[TRANSCRIPTION OF A HANDWRITTEN VOLUME IN THE UNIVERSITY OF
MANITOBA ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS. TRANSCRIBED BY CHRISTINE
BONE, LIBRARIAN. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES ARE IN SQUARE BRACKETS. AT THE END
OF THE DOCUMENT IS A SUMMARY OF THE PLACES AND SURNAMES MENTIONED
IN THE DOCUMENT]
[Cover label:]
Sketches of the Bell & Gell families, By William Bell.
It is my wish that this book (after my death) become the property of my Brother,
Chas. Bell, draper, &c., of Redcar, to whom the Bell & Gell Families are of the
greatest interest. – February, 1893.
William Bell.
[Inside cover: newspaper clipping “Life is a book …”]
a
Sketches of the Bell & Gell families, From the Year 1630 to 1868.
b
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c
[Newspaper clipping: “Billions of ancestors …”]
d
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e
[Newspaper clipping: “Long livers …”]
f
Directions as to the numbering of the pages.
Owing to several additions having been made as the sketches extended, &
additional information to be added, the numbering of the pages is in apparent
confusion.
The following will serve as a guide to the index & contents:-Part I.
Letters g to x.
Part II.
The Gell Family—1x to 66x
Part III.
The Bell Family—1 to 46
The Bell Family continued—47a to 62o
The Bells continued—47 to the end.
g
Contents.—Part I.
Index.
pages
The Gell Family
Ann Sherwood, wife of Thos. Gell, of Hollym
Ann Gell, the first-born of the above Thos. & Ann Gell
Thos. Gell, afterwards of Knaresbro’, bank manager
Margaret Gell, mother of the Bells, of Patrington,
Norton, Stockton, & Middlesbro
Edward Gell
James Gell
Family of James Gell
Summary opinion of the above Family
over
1x
2x
2x
3x
6x
41x
42x
44x
45x
h
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i
Index to the Bell Family
Pages
Sketch of the Bell & Henderson Family of Brancepeth
Old Willie Bell, Brancepeth
William Bell, son of above
Wm. Bell’s family
Keziah [i.e. Kezia] Bell
Jemima Bell
Emma Bell
William Bell
Clara Bell
Priscilla Bell
John Bell, father of present generation of Bells, of
Patrington, Norton, & Middlesboro’
William Bell, eldest son of John & Margaret Bell
over
1 to 14
15-19
19-24
31-39
39-41
j
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k
Index continued
pages
James Bell – dead
Mary Bell
Emma Bell
Thomas Bell
John Bell
Edward Bell
Removal from Patrington to Norton
Geo. Bell, first-born at Norton
Charles Bell
Charles’s Family
Margaret Bell
Emily Bell
Harry Bell
Louisa Bell
Clara Bell
Annie Bell
Eleanor Bell
Characteristic Incidents
42
42 to 43
43
44
47-48
48-49
50-52
52-53
53-59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
61
l
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m
Index continued
pages
Alfred Bell
Jessy Bell
Margaret Bell (dead)
89 to 91
92-95
95
Summary of the Bell Family – their characteristics
101
Deaths in the Bell & Gell Family
Margaret Bell, died young.
John Bell, died at Redcar on the 26th July, 1888, aged 67. There is little doubt but
servitude in the West Indies & other hot climates had an injurious effect upon his
constitution. Without any apparent disease, John faded away like a tree in
autumn. Buried at Coatham.
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o
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Births, &c, of the Gell Family.
Children of Thomas & Ann Gell, of Hollym, near Patrington, E. Riding of Yorkshire,
Holderness, Hull.
Ann Gell, born 8th Aug., 1779.
Margaret Gell, born Sep. 28, 1781; died Oct. 6th 1781.
A son, born Nov. 2, 1783; died young.
Thomas Gell, born Sep. 24, 1785; died Oct. 19th 1843.
Margaret Gell – mother of the Bells – born Jan. 9th 1788; died July 19th at
Stockton, 1846.
6. Edward Gell, born May 28, 1789.
7. Christopher Gell, born Dec. 28, 1791; died Feb. 1819.
8. Jane Gell, born Jan. 23, 1794.
9. George Gell, born April 19, 1795.
10. James Gell, born Nov. 30, 1796.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
over, for Jas. Gell’s family
r
Number of children born to the sons & daughters of Thos. & Ann Gell.
1. Ann Gell, married to Geo. Pattinson, farmer – eight children
2. Margaret Gell – died young
3. A son – died young
4. Thomas Gell, Knaresbro’ – two
5. Margaret Gell, Patrington, &c.
6. Edward Gell – none
7. Christopher Gell – none
8. Jane Gell – three
9. George Gell – none
10. James Gell – three
Total
8
--2
12
--3
-3
28
s
James Gell’s children
1.
2.
3.
4.
Elizabeth Gell, born Dec. 25, 1829.
Joseph Gell, born June 13, 1831.
Edward Gell, born June 4, 1835.
Ann Gell, born Feb. 6, 1841.
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The Gell Family – Part II
Connected with the Bell family are the Gells, by marriage on the mother side with
John Bell.
As it may be of interest to some of the Bells to have a brief outline of the Gells, by
one who knew them & the only one perhaps who can give an idea of their
character or pedigree.
The Gells sprung from the north of England, & by some believed to be from
Cumberland or Westmoreland. Their predecessors had been brought up as
respectable farmers.
Old Thomas Gell, the father of the generation of Gells born from 1779 to 1796,
lived on a farm at Patrington, afterwards removed to Hollym, & died about 1830,
at about 90 years of age. He was tall, light-haired, good-like, gentlemanly, kindhearted, generous, but “proud” in his way, fond of company, & “a drop o’ drink.”
He was much respected in his locality, & though poor in circumstances as a
farmer, he was always addressed by those who knew him as “Mister Gell” or
“Mister Tommy Gell” in deference & out of respect of his having seen better days,
& as having had a better education than the average class of farmers at his time
of day.
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Thomas Gell was married to Ann Sherwood, daughter of a large farmer in the
neighbourhood where he resided. This lady was one of the peculiar sort – short
tempered, haughty, flighty, & unsettled in her general temperament. She had the
temper of a vixen at one moment, whilst the next she was ready “to put you in
her pocket!” She could not be relied upon to be found in the same vein of temper
for five minutes at any hour of a day, her disposition being irritable, peevish, &
fretful, whilst at other moments she was equally kind & condescending. She was a
great snuff-taker & fond of boasting of her descent. She was aunt to Mark
Sherwood, of Rysum Park, near Patrington, East Riding of Yorkshire. She died at
abt. seventy years of age, in 1827.
Ann Gell was their first child, born Aug. 8th, 1779. She was married to Geo.
Pattinson, a well-to-do farmer, at Horsham, near Withernsea, had a large & fine
family; but her husband being a bad manager, he got into difficulties, the whole
stock was sold off, he turned to drinking, removed to Hull, & lived a very hard &
poor livelihood, died in middle age, whilst his wife reached the age of about 90.
She was a real good, kind soul.
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Margaret Gell, born Sep. 28, 1781, & died 6th October, 1781 (in infancy).
There was a son born Nov. 2, 1783, who died in infancy also.
Thomas Gell, born Sep. 24, 1785. This son was destined to be the most, if not the
only successful one in the family, out of ten children. Thro’ influence &
perseverance, he received a good, or passable, education, & was able to procure
a situation in a bank in the neighbourhood of Hull. Afterwards, he removed to
Malton; from thence to Knaresbro’, to Terry’s bank. Here he married a person
with a little cash & a house or two. She died childless. He then married a Miss
Eteson, of Knaresbro’, much against the inclination of the her family, who were
flax dressers, & weavers of linen; a proud, ignorant, selfish, presuming, insulting,
stuck-up lot. This pair had two children – John Eteson Gell & Tom Gell, who both
inherited the pure “selfishness” of the Eteson brigade, wh. almost amounted to a
mania. This brother of the mother of the Bell family (Margaret), was a decent
fellow in the eyes of the world – that is, the outside world – was a good
churchman & Sunday school teacher, a visitor of the poor in sick-
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ness, read to the workhouse people from the Bible, held prayer meetings, & was
looked upon as a really good Christian by all people at Knaresbro’. He was kind to
all who solicited his aid, & meant well & did well, as far as his means would allow.
He was very different to the writer of this sketch when at home. Like a good many
more, he seemed always as if he had left all his good nature, consideration, &
laughing disposition abroad, or exhausted his stock-in-trade of amiable qualities;
for, after knowing him for seven years, the writer can’t remember that he ever
was once benign enough to smile approval or encouragement, or consider his
absolute necessities, either in toggery or eatables. Thus, the writer – Wm. Bell –
was left to fate, was an apprentice on 5/- a-week to live & clothe himself, with
lodgings to pay of 2/ or 2/6 a-week, & Mister Gell was heedless whether his
nephew starved or went naked! This did not look very Christian-like, but is true
nevertheless; but the boy never once “complained” to his parents at Norton, but
resolved to “grin & bear” his fate. The consequence was, that the youth got into
loose or careless company, was left entirely to float or sink by himself, without
even an inquiry, wh. led to follies resulting in pains & penalties in after life, &
regrets wh. could never be obliterated. So much, then, for being sent from home
at the age of 14, & placed under the guid-
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ance & “protection” of an uncle! Poor Margaret Bell could never believe in a fault
there was in her brother Thomas at Knaresbro’, but was ignorant of his mode of
treatment of her eldest born. Thomas Gell died Oct. 19, 1843, aged 58. In 1831,
this uncle became manager of the Knaresbro’ & Clare Bank, established at
Knaresbro’. His sons were in the bank as clients & in 1856, Thomas Gell, second
son of the above, became manager of the same bank, & is so now (Dec. ’68). As
an instance that this son is possessed of a fair share of meanness & ingratitude,
one fact will suffice. When the writer of this account was at Bradford, Tom Gell
paid “a short” visit to Wm. Bell for a couple of months, & the latter being at
lodgings, with Mrs. Leveine, he paid 12/ a-week for Mister Tom Gell during his
stay. Shortly after the return of Tom Gell to Knaresbro’, W. Bell went over on
business -- on two occasions – but on neither visit did the former guest at
Bradford invite the visitor to his house to tea, dine, or sup! but have him (Bell) the
cut direct! – But, it so chanced, that the Bradford visitor did not stand in need of
hospitality from a fellow like that. The shabbiness, however, was understood &
appreciated. A score of other such tricks cd. be named, all in the same line, as
regards the Gells at Knaresbro’. This account is written 33 years after leaving
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Knaresbro’, but the foul treatment received at their hands, is still as vividly as ever
impressed upon the mind. In one word – they are a shabby, selfish, unthinking lot,
& I pity any poor youth who has the prospect of being placed under “the
protection” of such uncles, cousins, or relatives.
