of Inspector General 18 Sept. 1857 to 6 Dec. 1858.

"Dr. Bell's services extended over a period of 47 years. He served in Holland during the campaign of 1814; and was at both attacks of Merxem and at the bombardment of Antwerp; he was surgeon of the 26th. (or the Cameronian) Regiment of Foot throughout the war in China in 1840 to 1842, and was present on every occasion on which the Regiment was engaged. (Medal and clasp.) He served also during many years in Mauritius, India, Canada and Nova Scotia, and died leaving a widow and five children dependent chiefly on their Pensions."

The first Opium War took place 4th July 1840 - 17th August 1842. Three battalions of British infantry (18th, 26th and 49th Foot) were sent from India and Ceylon and were supported by a detachment of Artillery.

The force arrived off Macao on the 21st June and, a week later, entered Chusan harbour and began a blockade of which the Chinese took little notice. Sickness developed in the British force on an appalling scale. The 26th Foot which had arrived 900 strong had no more than 140 fit men by the end of 1840, and of a force originally numbering 3,000, 450 had died and 500 were in hospital.

In January 1840 an amphibious attack was made up river towards Canton. The forts defending that city were taken but protracted negotiations for an armistice delayed operations. The Chinese then counter attacked in April, as a result of which the British force staged a full scale attack on Canton itself. Canton was defended by 45,000 Chinese troops, but the 3,500 soldiers, marines, and seamen under General Gough routed the Chinese and captured the city



He wrote a number of articles. He married Zébée Stewart Gordon, daughter of Maj. Gen. Alexander Gordon R.E. and Zébée Anne Rose Touzi, on 22 October 1850 in St. George's Church, Montreal, Canada, the service was conducted by the Rev. William Bond. Dr. William Bell retired on half pay on 31 December 1858. In 1860, the address of Dr. William Bell was Jedburgh, Scotland. He died on 4 November 1862 suddenly at Boundary Bank, Jedburgh, at the age of 70; at half past four in the afternoon^1,5 and was buried on 8 November 1862 in the Old Churchyard, Ancrum.⁶

     William Edward Bell was born in July 1861 in Pontypool, Monmouthshire.^1,2 He was the son of William Robert Bell and Louisa Harriet Crozier.¹ Probably the William Edward Bell who appears in the 1881 census at Fulford, York, as a private soldier.³

     William George Gordon Bell known in the family as Willie. He was born on 28 February 1860 in Langlee, Jedburgh, Scotland, "at 0hrs 45am."^1,2 He was the son of Dr. William Bell and Zébée Stewart Gordon. William George Gordon Bell was baptised in 1860 at Langlee by the Rev. G. Ritchie. He died on 4 July 1888 some twenty miles from Richmond, Queensland, Australia, at the age of 28 "accidently killed in a fall from a horse, supposed instantaneous". Certified in writing by Amy Gordon Clayton, sister, Mayborough, Queensland. The death was registered in the district of Hughenden.¹ He was buried on 7 July 1888 in Maxwelton, Queensland,, this was witnessed by Constable B. Fahey and Jas. King. His death certificates notes the burial "twenty mile Richmond"
He died intestate and it was not until 1899 that his mother applied for administration of his estate. An inventory was presented to Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 5 May 1899 showing that Willie had inherited a one fifth share of the estate of his cousin, Mrs. Ann Scott Craw, which amounted to £297/18/0. He had a part share in a sawmill and bullock teams and wagons in Queensland which amounted to £101 and he owed £25 being monies advanced to him in Queensland. The apparent delay was probably because the liquidation of Ann's estate, in accordance with the terms of her will, does not seem to have taken place until 1897 or 1898.

     William Robert Bell was born on 5 January 1828 in Berhampore, Bengal.³ He was the son of Robert Bell and Adolphina Rabeholm.^2,1 The marriage of William Robert Bell and Louisa Harriet Crozier was registered in the quarter ending December 1855 in the Windsor, Berkshire registration district.^1,4 William Robert Bell died on 15 August 1866 in Leeds, Yorkshire, at the age of 38 of a tumour.

LEEDS, AUGUST 16, 1866.
Death of Mr. W. R. Bell, Chief Constable of Leeds.— We regret to state that Mr. W. R. Bell, the Chief Constable of Leeds, died yesterday morning, at his residence in Elmwood-terrace. Mr. Bell had been suffering for five months from a severe and painful internal complaint, and had, during the greater portion of that time, been confined to the house. For the last week he had been sinking rapidly, and his death was almost hourly expected. Mr. Bell was appointed Chief Constable of Leeds in December, 1861, being chosen out of a large number of candidates for the office. His father was an officer in the army, and he himself had at one time been lieutenant and adjutant in the 26th Regiment of Foot. Subsequently, he was for four years deputy chief constable of Monmouthshire, and was stationed at Pontypool, from which place he came to Leeds. Of the manner in which he performed his duties here there is but one opinion. Under his direction the police force of the borough has been raised to a high state of efficiency, whilst the firm ness with which he discharged his duties, and his gentlemanly bearing both towards his subordinates and towards all others who were brought into contact with him, rendered him universally beloved, and will cause his loss to be deeply felt. At the last meeting of the Leeds Town Council the sum of £100 was voted to him in recognition of the manner in which he had acted as Chief Constable of the borough, and as an expression of the sympathy felt for him under his protracted affliction. It is only a few days since the inspectors and sub-inspectors of the police force presented his wife with an admirable likeness of him by Mr. Ramsden, and during his illness many other marks of respect and esteem have been shown towards him by all classes of the community. The Leeds Mercury, August 16, 1866.⁵

     Zébée Minto Bell was born on 17 July 1851 in Halifax, Canada, at 6.15 a.m. Her mother's labour had started at 4 a.m. the previous day.^1,2 She was the daughter of Dr. William Bell and Zébée Stewart Gordon. Zébée Minto Bell was baptised on 12 September 1851 at St. Andrew's Church, Quebec, by John Cook, DD. Minister. Also present were William Bell, Zébée Bell, Zébée Gordon and W.M.D. Freer.² She was confirmed on 9 April 1869 at Clapham Church, London, by Bishop Claughton.² She married Lt. Colonel Alexander Crombie CB, MD, son of David Guillan Crombie and Janet Campbell (Jessie) Webster, on 13 March 1875 in Holy Trinty Church, Rangoon, Bengal, India, the service was conducted by the Revd. Wellbore McCarthy.^2,3 Zébée Minto Bell appears on the census of 5 April 1891 at Eastbourne, Sussex, ZMC, together with William, Ada, and Zébée. She and Lt. Colonel Alexander Crombie CB, MD appear on the census of 1 March 1901 at 35 & 34 York Place, Marylebone, London.⁴ Zébée Minto Bell died on 21 June 1928 in London at the age of 76.

     Meliora Bellasyse married Rev. Alfred Noel Colley.¹

     John Belling was born in 1866.¹ He married Hannah Robie Sewall, daughter of Joseph Sewall Sewall and Mary Vashon Wright, in 1918.¹ John Belling died in 1933.¹

     Dora Johanna Belseth was born in March 1863 in Oslo, Norway.^2,3 She emigrated in 1880 to America.² She appears on the census of 28 May 1885 at Minneapolis where her name is recorded as Dora Belsitt and is listed living with Mr. & Mrs A.B. Campel and family.⁴ She married Albert P. Sewall, son of Horace Porter Sewall and Sarah F. Jackman, in 1885 or 1886.²