James R. Bell, dealer in clothing, furnishing goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, Third Street, Sterling, was born in New Hampshire, June 8, 1825, his parents being Jonathan and Lydia (Dow) Bell, natives also of the old Granite State and residents upona a farm.
Of ten children in their family, James R. was the eighth. He remained at home until 18 years of age, receiving a common-school education. After leaving home he obtained a practical knowledge of the boot and shoe trade, serving three years. He then went to Rushford, Allegany Co. NY and worked at his trade by the piece, for an uncle, two years. Buying him out at this time, he carried on the business for five years, often employing three assistants. Then, for the sake of out-door and more pleasant and healthful employment, he bought a small farm and followed dairying for two years. This he sold, and in the spring of 1854 came to Whiteside County and purchased a farm of 240 acres near Erie, where he followed agriculture for two years and also kept a dairy of 26 cows. That place he sold and moved in the spring of 1856 to Sterling where he at first entered the boot and shoe trade on Third St.; in 1875 he added clothing, hats, caps and furnishing good to his trade. He is a "Square" business man, and therefore is prosperous. He is also a stockholder and President of the Sterling National Bank, is an Alderman and a Republican.
He was married July 19, 1847 to Soloma Gordon daughter of Wm. Gordon of Rushford NY. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have two sons, - William J who married Mary Cochran a native of PA and has two children, Russell and Verna; and Samuel G. is the name of the other son.
Portraits & Biographical Whiteside County 1885 Pg 717