Margaret Gell, sister of the above-named Thos. Gell, was born Jan. 9th, 1788, &
died July 19th 1846, at Stockton-on-Tees. This was the beloved & sacred name
whom the sons & daughters of John Bell were privileged to style – Mother. (see
pages 39 to end of this book.) It is said the world is governed by contradictions; &
if there ever was “a contrast” between two individuals born of the same parents,
it is (or was) in this instance. Not having been brought up at home with father &
mother, so much as all the others, I can speak more disinterestedly & truthfully,
as far as my experience goes. If ever there was a truly good, generous, noblesouled Christian on earth, Margaret Bell was one. She was sincere, devoted,
practical, in all her religious actions & feelings; she was forgiving, though
impetuous in temper; clever as a letter-writer, if apparently too zealous; ever
watchful over the childish follies of a large family, she administered advice or
rebuke wh. left no sting, but
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rather pleasure, behind; of a free & open nature, she believed all the world to be
honest; confiding & sure in the abiding principles of the New Testament, she
could not look with harshness or misgivings upon frail humanity; being master of
her own self, & deeply engrafted with holy & sacred thoughts & writings –
particularly scriptural quotations – she was well qualified to advise & direct
others; she made no pretensions, but was an humble, pious, confidant believer in
Jesus Christ; having to deal with a number of children, she felt it necessary to be
sometimes blind to their shortcomings, as well as deaf to trivial complaints; thro’
life her means of supporting her family were scanty – oftentimes even so much
so, that it was hard to say where the next meal was to be got, yet she seldom
complained; her fate was hard, & anxiety was never-ending for those around her,
yet she hoped on & murmured not; her Christian fortitude bore her thro’ all trials;
whilst her patience, honesty, & benevolent generosity of temperament to all
around, endeared her presence & memory to all who knew her. Whether friends
or casual acquaintances, to know Margaret Bell was deemed sufficient to ensure
the best of advice & sympathy, even though the poorest of the poor amongst
them. Her confidence, esteem, & good-will was prized by all,
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& none essayed to upbraid. Unaffected & genuine in all she did & said, her
numerous visitors could firmly rely upon all she advanced as truthful & for the
best (see page 37.) In early life, Margaret Bell was a handsome, well-proportioned
person, with light-brown hair & good complexion; rather thin in build, & of the
average height of women; but, poor lady, a family of 12 children & adversity sadly
bore her down through life. Yet, to the last, she maintained a dignified pride &
complacency wh. told what she had once been. She possessed a full share of the
lofty spirit (or “pride”) of the Gell & Bell family, though modified by religious
sentiment. And it is no untruth to say, that this “spirit” has imperceptibly instilled
into the minds of all her sons & daughters; & it is the belief of many of us, that it
is mainly owing to this tuition wh. has helped to carry us all over many obstacles
& appalling difficulties & dangers. This also with confidence can be asserted, that
mother’s example & admonitions have never been erased from the minds of her
children. Her constant prayer was, that her “dear boys & girls might never bring
disgrace upon their parents” by evil deeds, but follow in the paters of rectitude,
truth, & honesty. Had she been now alive (Dec. ’68), it would have been her great
glory & consolation to know that her prayer has been fully realised, and not one
of the Ten have “disgraced” the name of Bell
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or Gell family; not one can be upbraided with low lifed misdeeds of dishonesty or
scornful derelictions of duty; but from childhood to approaching old age, the Rule
of Life in all has been honesty, self-reliance, industry, respectability of
demeanour, with a moderate frugality wh. aimed at elevating them in their
common station in life. To mother alone is due the credit of the principles thus
taught & followed. The family, justly pride themselves upon these facts, & by
fireside conversation have often “wondered” at their success in life, considering
with what limited means of education they were sent abroad to encounter the
stern Realities of the World; & when it is recollected that nearly all began to
labour ere they were ten years of age – either in the brick fields of Norton, or
other menial occupations – the above points are favourable characteristics in any
family thus “dragged” up to maturity. One or two instances will suffice as
examples of success, wh. are enlarged upon under the proper names of each: For
above 23 years, Wm. Bell held a responsible situation at Bradford, at never less
than 35/ to £2 per week, & above 19 years at Newcastle as overseer in a large
office; Mary Bell was lady’s maid with some of the first families in Scotland &
England, as well as housekeeper, for half her lifetime; Emma
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remained at Middlesbro’, but was highly respected in the sphere in wh. she
moved; Tom was at Havannah as engineer in the Royal arsenal, for 13 years, as
well as having been engineer on board Spanish men-of-war, at salaries ranging
from 30 pounds to £50 per month; John was also at Havannah as second engineer
afloat, at 25£ or more per month; Edward Bell was clever as a fitter, mechanic, a
modeller, with good wages in Portsmouth, Southampton, Liverpool, &c.; Chas.
Bell carried on an extensive business as a draper at Middlesbro’, where not a man
in the town was more valued or esteemed, as an upright, honest, straight-forward
tradesman, as well as of ability; Alfred several times occupied good positions, but
fortune thwarted his efforts, owing principally to a nervelessness of disposition,
as well as his numerous family, but still equal in respectability & respected;
George Bell, although not brought up to so good a trade as some of his brothers,
still maintained his pluck & independence, as well as gaining the good-will of his
fellow-workmen & neighbours; whilst Jessy, the youngest living, was “fully up to
the work” in everything necessary to attain success in life, either with hands or
head, industry, skill, or practical usefulness and tact, as a woman, wife, or mother.
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For Charles to write any additions wh. mother & father.
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Thos. Gell, of Knaresbro’, sons. – Death & marriage.
Thos. Gell (mother’s brother) had two sons. Eteson Gell was the eldest, & died in
a decline about the year 1854, aged 35, unmarried. He was a singular, retired,
quiet, inoffensive fellow, & withal decent, & kind-hearted.
Thomas Gell’s (at present manager of Clare bank) marriage was thus brought
about:-- After his father died, he was very unsteady, & introduced himself
amongst the girls at Knaresbro’. He paid his attentions to a girl named Marshall,
parish clerk & national schoolmaster. This man was a gruff, surly fellow. He did
not believe in Tom Gell’s solicitations towards his daughter as “honest”. He
“forbid” her keeping Tom’s company at her peril – she persisted, the father
resisted & threatened. At last, he caught them in conversation at his door. In the
height of passion, & knowing th. his daughter prided herself upon a fine &
beautiful head of hair, he seized hold of her, took her into the house, got a large
pair of shears, & clipped off all her hair! – as close as if done in a gaol! This cruel
act so preyed upon her that she was well-nigh deranged; she did not venture out
of doors for 12 months; whilst Tom Gell’s sympathies were aroused for her
sufferings on his account, & he married Miss Marshall about 1848. He would not
have married her but for the cruelty of her father. They have three children.
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Edward Gell, born May 28, 1789. Edward was brought up to no trade in particular;
he was a diminutive man, short-tempered or snarling, but of a kind heart; his was
a life of hardship & misfortunes. At the latter period of his life, he was a strict
Wesleyan. He was aboard of man-of-war for many years, & fought in several
actions. He was in the custom-house at Hull as tide waiter. Poor fellow! he
possessed a fine & kindred spirit of kindness for his kind – was a capital teller of
long seafaring “yarns” – he lived in poverty but was always “respectable” even in
his worst days. He lost his life by falling during a dark night from a ladder leading
down into one of the docks at Hull, from wh. a spell or cross was broken, wh. he
had forgot when descending & the tide being down at the time, he accidentally
fell in head first amongst the clay, & was found with the greatest part of his body
exposed, his head buried & feet uppermost – smothered, having been unable to
extricate himself, tho’ injured in no respect whatever. This was about 1845. Thus
he had faced the fierceness of battle, & uncountless dangers – thus had he
struggled & kept stern want from his door, & was lost at last by a trivial &
unexpected accident. He was a great lover of parrots, & generally brought one
home when “on leave;” and, like most other sailors, was a brave, fear-naught,
daring, determined, but honest, kind, generous-hearted fellow, & was a great
favourite with sister Margaret.
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Christopher Gell, born Dec. 28, 1791. He was also a sailor, & was a fine,
handsome, tall man, a great favourite with his father & mother, as a noble
specimen of humanity. He was drowned at sea by being washed overboard in a
storm, in Feb. 1819.
Jane Gell, born Jan. 23, 1794. Jane was a strict Wesleyan, was at service, &
married a sailor called Playfoot, who afterwards became a tide-waiter at Hull. He
had the misfortune to have his right arm blown off by the shoulder, in cleaning a
gun wh. had been fired in celebration of some paltry royal birthday, though he
lived for some years afterwards. Jane received a small pension on act. of this
accident, made their living by acting as a laundress & keeping a mangle, but
bowed down with poverty, short allowance, & hard work. In her day, she was tall
& handsome, with light-brown hair, following her father in this respect, who had
light, flaxen hair. She was living in 1854.
George Gell, born April 19, 1795, who died when young.
James Gell, born Nov. 30, 1796. This son remained at Hollym with his father to
manage the farm, till some years after his father’s death. He was a quiet, easygoing, rather shiftless, slow-going person. He
43x
could never make ends meet upon the farm, & was ever at the last extremity. He
was rather “too soft” in his generosity, & had no foresight whatever, but seemed
inclined to believe what everybody said to be true – a most fatal & ruinous idea.
Ultimately, the farm was lost, the stock-in-trade dispersed, & James was left
standing alone – his hat “covering the whole of his estate.” After that, he was
appointed overseer, or relieving-officer for a district at Patrington, East Riding,
where he made a mess of it by being too liberal for the guardians, & was
suspended. He was next appointed post-man for the same locality, where he had
to walk about 20 miles daily; carried a horn (a trumpet) to announce his approach
to the farmers, or for those for whom he had any letters or newspapers; he had a
small pittance for a salary, so much so, that he was reduced (or compelled, by
way of “making-up” for low wages) to receiving any bits of odds & ends, in the
shape of food, from his customers – for wh. purpose he carried a wallet or basket,
wherein was deposited the medley of provender, the choicest, freshest morsels
being selected for domestic use, & the remainder supplied to the – pigs or hens!
In this way was the poor fellow reduced to the lowest point of subsistence; yet,
he lived on and on, was a “great deal thought of” in his locality, as an easy-going,
good-natured man. He was still living in 1868, at Welwick, near
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Patrington, within four miles of where he had his farm at Hollym. James was an
enthusiastic Wesleyan Methodist all his life.
The following children were born to the above-named James Gell:-Elizabeth Gell, born Dec. 25, 1829. A fine, tall, stout, good-like wench, with a spirit
of fire, & pluck to match; but she was unfortunate in her alliance with a dissipated
farmer in the neighbourhood, without either brains, industry, or decency – a
perfect buffoon in breeches, whose deserts were inside of a gaol, or
transportation to the tropics.
Joseph Gell, born June 13, 1831 – also rather “soft” in his upper garret, brought
up to be a draper, & turned out nothing particular.
Edward Gell, born June 4, 1835, of whom I know nothing.
Ann Gell, born Feb. 6, 1841. This was a nice, flaxen-haired, tall, ruddy, freshcoloured girl, as generous a spirit as could be met with, but too good to be mixed
up with a lot o’ yokels in the district in wh. she was born & brought up. She was
like her sister Elizabeth – just one of those persons of the feminine gender who
are most likely to be imposed upon by reliance upon smooth-tongued designers,
who are all pretension by word of mouth, & conceal their thoughts with their
language.
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Summary Opinion of the Gell Family.
It is before said that the Gell family aimed at good conduct & respectability
throughout their career, whatever might be their position as to success in life, or
limited sources. Their “spirit” (or pluck) never failed them, & a natural “pride”
kept them afloat, or beyond depression for any length of time together. But yet,
as a rule, the Gell family lacked perseverance and plodding industry; they were
hard workers for a while, but unthrifty with their gains. They were also unsettled
in their habits, & partial to adventures, wh. never once ended in prosperity. Out
of a family of ten, there is no instance but that of Thos. Gell, of Knaresbro’,
establishing himself in business, & leaving a son to keep his name from oblivion.
Nearly all the daughters of old Mr.
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Tommy Gell, of Hollym, were sent into the world to seek their living at an early
age in servitude, owing to the poverty of their parents; & it is observable, that all
but one – Ann Gell, afterwards married to Geo. Pattinson – were united to
persons who were strict Wesleyan Methodists. Of course, this fact was brought
about by the girls associating with that body of religionists, & the name of John
Wesley being a symbol of popularity when the Gells were young. The same
remark applies to the sons of Tommy Gell, who were all Methodists, & married
into (or from) the same class.
There was a failing or instability about all the Gells, as well as the Sherwoods,
accompanied with an impetuosity of temper & temperament; in a word – hottempered, but forgiving, kind-hearted, & generous.
No one could ever say of the Gell family, that they were blessed with much Tact.
In this they were admittedly short, & this shortcoming was mainly instrumental in
reduc-
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ing them to impoverished circumstances. If success favoured them, they no
sooner felt themselves well-to-do, than they rested from their labours, or else
heedlessly allowed the advantages to slip from their grasp. At times, they were
slavishly economical & saving, whilst at others they were profusely liberal in
giving “cups o’ tea,” dinners, &c., to their assumed “friends” – the Wesleyans.
Their house was the common refuge of all the local preachers, & those who
generally accompany them in their excursions in agricultural districts.
On some occasions, the Gells were well versed in Stubbornness, & at these times
were extremely difficult to move from the position they assumed.
As a family, the Gells were fickle in disposition, easily persuaded by designing or
scheming parties, in whom the Gells could never believe there was any deception
but were in the habit of “believing all as Gospel” advanced by particular
acquaintances.
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There was an apparent contradiction in the character of the Gells, wh. has often
been looked as mysterious in the eyes of many; & that is with respect to their
carefulness at one period, & their extravagance at others. “Meanness” is the word
for scraping; & then, on the merest pretence, they were generous & liberal in the
extreme. Thus showing, that although they understood how to “get money,” they
did not know how to “keep” or dispense it to advantage on their own account.
The Gells were an easy-going lot. So long as there was sufficient, they were
indisposed to exertion, whilst their energy was at a low ebb.
They were a jolly-hearted, free-and-easy class were the Gells, as well also the
Sherwoods. Once introduced into company, where jokes and amusing
conversation were on the tapis, they were immoveable from the spot, till the
landlord closed the taps, or their companions left them “alone in their glory.” Yet,
they were not “deep
49x
drinkers,” but, for the love of the thing, they enjoyed miscellaneous meetings, &
were always in the first rank as conversationalists, reciters of anecdotes, or in
singing a song – or, if Methodists, any number of hymns.
Those who were strictly religious, were never at a loss in prayer-meetings or lovefeasts, & they were adepts in being able at all times to join in offering up prayers,
wh. were often very excellent & beautiful. More particularly was this the case
with Thos. Gell (of Knaresbro’,) Edward, & our own dear mother Margaret Gell
(Bell). Uncle James Gell, of Hollym, was drawn into marriage by a sneaking person,
who had got by heart “one prayer,” which she used to repeat in tremulous tones,
or extra gusto, when the congregation around re-echoed “Amen!” “Glory!” “I feel
the power of the Lord in our midst!” & such like exclamations; but she never “got
another off” when she became a wife! She was a queer hussy.
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Caution & Foresight the Gells possessed none whatever. Like most impulsive
folks, they spouted their full minds without thought, & never were in the habit of
weighing results by expression of opinion, or looking a-head to avert misfortune
by calm reflection or soliciting Advice from the best quarters. Self-opinion-ated,
they thought it amply sufficient to rely upon themselves & their own
straightforward, honest ideas of dealing, wh. often led to serious misfortunes, wh.
others would overcome with ease, whilst the Gells would be thrown into the
greatest trouble or confusion.
Brought up in country districts, the Gells were unfitted for town-life. Here, they
were mere shuttlecocks, to be played with at pleasure by those who fancied they
could “squeeze” anything out of them; in fact, they appeared silly-good-natured
for the time being, but were loud in lamentations & surprise, when “dropped
upon” by the more wide awake. This was a universal failing of the Gells; &
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it is a doubtful point whether the above (or preceding paragraphs) is not
applicable to a great extent to at least some of the Bells – that is, the failing was
handed down to the next generation. Let us hope that this particular shortcoming
will end with the Bells of the present day, & that their successors will cultivate the
qualities of caution & foresight – if possible.
The writer of this book has, unfortunately, to plead “guilty” to the failings herein
enumerated of the Bells & Gells; & after half-a century has passed over his head,
even yet feels himself to lack what is desirable of foresight, caution, & bold,
plodding, self-reliant energy so necessary to contend with the world & its
difficulties.
The Gells were farmers, as before stated, but of the very worst description. As
managers of their crops & stock, they were short-sighted & helpless. They were
incapable of turning anything to the best
52x
account, & were always in poverty. It was of small moment to them whether the
seasons were favourable or adverse – whether the crops were good or bad, or
whether the animals – horses, cows, calves, pigs, or poultry – lived, multiplied, or
died – the position of the Gells never improved. They were always in the slough of
Despond, & could never get out of the rough cart-ruts of their locality. In farming
they were slovenly, careless, & without energy. If one of the Methodist local
preachers paid them a visit, any of the Gells were at their service, either with a
“cup o’ tea” & a fatty cake upon a girdle – made of cream, milk, or butter – or a
horse to convey them to some other “station” upon the Wesleyan “plan.” The
man who succeeded the Gells upon their farm is doing well.
The living at the Gells farm was of rather a queer sort, as well as singular. For
instance, they seldom had a bit of decent-made bread – hot, tough, water-cakes
were baked every morning to breakfast, with bacon in a brown dish, into wh.
every one “dipped in” their cake in lieu of butter. Sometimes the bacon was illcured, & of rancid taste, with a smell not unlike ancient brown cod-liver oil, with
wh. tanners dress their leather! Sheeps’ heads, scragg-shoulders of mutton, fatty
pieces of bony beef or salted junck, along with equally fat bacon, were the
substitutes for dinner, with an unlimited quantity of thin broth. When vegetables
were in season, they were then a prominent feature upon the table, turnips
forming a striking-rank-and-file
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array. As for “dumplings,” or suet-puddings, their name was legion. Roasts were
of great scarcity, & a “treat” only to be realised at distant intervals. They were
poor cooks, bad schemers, improvident when they had the means, & totally
incapable of providing for future emergencies.
The Gells were kind-hearted but thoughtless. I will give one example. When the
writer was a boy of eleven years of age, he had his right collar-bone broke by the
kick of a horse. He went about the farm & village with his arm in a sling for ten
days, they no doubt thinking the bone wd. heal up & be all right. There being no
chance of this, the Gells resolved that the dislocation & fracture could not be set
right without a walk to Hull of eighteen miles there & back. No sooner settled
than away uncle James & his nephew trudged from Hollym to Hull, the youth
wincing at every step he took with pain, so that when they reached their
destination – wh. they did at 12 o’clock at noon on a Sunday – the boy was in the
most excruciating pain. The swelling had increased, the doctor could not perform
his task, & the pair “had to wait” till the puffiness went down. As luck would have
it, the boy was saved the trouble of walking back on the same day, as originally
fixed; & the bone setter did his work on the Monday. Uncle & his nephew walked
back from Hull to Hollym on the same afternoon, both being in the greatest
trepidity that the joint would again become displaced, & with great pain. This
showed a want of
54x
thought & consideration, but was no part of their intentions to be unkind, or
exacting.
A similar break occurred of expecting too much from the same boy when 12 years
of age, & that was a walk from Selby to Knaresbro’ – 25 miles in one day; & after a
day’s rest at the latter place, before the stiffness had worn off, walking from
Knaresbro’ to Norton, a distance of 45 miles, in another day. When the pair
reached the far end of the journey, the boy was used up, & suffered for sometime
afterwards with blistered feet & stiffened limbs.
Dozens of other exactitudes in the farming line could be enumerated, but ‘tis
useless, although the events are still vividly impressed upon the memory, after 44
years have passed away since their infliction.
The conversation of the Gells was always directed to Methodism, conversions at
revival meetings, &c. If a new tune chanced to come into the district, they wd.
hum-drum on for weeks & months till got off. For instance –
“Canaan, bright Canaan,
We’re bound to the land of Canaan,
Canaan is a happy place,
We’re bound to the land of Canaan.”
A verse like the above was sufficient food & excitement for a couple of years – the
first one being spent in getting the tune & words, & the next in blazing forth in
chapels, lovefeasts, or in ploughing, harrowing, foddering-up, or driving horses
along the wretched roads.
55x
They well versed in stories about ghosts & hobgoblins of all descriptions, & would
sit aghast for hours listening to “a stunner.” Anything in the shape of a frightful
object “dressed in white” – all mouth & eyes, with teeth about a foot long, &
glaring eyeballs, the creature to resemble an insect called Jacky-long-legs, in male
or female attire – was sure to be a “taking subject! Or a lot of imps, sitting round a
fire, being frightened away by the sight of a Bible or a quotation therefrom; or
even a poor sheep in a stack-yard was enough to “make them believe” that the
devil was not far off! I have heard repeated, dozens of times, ridiculous tales
about coffins walking without legs or feet along the highways, & of coves with no
bodies and immense long legs – something after a pair of tongs seven feet long.
What is more, the Gells & the whole neighbourhood “believed” such nonsense, in
addition to alarming others who did not. Many a boy has been so much alarmed
at these hobgoblin tales, that he dared not venture out in the dark, expecting to
be “embraced” every moment by some imp or other with club feet, or made up of
nothing else but legs & wings, a long tail, & who left in his wake a strong smell of
brimstone! The above are facts.
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Births, &c., of the sons & daughters of John & Margaret Bell, of Patrington, &c.,
from the year 1813 to 1833.
1. Wm. Bell, born Sep. 22nd 1813.
2. James Bell, born Nov. 16, 1844 [sic]; died Jan. 5, 1820.
3. Mary Bell, born 29th May, 1816.
4. Emma Bell, born 14th March, 1818.
5. Thos. Bell, born 16th Sep. 1819.
6. John Bell, born 24th April, 1821.
7. Edward Bell, born 4th April, 1823.
8. George Bell, born 13th Mar. 1825.
9. Charles Bell, born 10th Ap. 1827.
10. Alfred Bell, born 14th May, 1829.
11. Jessy Bell, born 2d. July, 1831.
12. Margaret Bell, born 22nd July, 1833; died at Stockton in 1844, aged 11
years.
over for number of children.
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Number of children born to the sons & daughters of John & Margaret Bell.
1. Wm. Bell – none – unmarried
2. Jas. Bell – died young
3. Mary Bell – none – unmarried
4. Emma Bell – none. do.
5. Thos. Bell – Six
6. John Bell – Two
7. Edward Bell – none
8. George Bell – none – unmarried
9. Charles Bell – Six
10. Alfred Bell – Five
11. Jessy Bell – (Saint) – one
Total
---6
2
--6
5
1
20
The above are calculated up to the 5th of January, 1869.-- Wm. Bell.
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[67x]
[Newspaper clipping: “In Affectionate Remembrance of John Bell, of Middlesbro’,
who died Nov. 22, 1867, aged 80 years …”]
[68x]
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1
Pedigree of The Bell, Henderson, & Gell Family, for the past 200 years, with brief
sketches of their prominent characteristics, & the moral to be drawn from their
shortcomings, open-hearted generosity & sensitive natures.
Commenced April 12th 1868. By Wm. Bell, from facts supplied by Uncle Wm. Bell,
at Brancepeth, & John Bell, of Middlesbro’ (the writer’s father), as well as Charles
Bell, of Middlesbro’, Yorks, draper.
There is no fact more prominent in general society than this, that not one man in
a hundred can trace his forefathers beyond a couple of generations. We may
some of us live to know our great grandfathers, & remember them in the last
stage of decrepitude, with some small pleasures linked with their memories. As a
rule, those who are favoured with the remembrance of an aged great-great
grandfather, seldom feel an interest in inquiring his antecedents, his place of
birth, or anything respecting his predecessors. The chief
2
and only source of reference is the old family Bible, with the date of birth of the
children of the then generation which is passing away when we, as youngsters,
are budding into maturity; & those who only can communicate, doubtless, many
interesting characteristics of all families, are numbered with the dead, ere their
successors feel any interest as to the origin, birth, place of residence, or
occupation of their immediate family connexions.
To be sure, it may be argued that such surveyings and contemplations are useful
only to each particular family themselves, & of no interest to any one else; & this
is really the case. Yet, no one can deny that, to those who feel a pleasure in
wandering o’er certain localities which were endeared to us by youthful frolics &
fond remembrances, it is no drawback to know that within the same district
flourished & lived to a green old age our grandfathers & grandmothers, for
centuries long past. Doubtless, one principal reason why so few in the middle or
lower classes of society have undertaken so easy a task as continuing the links in
the chain of family marriages & connexions has been, a want of education, & the
difficulty of being able to express what might otherwise have been
3
interesting to those following them; as well as the common idea that—“When I
am gone, nobody will care,” or “I can’t be bothered.” But, to contemplative
minds, the bare chronicle of families who can trace their pedigrees in certain
localities for 300 or 400 hundred years, is one of unusual interest, as well as the
various trades or occupations they followed. If this system had been adopted,
many intricacies would have been presented, & numerous gaps would have been
supplied, which are now past filling up.
With these few introductory remarks, I will now proceed to sketch an outline of
the Bell, Gell, & Henderson family for the last 200 years back.
Forty years ago (1820), I felt an interest on this question, & have many times
listened to both grandfathers & grandmothers reciting the histories of their
predecessors. (As will be seen, ere I conclude, all these grandas & grandmas lived
to a venerable age.)
First John Bell
About the year 1630, the first John Bell was born at Brancepeth, five miles from
Durham, & died there, at the age of sixty-eight. So far as can be traced, this was
the first of the Bell family in the district of Brancepeth. This John Bell sprung
4
originally from out of Westmoreland, where it is believed his father followed the
occupation of a farmer. The first named was born at Finans, or Finings.
Throughout Cumberland, Westmoreland, & Northumberland, the name of Bell is
one in very common use. Successor followed successor, & all resided in
Brancepeth or vicinity, for upwards of 240 years. Where did the Bell’s spring
from? Kendal, in Westmoreland, is named as the place from whence the Bells
cropped out, where they officiated as farmers & cordwainers. John Bell, of “Bell’s
Life in London,” was a relative of this first-named John Bell, & it is evident “the
young man from the country” found the occupations of the provinces too limited
for his capacity, & stepped from the limits of parental control to the world at
large. Of course, at that time of day, it was a far more difficult & venturesome
feat to perform than at present, & the man who ventured to face the difficulties
which surrounded him when leaving the parental roof, was looked upon as a
prodigy on his return. Perhaps it is not too much to say, that before risking a
journey to London 150 years ago (at present, 1868), a man would require as much
preparation & thought as he would now if
5
going to the north pole, or as a missionary into the deserts of Africa! Therefore, it
may be safely assumed that this John Bell (of “Bell’s Life”) was a man of pluck,
with no small amount of energy & talent, however light might have been his
pockets.
Links in the Bell Family.
The next step is another of the Bells, who was born at Brancepeth in the year
1685, who also followed the business of a shoemaker, kept a cow, & did a little in
the gardening & farming line. He never was from Brancepeth as a resident, but
lived & died there. He had some property at Ash [i.e. Esh], about four miles north
of Brancepeth. This property consisted of a public house, another house (now a
grocer’s shop), and a field, which descended to his son, “Willie Bell,” the father of
John & Wm. Bell, the first the father of the generation now (1868) living, & the
second, uncle, now (1868) residing at Brancepeth, aged 82.
Willie Bell our Grandfather
William Bell (commonly & best known as “Willie Bell o’ Brancepeth”) was also
born at Brancepeth, in the year 1756; died 11th November, 1848, aged 92 years. I
have thus arrived at data within my own
6
recollection. This grandfather (“Willie”) was a curious “character” in his way – a
generous, jolly-hearted John Bull, weighing about 20 stones, but active & quick in
his movements as many men of lighter weight. He carried on the shoemaking
trade, as well as having a field & garden at Brancepeth; but the “bit o’ garden”
was his pride. He was famed far and wide for the production of “fine
gooseberries” and “bonny” roses. Nothing gave him also greater delight than to
witness the springing up of cabbages & turnips, which he prized more than
tongue could tell. Early & late he worked in his garden, & was ever on the alert for
“anything fresh” from Durham, in the shape of a promising plant, new “sets” o’
potatoes, big-looking peas or beans, or “nice young” gooseberry stems. In the
years 1825-6-7, he seldom missed, at the proper seasons, to send or “waddle” to
Durham, to inquire or ferret out any new products from the seed merchants; at
the same time, he kept his “eye” upon the price of leather, of which he was an
excellent judge. A bit of “kip,” “calf,” or “hide” leather, he only prized next to his
garden, which was ever his guiding star – his down-laying & uprising. In the
7
floral & horticultural classes he won the admiration of all; & seeing that “old
Willie” took such great delight in these productions, he was often favoured with
choice gifts from Hardwick, Ravenswath, Raby, & Lambton Castles, by the various
gardeners connected with those establishments, as a particular favour. It was a
treat to see the brisk old 20 stone man start on his mission to the various halls
and mansions in the district to deliver his stock-in-trade of boots and shoes. A day
or two of preparation was required before Willie could be got into full trim. Top
boots were then the fashion, & these it was absolutely necessary should be
burnished up – the tops brightened with milk or cream, with sometimes the yolk
of an egg, whilst the very best of Warren’s blacking was indispensable to give “a
gloss” to the lower parts. But, though all was trim as trim could be, there was
often a hitch arose before the old boy was fairly started – a dark cloud would
delay him for another day, or a sudden impulse of excitable temperament would
reverse his exit on his cherished errand; & then, all the preparations had once
more to be repeated, much to the chagrin of the domestics. When these mishaps
did occur, the old
8
man was not in the best of tempers, but silently meditated when & how he
should avoid the difficulties in future. He became what the district terms “glum,”
and nursed his wrath. He was a strong, powerful, healthy man, about 5 ft. 6 in.
high, but bulky in his proportions. His constitution was of the best; no bilious or
nervelessness ever affected his vigorous frame, unless it was that in his “rounds”
with his stock of shoes, &c., he imbibed too many “horns” of strong ale – a
beverage of which he was passionately fond. He seldom partook of spirits, unless
it was a “drop o’ whiskey,” to bring him round after his visits to his customers. A
trifle upset him, & he imagined his health was indifferent, if he could not at any
hour of the day eat “a rasher o’ bacon” & a goodly stock of bread. “Drat this
wind!” he used to exclaim, in the most comical manner, clapping his hand upon
his Sir-John-Falstaff-like paunch; “it’s allays botherin’ you, & stoppin’ you fra
deein’ ought!” He fed his own pigs, & always kept a good supply of bacon for
home-use, the hams being sold to pay expenses. There always being plenty of
garden stuff, “broke” was a favourite dish for the household and apprentices. He
was a man of a taciturn or “close” disposition, except when taking his drops at the
village inn at Brancepeth or elsewhere; then he became
9
what is usually termed “jolly” – talkative, in the most sarcastic & funny way, his
immense size giving a gusto to his jokes, whilst his rubicund features & shaking
sides increased the effect – after the style of honest Falstaff. (The village inn was
suppressed about the year 1854, by Lord Boyne, who married Miss Russell.)
Willie Bell’s home
Willie Bell lived at the last house on the left hand side in Brancepeth, in going
from the castle, where there are several houses together. The railway now (1868)
crosses the field which he formerly occupied, & in which was the cow-byre. His
garden was at the back of the house, adjoining the plantation. In those days, men
lived more within their domestic circles than at present. Railways were then
unknown, whilst newspapers were scarce & high priced – the price varying from
7d. to 11. each. The old Newcastle “Courant & Hue & Cry” was the great resort for
all the village politicians, & a poor affair it was, compared with the newspapers of
the present day. (Having had the privilege of reading the first volume of the
Newcastle Courant, it may be of interest to state, that the size was as nearly as
possible like this sheet upon wh. I am writing, containing four pages. The Courant
was first published in 1711, & is one of the oldest papers in existence.) The ex-
10
citing period of the French wars war [sic] – from 1789 to 1815 – were meagerly
defined in newspapers; & country people lived an easy-going, unexcited
existence. One week was an epitome of a year, & one year similar to its
predecessors, with small variations & exceptions. Good living & a jolly Christmas
were the festivities mostly enjoyable. A visit to the castle, with the offer of a few
horns of ale, was a memorable event, to be gazed upon with pleasure in the past,
& looked forward to with interesting enjoyment in the future.
The Grub of those times
The living in this primitive mode mode of life was on a par with the mode of
slowness of life – “early to bed, early to rise” was the motto, fully carried out.
Leaven brown bread was the common staple article; “crowdy,” or thick oatmeal
porridge, with a basin of milk, comprised the breakfasts & suppers of the
apprentices; broth, from bacon & sheeps’ heads, or necks of mutton, with plenty
of carrots, turnips, & cabbages, & “fine meally ‘taties,” varied the set-outs at
dinner; but, on a Sunday, an occasional treat of roast beef (salted), with an extra
treat in the shape of a cup of tea. One or two newspapers sufficed for the perusal
of the whole village, & they were read in turns, oftentimes the active politicians
or news mongers, met
11
at grandfather’s shop, or at old Ephraim Hall’s, the learned schoolmaster & parish
clerk of Brancepeth, discussing the prominent & stirring events of the hour over a
penny or halfpenny dip candle. The preservation of the health of these old fogies
was a great point with them, & they were partially enamoured with fresh air &
exercise, of which they secured an unlimited proportion. No matter what business
might be on hand, their usual stint of a brisk walk must not be interfered with, or
a turn into the garden, or a look at the cow & pigs. Keeping bees was also
included in their avocations, which was a source of profit as well as of interest. In
the summer time there was the haymaking to attend to, whilst in winter there
were the pigs & the cow; & thus time slipped pleasantly away, so that
“Three-score summers, when they were gone,
Really appeared as short as one.”
And thus it is Life wears away, & thus it is we ought to make the most of it whilst
we may. So generation succeeds generation, until units are multiplied into
numberless branches, & all remembrance is effaced of the
12
existence of those we once cherished & knew so well. I need not go further on
this subject, but will merely add, that it is an historical fact, that for years long
gone by – if not for ages – the country shoemakers’ & the tailors’ workshops were
general rendezvous, wherein village politicians debated and (perhaps “settled”, as
they thought) cavilled over the affairs of the nation. So much is this the case, that
there are caricatures innumerable, wherein the sons of St. Crispin are
represented in the heat of a political dispute, with specs on nose, his everlasting
leather apron up to his chin, & his implements of trade scattered upon or around
“the seat”, nearby being two or three long-headed old coves, whom one would
almost imagine assumed they possessed one-half of the world’s intellect, & that
everybody else were of no account! As an instance how afraid old Willie Bell (&
others of his ancient type) was of running into danger, I may mention, that he
could never be induced to enter a boat upon a river, unless he could be
persuaded he could “see the bottom! & that it wasn’t out of his depth, so that he
might be able to walk out if the boat was upset!” Said he – “Ye’ll nut catch me
leaving solid land to swim at top o’t water! There’s nea telling what may happen –
a storm
13
might come on of a sudden, or ‘t’bottom o’t boat might drop out! Nay, nay, let
me be where I can feel my feet!” Thus, we have another instance of the desire to
live as long as possible, even though, to the world as at present constituted, some
would say the old boys led a listless & weary life, in the absence of the excitement
& temptations now prevalent in large towns. But it was not so. Never having been
accustomed to scenes of reckless inducement, they craved not after them, & felt
no pleasure in their midst. Home felicity & good fellowship with their neighbours
were the delight of our ancestors, & are so still in numberless localities away from
our large hives of commercial & manufacturing industry; & may such similar
phases of happiness long continue! In the first part of this sketch of Willie Bell, it
is mentioned that he inherited some property from his father, which was situated
at Ash Esh, near Brancepeth. Old Willie sold this property for £240. It has been in
the possession of a brewer for about 40 years, who lives (1868) at Whickham,
near Newcastle-on-Tyne. The brewer would not take £700 for it now. Of course,
old Willie’s sons styled the sale of this property as “the most foolish thing in the
world;” but that the “old gentleman did foolish things occasionally, espe-
14
cially when he got drink.” No doubt of it, but he doubtless did it for the best at the
time. He disposed of this property during the turmoil of the American, or French,
wars, when property was much depreciated in value, & taxes were a heavy
burden upon the people. Old Willie Bell spent the latter part of his days in a
hospital at Cornsea Cornsay, near Brancepeth – a place set apart by Mr. Russell &
endowed, for 6 old men & decayed or debilitated tradesmen 6 old women who
had worked upon his estates. The old boy never felt happy in this domicile,
comfortable though it is, with a separate house provided for each. He “longed”
with pathetic yearns to re-visit Brancepeth, & so long as his strength permitted,
he was to be seen wandering through the village, & calling upon old friends to
whom he had been so long & familiarly known. But an entire new generation had
sprung up ere Death called him away, & he “seemed like one who stood alone,” &
bereft of all solace, in the absence of the kindred spirits of his earlier days, who
had long, long ago been called to their final doom. As before said, he lived to the
age of 92, & died at Cornsea Cornsay, on the 11th of Nov., 1848. The old
gentleman (I believe) was buried in Brancepeth churchyard – one of the loveliest
spots amongst the many in rural old England. Peace to his memory.
15
The aforesaid Willie Bell married his wife in the year 1785, when he was 29 years
old. Her maiden name was Mary Henderson, & she was born at Hamsterley, 12
miles from Brancepeth. Wm. Henderson (father’s grandfather, on his mother’s
side) was a carrier from Hamsterley to Newcastle-on-Tyne & back, whilst his
father was the same before him (this was in 1785). Willie Henderson was said to
be the oldest carrier in his day who stood on the Sandhill at Newcastle, & was one
of the true yeoman type. Willie Bell became acquainted with Miss Henderson in
this way – Wm. Henderson being a carrier, used to carry goods to a Brancepeth
grocer, named Miss Thirkill. This Miss Thirkill being in want of a servant,
Henderson recommended his daughter in the ab capacity, & she was accepted.
Here Willie Bell & Mary Henderson became acquainted, which ripened into
affection, & they were united in the bonds of wedlock at Hamsterley Church, the
birthplace of Mary Henderson. Willie & Mary Bell had the following children:-William Bell, born at Brancepeth, 1786 (still residing there, aged 82 – in 1868);
John Bell, born
16
29th Aug. 1789; & Geo. Bell, who died at the age of 18 months. It is somewhat
singular, that Uncle Wm. Bell is residing at present (1868) in the very same house
from which his mother, Miss Henderson, was married to his father, & has lived
there for between 30 & 40 years; & it is highly probable will die there. Old Willie
Bell’s wife – that is, the grandmother to the children of Wm. & John Bell – was a
very deserving woman. She was a really kind creature, but of delicate health for
the last 20 years of her life. Poor thing, she was sorely afflicted with a stroke of
palsy, which enfeebled her whole constitution, & she was unable to hold her head
in a still position, for many years before her death she died. She was a truly pious
woman, & earnestly embraced the doctrines of Wesleyanism. When she was a
young woman (1775 to 1780) John Wesley was actively employed throughout the
country in conversion & deeds of worth, & Methodism laid the foundation for
religious worship in many benighted hamlets & country districts wh. had never
before felt the earnestness & warmth of zeal for the soul before John Wesley
awakened up their dormant faculties. Prayer meetings & preachings were held at
old Willie Bell’s house, through the influence of his wife & son Wm. Bell. At this
time (1820) there was no chapel or school-room
17
in Brancepeth, wherein to hold forth, except Ephraim Hall’s, wh. was a damp,
uncomfortable place. Therefore, up to 1827, & perhaps for long after, meetings
were held at the different houses in the village where Methodism was the
favoured religion. At old Willie Bell’s there was a pulpit – a sort of square box
affair, with shelf for the Bible & Hymn Books – & the floor stood about a foot from
the ground, so that the preacher was slightly elevated over the heads of his
hearers. Indeed, if the pulpit had been raised much more – that is, the floor – the
preacher would have been in danger of hitting the rafters above with his head
(wh. would have been rather dangerous hazardous, particularly with the very
excitable class of what are termed “local preachers.”) The “pulpit” stood in the
corner facing the entrance door, & occupied about the same space as an enclosed
desk (or shut-up) bed. The “pulpit” had only two sides & a front, so that the
preacher had merely to “step in behind,” and go a-head. No doubt many a clever
sermon was poured forth from this rostrum, & many hearts touched & sinners
converted. The lights provided were a penny-dip candle on each side of the
preacher, wh. swung round upon two bent pieces of wire, soldered into two tincandlesticks. It used to be part of the writer’s duty to “assist” in bringing the
“pulpit” out of the corner to the other end of the
18
room near the fireplace, but he never relished the job; ditto to replace the tub in
its usual corner of abode during the week-days. It was a treat to see old Willie Bell
singing on Sunday nights, with his hands in his Kerseymere breeches pockets – the
latter of immense proportions, corresponding with the size of the man, capable of
holding half a peck of garden peas – & observe the “twang” through his nasal
organs & the shutting of his eyes! But, dear old granny was no singer, but devoted
& earnest in the cause of religion. She died on the 28th of July, 1835, aged 82
years, & was buried in Brancepeth churchyard.
Connected with the Wm. Bell at present (1868) at Brancepeth – son of old Willie
Bell & Mary Henderson – is a fact worthy of note, wh. is from the lips of the firstnamed Wm. Bell, & guaranteed as authentic. I will give it in his own words:-- “My
grandfather Bell – that is, your (Charles Bell, son of John Bell, & brother to Wm.)
great grandfather grandmother, lived at a place called Leasingthorne, as servant
with a farmer. Duke William, son of George II., was on his way (in 1746) from the
south to meet the Scots at the Battle of Culloden. In going down a hill near
Leasingthorne, the carriage wh. contained the Duke was upset. Upon the
occurrence of the accident, the Duke scrambled out as best he could. Observing a
number of people near at hand, he called out lustily – “Come, lads, & give us a lift
with the carriage, & I’ll help you with it!” The request was obeyed, the vehicle was
hoisted into its proper position, & the Duke & party proceeded on
19
their journey. In the overthrow of the vehicle, the window was broken, & my
grandmother – that is, old Willie Bell’s mother – picked up one of the pieces of
glass that was left on the ground. She got it silvered & made into a looking-glass,
& that same glass is now in my possession. As it is a family relic, I will make you,
Charles Bell, son of John Bell, a present of it, as an heirloom of the Bell family.”
(1868.)
William Bell, son of old Willie & Mary Henderson, was born in 1786, at
Brancepeth, & lived there all his life. He, too, followed the craft of his father, &
was a shoemaker. This trade seems to have been a favourite one with the Bells, as
they can be traced as “sticking to their lasts” for several generations – for 240
years – & all in the same locality. They seemed to inherit the idea of being good
judges of leather, & fully carried out the old adage – “There is nothing like
leather! All else is salts and prunella.” And by this we cannot fail to observe how
at least one of a family is invariably brought up to succeed to the trade of the
parent, whatever that trade may be – at least, in country villages. So far as we
have been able to observe – & our personal evidence extends as far back as 1756,
to old Willie Bell, who was born in that year, & died in 1848 – the Bells
20
were all of a plodding sort. None of them seem to have relished the idea of
leaving the locality in which they were born & bred, but stuck to their tether. A
vein of rich humour was observable in the oldest stem with wh. we have been
acquainted. 50 years ago, we observed the same characteristic wh. now runs
through the whole. To bring up a son to follow his father’s trade, seemed as
common as in every-day life to name the first-born after his dad – thus we have a
never-ending clatter of “young Willie” & “auld Willie,” “auld Tommy” and “young
Tommy,” “auld Charley” and “young Charley,” &c. &c. As we may again be
excused in repeating, we cannot forego the impression that our forefathers
generally were men of mettle, perseverance, industry, & well-endowed with the
hard common sense to be found in the sphere in wh. they moved. Their essential
aim was that of a long life, & an easy, take-it-at-pleasure existence. If they felt an
afternoon’s nap to be desirable, the resolve to enjoy an hour’s sleep was no
sooner made than accomplished. The even tenour of their daily life was
undisturbed by reflections about “to-morrow,”
21
or what “would become of them” by leaving “all things to fate.” Their minds were
so comfortably balanced, & their small desires so limited, that at any hour of the
day it was nothing surprising to hear tell, or see, the old fogies, in a glorious
slumber, or snoring at pleasure in the arms of Morpheus! We can’t afford this
liberty in large towns. The mind is constantly on the rack, whilst our physical
energies are stretched to the utmost. Never was it our province to see this system
carried out to greater perfection than in that of the Bell family; & to this simple
fact we partly attribute their long lives – 80, 82, 92, & so on. We do not mean to
imply that they were not hard-workers in their day, but that when well advanced
in years, this taking of daily siestas was their daily practice – and, at once we
admit, a very good one too, when a fellow has the chance of carrying it out, more
particularly if a man is of a full, heathery habit of body. This “dosing” after dinner
was one of the greatest delights of old
22
and young Willie Bell, as well as of John Bell, the son & brother of the preceding.
It is perhaps not out of place to observe, that in country places as a rule, it is
customary for every one to weigh well what he is going to do before spending
money lavishly. By town’s people, village & outlying populations are looked upon
as “close-fisted;” and what is more, they (country folks) have a certain way of
showing this characteristic, wh. is not always agreeable to the reckless townsmen,
who have frequently more ready cash at command. This chary feeling of want of
open-heartedness & generosity often goes hard against the villagers of the
yeomen class, without allowance being made for the main point, that there is
naturally a reserved-ness amongst country people – if not a suspicion – which has
no existence in a townsman; & for this simple reason, that the greater freedom of
communication & variety of mixed assemblies chafes away – if not eradicates
entirely – suspicious apprehensions, & a worldly-minded man of experience
always “appears” to be free-and-easy, whether it is his natural disposition or not,
whereas it is the
23
very reverse with a countryman. This is a simple explanation of what we have
ourselves witnessed thousands of times; & it is thus we account for the apparent
coldness of reception, the indifference of appreciation about anyone’s else affairs
but their own, that we have noticed in the Bell family towards their near relatives.
Their usual bearing evinces an effort to be even civil, to say nothing of being
generous – yet they undoubtedly, they perhaps possess all the “good qualities” in
their hearts, only they have a queer way of showing them. A natural “shyness”
ever pervades those who have been only accustomed to mix in country life; even
a certain “clownishness” is observable, wh. can be accounted for only by being
deprived of the privilege of greater communication & interchange of sentiment
with their fellow-men. Yet, no one can deny the earnestness & warm-hearted
fellowship of all who are familiarly acquainted with those brought up to a country
life. There is no deception or trickery, but everything is straightforward & candid,
& when invited to partake at their festive board, the ample provision bids you
wel-
24
come, & “What will you have?” “Make yourself at home;” or “Help yourself,” are
the biddings of the host in thorough sincerity, & nothing affords the host &
hostess more pleasure than to see their invited guests enjoy themselves. It will
not be their fault, if you don’t get a belly full, without a grudge. It is a question of
some moment, however, whether this natural reserve on the part of country
people is not more serviceable & profitable than the assumed generosity of
townspeople? At any rate, it would be no difficult task to cite innumerable
instances where people & families have been utterly ruined by tea parties,
dinners, suppers, & invitation-visitors, as “friends,” for whom perhaps those
“inviting” did not care one straw. The first introduction or solicitation – “Come,
you’ll stop & have a cup o’ tea,” has been the thin end of the wedge merely, but
has led to the ruin of hundreds of families, by people with elastic consciences
“palming themselves” upon those who did not want their visits. (As it is likely
there will be a few remarks to the same effect with regard to others connected
with the Bell & Gell family, I will say no more at present. I will leave it to those
who read this to define the settlement of the above query.)
25
[Newspaper clipping, pasted over some of the text: “Durham Chronicle. Friday,
December 21, 1883. Brancepeth. The late Mr. William Bell …”]
The deceased Wm. Bell, above named, resided all his life at Brancepeth. For
upwards of 10 or 12 years, deceased was blind, & confined to bed. His
26
appetite & health were good to within a fortnight of his death; he was jolly,
talkative, & his memory most remarkably being able to repeat events of the most
important & trivial character, for fully 90 years past! Within 12 months of his
decease, he has often repeated that there was not a single occurrence of any
moment but what he could recal [sic] to mind correctly, & recite, with their varied
circumstances, anecdotal & historical. He was a good mimic,
27
& pourtrayed his numerous local friends to the life, in action & the dialect of the
district. He weighed about 20 stones, & was ponderous but active. His temper
was variable – impetuous – but in his conversational , free & easy moods, he was
irresistibly pleasing & funny, jolly & humorous. He was patient under his dire dire
afflictions, his only craving desire being that if he “could only read his Bible” he
would have been more content. He was a great admirer of John Wesley, & a strict
Wesleyan.
28
Wm. Bell’s Family, Brancepeth
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Keziah [i.e. Kezia] Mary Bell, born 12th Feb., 1826.
Jemima Bell, born Nov. _ 1828
Wm. Bell, b. 15th Dec, 1830.
Emma Bell, b. 12th Oct., 1832
Clara Isabella, b. Nov. 1834
Priscilla Bell, b. Aug. 25, 1837
John Frederick, b. 1839; died in 1 ½ years
Deaths & Marriages in Wm. Bell’s Family.
1. Keziah [i.e. Kezia] married Rev. R.S.S. Blinkinsopp [i.e. Blenkinsop], rector,
Shadforth, widower.
2. Jemima, m. Wm. Rulter, builder, & widower, Willington. D. Aug. 1880.
3. Wm. Bell m. Mary Helen Turnbull, widow of Thos. Turnbull, & niece of Jos.
Love, Esq., Mount Beulah, coal owner, Durham, &c.
4. Emma Bell, m. Mr. Shipley, schoolmaster, 15th Sep. 1853, widower.
Quarrelled & separated.
29
5. Clara Isabella m. Jan. 1867, to John Tindale, widower & one child, clerk,
agent, &c., to Lord Boyne.
6. Priscilla, m. Alex. Watson, a Scotch farmer, Kirkcudbright, who died Dec.
1868, leaving Priscilla with two children.
Deaths.
Wm. Bell died July, 1879, buried at Brancepeth.
Wm. Bell, Senior, father of the above, died at Brancepeth, 10th Dec. 1883, in his
98th year, & buried there.
Keziah [i.e. Kezia], 7 children, 2 sons, 5 daughters
Mrs. Shipley (Emma), 4 daughters, 2 sons.
William jun., son & daughter.
Jemima, 6 children, three dead.
Clara, 4 born, 2 dead.
Priscilla, 2 sons.
See page 30 for further items. (overleaf.)
30
Marriages of Wm. Bell’s family, of Brancepeth
Kezia Bell was married to the Rev. Mr. Blenkinsopp [i.e. Blenkinsop],
Shadforth, Durham, a widower, with seven children. Kezia was cook during the
lifetime of the rev. gentleman’s first wife.
Jemima Bell married Mr. Rulter, of Willington, Durham, a builder, & well-todo as a tradesman. Jemima worked as a dressmaker for Mrs. Rulter no. one, &
afterwards became Mrs. Rulter no. two.
Wm. Bell, jun., married Mr. Love’s niece, a widow, with one child – a girl.
Mr. Love’s was a good family to be connected with, so far as influence, wealth,
&c., were concerned, in “planting” a man in business.
Emma Bell married Mr. Shipley, a widower, with one son. This individual did
not turn out so well as promised, & ultimately “bolted,” & left his wife to pot luck,
as well as five or six children. Uncle Wm. called Shipley “a nasty, dirty, mean
scoondril, that dissarved hanging.”
Clara Bell married Mr. Tindal [i.e. Tindale], steward cashier, Brancepeth,
also a widower, with one girl. Mr. Tindal [i.e. Tindale] holds a good position, & is
well respected.
Priscilla Bell married Mr. Watson, a farmer in Scotland, & prosperous in his
vocation.
It will thus be seen that the Bells (of Brancepeth) all married – with one exception
– to persons of good position, either as tradesmen or engaged in prosperous
callings. It is evident that they had either better opportunities of making
selections in marriage or were “more wide awake” & calculating than John Bell’s
family. (see pages 105 & 106.)
I will leave this question open, for others to form their own conclusions.
31
John Bell, the second son of old Willie Bell, was born on the 29th of August, 1788.
Upon this subject the writer assumes to speak with greater confidence, insomuch
as John Bell was the father of the person now drawing this outline of the Bell &
Gell family (Wm. Bell, the eldest son of John & Margaret Bell). This second born
son of old Willie Bell was also born at Brancepeth, & was brought up to the
shoemaking trade, like his brother William, & that of his father. John appears to
have had more sterling “mettle,” than some who have been all their lives
accustomed to the droning routine of a simple village life. Nevertheless, for 20
years, he continued to reside under his parents’ roof, working for his living under
his father [sic] directions, & in the company of his elder brother, William. So far as
can be gathered, John’s life was similar in most respects to that defined
previously respecting his predecessors of the Bell family – an easy-going, quiet,
plodding, unexcitable existence – “doing all things decently & in order” – “living,
moving, and having his being” amongst those who are believed
32
by many to spend the most happy & virtuous lives – that is, in the rural abodes of
seclusion in dear old England, which charm & elevate, whilst they invigorate &
delight, the nerveless denizens of our murky & pestilential towns. We all know
how rapidly the first 20 years of a man’s probation pass away; & we can readily
believe that, whatever the aspirations of a youth might be, he would not disturb
his comfort of mind by too anxious a solicitude to wander away to face the world
& its many difficulties, so long as he was well provided for at home. But, on
arriving at manhood’s growth, fresh desires often lead to active resolves, &
ventures abroad are planned & executed with rapidity. So it was in this case.
Hence we find that, in the year 1807, John Bell determined “to risk” leaving his
father’s roof, & accordingly made a beginning by a walk to Sunderland. (At this
time, John was 20 years of age.) Unknown to his relatives, he took the coach at
Sunderland Bridge for the famed city of York. When he arrived at York, he
possessed the sum of three-farthings! By this it
33
is evident our hero relied more upon his wits or abilities than he did upon gold or
silver. But he possessed the satisfactory idea that in York there lived – an uncle.
Straightway, John Bell wounded his way to the house of his relative, who proved
to be a rough-and-ready, but withal, a considerate & kind chip off the old block.
Father found his uncle shoeing a horse, he being a blacksmith by trade. Father
inquired of the descendant of Tubal Cain if he had ever been at Brancepeth? In
the course of conversation. Father introduced himself to this distant descendant
of Tubal Cain; & in the course of conversation, he asked dad Tubal if he had ever
been at Brancepeth? “Yes!” replied the son of Vulcan, still working & talking
indifferently. “Do you know Willie Bell o’ Brancepeth?” said J. Bell. This & a few
similar questions roused the interest of the man of metal, & his indifference was
followed by an earnest & inquiring exclamation – “God bless my life! it’s John
Bell!” Then followed numberless questions in return respecting
34
those residing at Brancepeth, & father was at once familiarly recognised, & an
interest evinced for his welfare. John Bell was in due time introduced by his uncle
to a son of St. Crispin, of the name of Bridgewater. When John was going through
the preliminary inquiries prior to engagement, Bridgewater naturally asked if his
adopted charge was a relative? The blacksmith, being an outspoken sort of a
character, fond of plain speaking, & an “original” in his way, replied – “Oh! Yee-s!
his mother & me both laid i’ one belly!” Poor dad, being “a modest young man
from the country, was “quite shocked, & didn’t know where to put his head!” But,
if rough in exterior and manners, the blacksmith lacked not in sympathy & advice.
Father paid £5 – or, rather, “agreed to pay” – for the privilege of being initiated by
Bridgewater into the most approved science of cutting-out & making ladies’
fashionable shoes and gentlemen’s boots. So that here we have the first outline
of John Bell’s success in the midst of a multitude of strangers, & amongst scenes
to wh. up to that time had been an enigma. No doubt
35
he felt considerably elevated by his adventurous success, & resolved on “making
the best of it.” But lo! John had not been long in the enjoyment of his new
situation, when a letter found its way from Brancepeth, inquiring of the worthy
blacksmith if he had heard or seen the run-away. This letter was penned by
Ephraim Hall, the village schoolmaster, & was addressed to “Mr. Michael
Henderson, Walmgate Bar, (or elsewhere) York – (with speed and care),” & read
thus –
“Mr. Henderson, Dear Sir, – A young man, of the name of John Bell, has recently
disappeared from this village (Brancepeth), & has left his parents in great distress
– particularly his mother. If he has come to your city, a few lines to assure them of
his safety will be gratefully received. – Yours truly, Ephraim Hall.”
Father chanced to read this epistle, & was greatly agitated, fearing his prospects
were blighted, & all his hopes of becoming “a fashionable” boot & shoemaker
nipped in the bud! However, Ephraim’s letter was duly answered – John
continued about 12 months with Bridgewater, in York, & then once
36
retraced his footsteps to Brancepeth – a man of the world, & highly improved in
the secret art of “cutting out” ladies’ & gentlemen’s fashionable boots & shoes!
(& perhaps “a wonder” to the surrounding villagers.) On his return home, John
Bell became the head-man as designer & fitter of shoes for the district, &
doubtless felt highly elevated. Trade increased, & his father “honoured” him as he
never done before. Whilst in York, John o’ Brancepeth, was initiated into the
“Friendly Institution of Cordwainers. The “card” declaring him a free member &
clear on the books, he kept in an old pocket-book till the day of his death, & was
“proud” of it, as recalling the scenes of what may be termed his first entrance into
the world. The writing on the card reads –
“Dec. 25, 1807 – This is to certify that John Bell is a legal member of the trade, &
free of all demands. “As witness, R. Johnson.”
Father had this document in his possession for 60 years, & it was found carefully
put away in his pocket-book after his death, Nov. 22nd 1867.
Father continued for four years longer at Brancepeth, officiating in the capacity of
foreman & cutter; but towards about the year 1810, an event arose which
changed the whole scene of his previous existence. He became enamoured with
Margaret Gell, who was fated to be his wife. This most
37
important step in a young man’s career is thus described by uncle William Bell, his
brother: -Margaret Gell was ladies’ maid to a Miss Gale. This lady was on a visit to the
Russells at Brancepeth Castle, & Margaret accompanied her. As before stated,
John Wesley had made Methodism prominent throughout the country, &
Margaret Gell was a sincere follower & believer in Methodism. The Wesleyans
held prayer meetings & preachings at Brandon, near Brancepeth. Father & his
brother attended those gatherings at Brandon, & it was at one of these meetings
John Bell first saw Miss Gell. He was “smitten with her charms,” & was in a
dilemma as to how to procure her name, whilst she refused the application. By
stratagem, John succeeded in obtaining the name of “Margaret Gell” from her
hymn-book. An intimacy & correspondence arose between them after Miss Gell
left Brancepeth, which continued for some time, & in the year 1812, Nov. 22nd,
ended in matrimony. They were married at Patrington church, in Holderness, East
Riding of Yorks, & 18 miles from Hull, the Gell family residing at Hollym, 3 miles
from Patrington. John Bell’s love grew with its growth & strengthened as time
passed on, & on one occasion he paid a visit to Holderness from Brancepeth,
which was no small undertaking at that time, when the difficulties of travelling
were almost insurmountable & hazardous.
38
Connected with this journey of love & affectionate zeal from Brancepeth, uncle
Wm. & father often recited the following with great gusto: -Old Willie Bell had by some means offended Mr. Shaw, the steward of Brancepeth
Castle (a sort of king in the village & district). Up to about 1810, old Willie had
possessed for a mere trifle a certain part of the wood or plantation wh. contained
a large number of apple trees. Mr. Shaw resolved to deprive him (Willie) of this
privilege, & not allow him even that year’s produce, wh. chanced to be very
plentiful that season. Of course, this conduct of Mr. Shaw’s was a great
annoyance to old Willie, as well as a loss in a pecuniary sense. A little dodging was
requisite, & John & old Willie used their wits in scheming. “Hoots,” said old Willie,
“thowll hae te gan, John, & see what thoo can mek’ o’ that steward. It ’ill be a sad
job te loss all that grand crop! Gan’ & Try if thoo can’t win him ower, & get
‘tapples!” John accordingly ventured to speak with the steward. “Well!” said
Shaw, “your father shall not have a single apple, but I’ll give them all to you,
John.” Highly pleased, John pulled the apples, & sold them for £10. With the
profits derived from the apples, John bought a grey pony.
39
Upon this pony John rode from Brancepeth to Patrington, on a visit to his future
bride. The pony was afterwards sold by John for £24; & the first foal she had after
John parted with her, was a fine dappled mule, wh. at four years old was sold for
£40. So much for the apples & grey pony, wh. was a constant theme of reference
& joke with poor father.
After John Bell & Margaret Gell were united in wedlock, they settled down at
Patrington, father continuing his business as cordwainer. In this trade, John Bell
imported into the district his scientific acquirements obtained at York, & practised
so successfully at Brancepeth. He introduced amongst the farmers’ daughters the
“light pumps” & fancy boots, wh. had not then been customary, & did “a roaring
trade” for some years. In fact, John was the “head shoemaker” in the locality, &
received good prices. At this time (1812) John & Margaret Bell were deemed “a
handsome couple;” & both being strict Methodists, their connection was
materially increased thereby. But, by & by, other responsibilities arose in the
shape of a family, & on the 22nd of September, 1813, their first-born (Wm. Bell)
saw daylight. This youngster was born under the roof of grandfather Gell, at
Hollym; at the age of seven years, he went to reside there, & was made useful
about the farm, up to about 11 years of age, when he
40
was marched off to Brancepeth, & sent to school at Brandon for 12 months; then
returned to Hollym from Norton, near Stockton, where father & mother had then
come to live (1825-6). After 12 months with grandad [sic] in Holderness, this
eldest son was budged back to Norton, from which place he was bound
apprentice to the printing business with Geo. Wilson, at Knaresbro’, Yorkshire, on
the 1st of Jan. 1828. Out of his apprenticeship in 1835, he worked for a month at
the Herald & Courant office, in York; left there & walked to Leeds, & from the
latter place to Bradford, where he obtained employment at the Bradford
Observer office, on the 6th of Feb. 1835, & continued there till July, 1857 – 22 ½
years – with the exception of being a landlord for one year at the Albion 1850-50.
After that, he tried to establish himself in business as an auctioneer, & kept a
‘bacco shop, but neither answered his expectations. In the year 1846, he lost the
whole of his savings, in a partnership concern, whilst his wages were mortgaged
for six-years’ more, by yielding to a foolish persuasion to “pay every body to the
uttermost farthing.” The consequence was an uphill game through his after life,
wh. said hill proved unconquerable, & “the tide in his affairs” never again reach
the flood – it was an omission, & “the whole voyage of his life was bound in
shallows” & hard work. In July, 57, W. Bell left the Observer at Bfd, went to reside
at Linthorpe & Middlesbro’ as auctioneer & broker, but did not succeed.
41
From Middlesbro’ he went to the Advertiser office at Newcastle-on-Tyne, on the
10th. Feb. 1859, as foreman at that office. Here sister Jessy & her son Harry Saint,
spent a very happy time for years – the most truly happy & contented from his
(Wm. Bell’s) youth up to 55 years of age. Here (in Wm. Bell) is an example of ill
fortune or want of proper foresight, or too much reliance upon the “honesty” of
others. Wm. Bell made great “mistakes” in aiming too soon to establish himself in
business, & joining with others. The first was in 1841, with Swaine & Co., as
manufacturers, at Bfd, where all his earnings (or savings) were sacrificed; the
second was in taking a public house at Bfd; the third in having a tobacco shop at
Bfd; the fourth in beginning as an auctioneer; the fifth in starting an eating-house;
& lastly, in leaving a situation to begin business at Middlesbro’ in 1859. All these
affairs were undertaken by a man who was unmarried, & with too small a capital
to enable him to rely upon his new ventures without working at the trade of a
printer. For 30 years, W.B. had on an average 35/- per week, or more; was careful,
steady, & attentive to business – was 22 ½ yrs at Observer, & 10 yrs (Dec. ’68) at
Advertiser, N’Castle, as overseer. Yet success did not crown his efforts to establish
himself in trade as a permanent resident. W.B. was strong in constitution, & was
for above 25 years & never lost a day (from ’44 to ’69) thro’ illness, tho’ unsteady
& “wild” at Knaresbrough. He “expects” to go off in a “hurry” at the last.
42
The second son born to John & Margaret Bell was Jas. Bell, at Patrington, Nov. 16,
1814. He was seriously burnt by his night-gown catching fire, whilst reaching up to
the chimney piece, when the fire had been just lighted, & the sticks projecting
thro’ the bars. Wm. and Mary Bell were sat beside him kneeling at each end of
the fender, when James stud upon the fender, & the draught drew his cotton
night-gown to the blazing sticks. This was about seven a.m., the rest of the family
being in bed. Father ran downstairs with a piece of carpet, & extinguished the
flames; but the patient was improperly treated by the doctor, & the poor boy died
on the 5th Jan. 1820. He was buried in Patrington churchyard.
Mary Bell was born was born on the 29th May, 1816, also at Patrington. Mary
served an apprenticeship to the dressmaking business at Stockton. Was many
years lady’s maid to Lady Richardson at Pitfour Castle, Scotland, travelled with the
family on the continent; left Pitfour in 1850 to go to Bradford as housekeeper to
Wm. Bell; afterwards endeavoured to live at Bfd. by keeping lodgers; failed in
doing so; returned to Lady Richardson in 1854; went into Germany with her;
afterwards went to Leeds (in 1866) to act as housekeeper to brother Alfred, after
the death of his first wife; removed from Leeds to Bradford with Alfred &
commenced a fent-shop in 45, Wakefield Road; did well there, & got nicely
settled; was there in 1868, unmarried. Mary derived great advantage from the
assistance of Mr.
43
Savage, as manager, at Bradford; the business pays well. Mary is very
comfortable, & well deserves to be so, after her long servitude & the knocking
about she has undergone, ever since she was a girl at Norton. Besides the
unsettled nature of her former life, Mary also was too confiding, & lost her
savings, once or twice, by lending money to “friends,” who forgot their friendship
or regard for the individual when they had secured what was their principal aim at
the first, tho’ concealed by an outward semblance of esteem. Mary is generous,
kind, & liberal with her money, & has been an inexpressible benefit & blessing to
bro. Alfred & his family. Dec. 1868.
Emma Bell was born at Patrington, 14th March, 1818. She removed with the family
to Norton, Stockton, and Middlesbro’, & was in these places from 1825 to 1868.
Emma was of great assistance to Charles in his shop as a draper at Middlesbro’, in
South Street, for many years, until Charles got married. Afterwards, father &
Emma lived at Middlesbro’, in a house of their own, till the former died, on the
22nd Nov., 1867. Emma officiated as a dress maker – was unmarried, & living in
Middlesbro’ in 1868. Emma deserves the gratitude & thanks of the whole Bell
family for her great kindness to John Bell, to whom she administered every
comfort in her power, & often under positions of difficulty & limited resources.
Emma was the greatest possible solace to father in his old age, & up to his death,
in Nov., 1867.
44
Thomas Bell, born 16th Sep. 1819, at Patrington. Tom was apprenticed to Messrs.
Neesome & Welch, at Stockton, as a fitter & mechanic. This son was a clever
fellow, & a genius in his way, nothing coming amiss to his line of business. He
went into France as a railway fitter; was there some years; then was employed at
Penn & Co’s, noted engineers on the Thames, (Greenwich) London. Thro’ their
recommendation, Tom was engaged by the Spanish government to go to
Havannah, West Indies, at the Royal Arsenal there, & was upwards of 13 years
there. He was engaged at about 20£ a month, which ultimately increased to equal
to £40, with numberless pecuniary privileges, a house to live in, & the sole
superintendence of his department of the arsenal. Tom at first was aboard
Spanish vessels as an engineer, might have done well when afterwards settled in
Havannah, but the temptations of high living, fashionable society, & too great a
generosity to all comers – almost keeping “open house” for all shades of people,
whose “good opinion" was not worth having, but who aided in keeping him poor
in pocket, as well as ultimately leading to excesses & excitability, which
culminated in Tom's discharge from a very high-class situation. Tom only saved
rather better than £1,000 out of his long & dangerous servitude in the climate of
Havannah. He ought to have made his fortune, without in any way pinching
45
or depriving himself or family; but the Bell family possess an unfortunate
heedlessness of “caring for a rainy day.” Though not absolutely extravagant in
character, dress, or company, they have a never-failing imperfection in confiding
in others, where suspicion & self-elevation ought to be the rule. Like the majority
of the Bells & Gells, Tom was of a generous, frank, open-hearted, liberal,
disinterested disposition; clever, active, untiring in his duties as a servant, but
totally unfit to control his characteristics or shortcomings as a master. He was too
easily persuaded in business transactions; short-sighted & easily deceived; with
firmness & judgment as a man, he yielded easily as a master to trickery from
those around him, who laid schemes that were only exposed to view as time
passed on. Hence it was, that he entered into business with a rascally Jew &
others at Gravesend as engineers, &c., & poor Tom was “fleeced” of his all, after a
year or two of experience. Possessing firmness sufficient to enable him to do all
things well for others, he lacked the ability of vigour & tact on his own account.
Tom could not see as far for himself as for others, & was self-reliant whilst others
were scheming & plotting – confident in his own abilities, whilst his right & left
supporters were undermining himself and purse, & he was left penniless. Here,
after all the fine chances of securing a handsome fortune, the old shadow of
difficulties, peculiar to the Bells, was triumphant, though
46
nothing could daunt the spirit, or pluck, of their character. To be a “general
favourite with every body,” as the term goes, is to run into danger & temptation.
If the Bells possessed a little more of the Scotch principle of evoking to Number
One, their pockets would be heavier & their future more pleasant. They would
possess the Reality, instead of “the good opinion” only of their neighbours –
which is all very well as a personal & flattering conception, but a mere reflection
compared with the Substance. For several years, Tom Bell has lived upon his
leavings out of what he secured when he retired from his Gravesend connection
in business. At the present time (June, ’68), he is working as a joiner, doing odd
jobs here & there, in London, whilst formerly, in Havannah his expenses were not
less than a pound a-day! What a falling off – what a moral of reflection! Tom
“speaks Spanish like a native,” as well as French, is a clever fellow & might have
been a rich man, & a blessing to his family. He was twice married, & had three
children by his first wife, & three by second. Tom’s great “mistake in life” was his
first marriage, & leaving his wife in England when he was at Havannah; whilst his
second was in leaving the Spanish Service; but, the greatest of all, his reckless
generosity, & total disregard of economising & saving money as a back-set &
comfort in his old age on retirement from active business life. At present (Dec.
’68) he is engaged as a master blacksmith in London, & making a living – tho’
meagre. He has been, thro’ life, the worst friend to himself, like some others of
the Bell & Gell family. Since the preceding was written, I
47a
have learnt that brother Tom is carrying on business in London as a master
blacksmith, making a living, & doing pretty well. But what a falling off, compared
with his former chances in life abroad! With £30 to £50 or more, per month, a
house rent free, presents innumerable – even as much as £50 to £100 at once –
with every privilege a man could crave for, & yet he was not content! He got a
foolish idea into his head, that if he “left the service” of the Spanish government,
they would send for him back! & he “imagined” they “could not do without him!”
– assuredly, one of the most fatal assumptions any man on earth can possibly
entertain. Tom soon found out, however, that his former masters could do a great
deal better “without him” than he could without them. And so it happened, that
on the very first occasion he launched out to “begin business on his own hook,” as
he termed it, Tom was in constant danger of being aground, in the
48b
long run lost the principal part of his cargo (money), was stranded on the beach,
high and dry, with very little ballast left in the hold – that is, brass. No one of the
Bell family possessed such rare opportunities as Tom, when in foreign service, but
he missed “the current when it served,” & the result is as above explained. What
was wanted in Tom’s case, was really to know when he was well off, & make the
best of it; but, it is supposed, he thought his prosperity & reign would last for
ever, in wh. he was miserably disappointed. There is no doubt that Tom was
reckless, thoughtless, & extravagant, when in the midst of plenty, in addition to
not being over well-matched to an over-economical partner. When it is
recollected that Tom did not receive much schooling as a boy at Hollym, with
grandfather Gell, & afterwards became so successful as to receive the
appointment in Havannah of such a responsible situation as head en-
49c
gineer in the Arsenal, we may rest assured he was clever as a workman, &
qualified for his task; but – without conduct, tact, & cool judgment, the highest
ability must fail in the long run. A greater contrast could not well be imagined
than Tom Bell as a boy and farmer’s hack, than Don Tho-mass (Bell) as principal
engineer on board ship or in the Arsenal at Havannah! – The boy, with corduroys,
thick, ill-fitting shoes, fustian (or red) waistcoat, & a slatternly jacket – made out
of the cast-off togs of some one slightly better off than himself – with a red face &
dirty nose, trudging wearily to school, or “minding” geese or pigs in stubble fields,
driving horses, living upon poor tea or coffee, eating tough cakes or sad bread,
chewing rancid bacon & swallowing broth by the gallon made from mawky beef
or mutton, or sheeps’ heads! – The man, in
50d
the West Indies, a little swell, with a large number of men at his beck, all of his
own choosing, £30 per month clear of all but his living expenses, & everything
that mortal man could desire, yet was he not content, & missed “the tide” in
feathering his nest, or laying by sufficient “ballast” for his future necessities!
Surely, Tom’s was a chance that occurs only once in a lifetime; & glad should we
all be, at even the shadow of such a privilege. It is worthy of remark, that both the
Gells & Bells were of a sarcastic turn, & partial to tricks of fun or ridicule. As an
instance, the following may be recited:-- When living at Norton, there was a
custom of holding “class-meetings,” at the houses of the various members of the
Methodists. On one occasion, the turn came for the gathering to take place under
father’s roof. On the fact being made known, Tom & John became “curious to
know” what was said, & to asertain [sic] how these amicable affairs were
conducted, no doubt thinking there was
51e
a sort of freemasonry of secrecy in the affair, wh. it was well worth their while to
explore. Tom & Jack “put their heads together,” and resolved on a plan to
unriddle the mystery. In the room where the religionists were to meet, was a
cupboard with a door with hinges at the bottom, so that the leaf fell down flap
upon the floor from the top. The pair agreed that John should ensconce himself
privately in this cupboard before the meeting commenced, to watch the
movements of those assembled. All right, & duly settled. Jack took up his position
inside; Tom closed the door, but before retiring, he took the precaution to “tie a
string” to a knob there was at the top of the door. He then conducted the rope
thro’ the window. At length, the gathering was complete, business had got into
full swing – hymns had been sung, prayer had been duly offered, & each one was
about to give his or her “experience” – all generally been unusually still & quiet at
about this time, when Tom gave his “conductor” a sudden jerk from the outside,
when down
52f
went the door of the closet, & exposed Jack to the full gaze of those assembled!
Of course Jack felt he had been “sold” by Tom, & was highly indignant at the trick;
but Jack “made the best” of his position, for when thus suddenly brought to full
view, he had the presence of mind to turn over – & make the assembled company
“believe he was asleep!” And he so far succeeded, that old Robert Debron made
the remark – “Poor little fellow, he is asleep!” but mother had a different opinion,
& was “highly off-ended!” The tell-tale string, from the flap to outside the
window, showed there was a design, & mother solemnly shook her head, with the
remark, that all concerned richly deserved – “a real good flogging.”
[From this point to the end of page 61n, previously blank pages have been filled in
much later, as evidenced by the dates referenced and the more aged handwriting
of the author]
Thos. Bell, a clever engineer but reckless & unfortunate in business transactions,
died at [blank] South America, on the [blank]
53g
For Charles additions.
Alfred Bell, son of Thos. Bell, was an engineer on board a Spanish man-of-war, &
died on the [blank]
Fill up blanks, or send ‘em.
54h
Thos. Bell married Isabella Stainthorpe, of Sedgefield, on the [blank]
Isabella had four children to brother Tom – viz.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Anne, born [blank]
Eliza, born [blank]
Alfred, born [blank]
Emma, born [blank], died in London.
Fill in blanks.
55i
Marriages in Tom’s family.
1. Anne, m. Jas. Snowdon, architect, who turned out to be a dissipated,
negligent husband & “bolted” from this country. No. of children [blank]
2. Eliza m. Wm. Crow, mechanic, a steady, easy-going fellow, on the [blank].
No. of children [blank]
3. Alfred died unmarried.
56j
John Bell’s Family, Deaths, &c.
1. John Bell, son of above, engineer in Mercantile Marine, born [blank]
2. Meggy, born [blank]. Died on the 2nd Dec. 1883. Married a widower [blank]
& had one child wh. was buried at the same time as its mother, aged
(infant), in the same grave.
John Bell, Sen., married a widow & family. After retirement as an engineer on
board Spanish vessels, he dabbled in the purchase
57k
of public houses in London, & the risky speculations proved ruinous, so that in the
Spring & Summer of 1883, he was compelled to return to his old trade of engineer
on board merchant vessels, sailing from England to Spain, &c. On the illness of his
daughter Meggy, in Nov.-Dec., 1883, he resigned his situation to attend Meggie’s
deathbed. This daughter Meggie was a handsome, charming girl, with light hair, &
died of consumption, aged [blank]. Her father dearly loved her – She was the
pride of John’s heart, & he was much affected by poor Meggie’s decease at so
early an age.
58l
Edward Bell married Betsy Pritchard, a Welsh girl, cook, to whom she had one
daughter. Ned has been in Australia since 1856-7, photographing, &c. &c. He
(Ned) is “fit to turn out” on any land, as a wide-a-wake cove! Ned’s letters from
Australia, during the last dozen years or so, are tinctured with the Salvation Army
gibberish, full of canting phrases & clap trap, exclamations of “hallelujah!”
“glory!” &c., and he has discovered that he (Ned) is a prodigious sinner, & that, to
avoid the devil, his imps, & liquid lakes of brimstone, it was necessary to be
converted from the error of his ways.
59m
Mary Bell, residing at Bradford for many years as a draper, Wakefield Road, &
previously as a lady’s maid with Lady Richardson, (in Scotland) & others, as well as
housekeeper to W. Bell at Bradford. Mary’s manager was Mr. Savage, who died
on July 27, 1881, a very worthy servant & strictly honest man, aged 65. After Mr.
S’s death, Mary sold off the stock-in-trade, retired to Redcar, took a cottage,
furnished, & took in visitors (or lodgers), along with Emma (sister), but they
dissolved partnership, & each occupy cottages on their own account at Redcar –
happier divided than when in one house united, wh. was not exactly in unison of
feeling or action. Mary unmarried.
60m [sic]
Emma Bell, as before stated, is living at Redcar (Dec. 1883), but, previously
resided at Middlesbro’, occasionally assisting bro. Chas. in draper’s shop, &
dressmaking. Also unmarried.
Geo. Bell, unmarried, no specific trade, here & there & everywhere for his abode.
Unsettled in every calling he embraces, & prefers hanging his cap at any port wh.
appears to be open – for a bit. At Southampton in 1883. For a blessing, he (Geo.)
is likewise unmarried.
61n
William Bell, printer, Newcastle, for 25 years in Feb. 1884, is an old bachelor, at
the age of 70, & formerly at Bfd. For 24 years, is now (after death of uncle Wm. at
Brancepeth, on Dec. 1 of 83) the oldest of the Bell & Gell family. There is nothing
particular concerning this old stager (except, perhaps his singularity of good
health, never having suffered one day’s illness for 40 years, or been absent from
his work for 30 years, one week or day, during his acknowledged business hours).
This is all the writer feels inclined to say concerning himself – at present (Dec/83).
His memory is still good, but he feels “rather shaky” now & then, & is sooner
done-up than formerly.
62o
[blank]
47
[original early handwriting is resumed]
John Bell was born at Patrington on the 24th April, 1821. He was also apprenticed
as a fitter or mechanic, at Neesome & Welsh’s, at Stockton-on-Tees. After being
out of his time, he worked at various places throughout England – govt.
dockyards, & in the South of England generally. Thro’ the influence of Tom, John
procured a berth on board a Spanish frigate as engineer, & was afloat for many
years under that govt. More careful than Tom, & being at sea, he saved money;
not being subject to the same temptations, John was not led to fraternise so
much with “the fashionables” ashore as Tom, besides possessing more sternness
& decision of character than Tom. John was well conversant with a highly
necessary accompaniment in the world, the ability to say No, & stick to it with
sternness. A man trained up to give a positive denial to the allurements in life, is
far more likely to succeed than one who runs after every will-of-the-wisp, or is at
every one’s beck because he is known to be a singer, a musician, an amusing
companion, or “hail-fellow-well-met” at all times. John had more of the stubborn
& resolute personal resolve about him than the Bell family generally; fond of a
joke, he was yet more practical & far-seeing, with but few superficial notions of
fancied pleasures. He entered into business in London as a publican, after leaving
service in Havannah where he was for about 10 years. He took care of the shine,
tho’ he had not near the chances that Tom had, being generally afloat. He spoke
Spanish well, & was a very
48
steady-going, reliable fellow. John is a man of few words, & fond of silent
contemplation. He is what is termed “one of the quiet brigade.” In 1868, he was
living in London, upon his savings. He married a London woman, & had about four
children. She was a widow, with a child. – Dec. 1868.
Edward Bell was born at Patrington, 4th April, 1823, & was bound apprentice at
Stockton as a pattern maker, fitter, & mechanic. He was an unstable, man-of-theworld, wide-awake (apparently) sort of cove. He was rather flimsy in his notions,
with a limited education, & that not turned to the best account. He remained in
England till about the year 1859, working at his business in various parts of the
country. He was also a photographer, & took a deal of money at the job. In ’59 he
went to Australia, first to the diggings, afterwards worked at his trade, then
absquatulated into Queensland, where he commenced to “rough it” as a master
man, building log huts, dealing in carts & horses, or anything that turned up, by
wh. he could clear a sixpence. He sent for a wife (an old sweetheart called
Pritchard) from Liverpool. In 1868, he was still in Australia, but held no
communion with his family at home (England). He emphatically belongs “to the
Saving Brigade,” no one being his guiding star, & all other things Tosh! Perhaps it
would have been far better for both the Bell & Gell family – in a worldly point of
view – if they had individually paid more
49
attention to the Number One, or strictly careful principle; but what is not
engrafted, is of difficult growth, and takes a long time to acquire. In the
meantime, age increases, experience is dearly bought, & what is seen & taken
advantage of by thousands in a pecuniary sense in early life, was left by the Bells
& Gells till too late. Many of them studied, & reflected, & schemed, & worked like
slaves – mentally & bodily, day & night – but lacked the cool judgment, nerve, &
foresight, to stick to what they had clearly earned & saved. To be too confiding in
others, is to entail & transmit empty coffers to your children, besides being poor
yourselves. It is sometimes easy to get money, but far more difficult to keep it. To
lay out money in safe speculations, to bring profitable returns, requires cool
judgment & calm estimates as to circumstances. Ned possesses some
characteristics it would have been well for others of the Bell family to be master
of, & one is – pure carefulness – a feature wh. all ought to feel, though difficult to
cultivate who have to face the world & conquer its trials. However “dear” some
have to pay for their learning & experience, this landmark seems to be received
as no guide for those who follow after; & thus generation succeeds generation, &
drop into the same pitfalls as their predecessors. And so will it be, we suppose, to
the end of the chapter. – Dec. 1868.
50
Having given the names & ages of those children of John & Margaret Bell who
were born at Patrington, with their occupations up to the year 1868, it is
necessary that I should now revert to the active life of father & mother, whilst
resident at Patrington for 12 years, & prior to their removal to Norton, near
Stockton.
As before stated, John Bell was deemed a “fashionable” acquisition at Patrington,
in 1812, & was well supported throughout the district, in the shoemaking
business. Seven children were a serious responsibility, however, and necessitated
constant work & attention. Father “stuck to his last,” & added the never-tiring
pleasures of his life, “a bit o’ gardening,” to his trade, besides keeping a pig or
corn occasionally. In the life of a country village, there is but little variation – one
day or year being an epitome of the whole, with few exceptions. Father visited
the surrounding district & farmers for orders, who were invariably glad of his
calls, as a happy & genial spirit, being partial to anecdotes, & possessed of a
happy style in their recital. What would have been a mere round of dullness in his
absence, became a jovial & sparkling company in his presence. He could sing &
draw happy illustrations from practical experience, wh. were refreshing to those
secluded in the country life of an agricultural district. Father had his regular
“rounds,” & scarcely a week passed over without a visit somewhere in the
locality, & he was always welcome.
51
Amongst the prominent topics in the district, was a warm-hearted feeling towards
Methodism. Patrington being the market town of the district, was naturally the
headquarters; & both father & mother possessed their early love as followers of
revered John Wesley, & were prominent & active members of that body. Their
house was a sort of refuge for all comers, & “a cup o’ tea,” with accompaniment,
was at all times ready, or soon would be. It was no uncommon event to witness
upwards of a dozen sat at table on Sundays, in addition to numerous visitors all
the week long. In a word, it may be said, that both father & mother were adepts
at forming “friendships,” more than at calculating the expense. Real friends, or
mere casual acquaintances, were alike received at the festive board. With
increase of family came greater expenses, without a corresponding increase of
business within so limited a circle. Father saw that the supply did not keep pace
with the demand for the support of his family by his business, & tried various
expedients to enrich his store, one of which was, that he commenced “the
shaving of chins” & cutting of hair on the market days & during the week! This did
not answer; & ultimately, difficulties arose with the landlord of the house in the
market-place, & he was compelled to leave the most central shop in the town, &
take a private house. This step led still further downwards, & to leave
52
Patrington was the last resource. This was in the year 1824. From this date all
things went amiss to father & his young family of seven children.
The next question was as to where could shelter & a living be found? – where
could a “dear home” be founded? Father left Patrington on a searching
expedition, accompanied with his eldest son – William – the latter being placed
under the care of grandfather Bell, at Brancepeth, Durham. Father then resolved
on fixing his abode at Norton; returned to Patrington for the family, & the whole
sailed in the Veracity from Hull to Stockton. On the voyage, they were all nearly
lost in a storm off Whitby, but were landed all safe.
Father commenced his old trade at Norton, & continued from 1825 to 1837 to
reside there. At Norton, father was appointed overseer for the village. This office
led to great temptations, absence from business, & other drawbacks. The
following sons were born at Norton, & one daughter: –
George Bell, 13th March, 1825, at Metcalfe’s Cottage. This son was apprenticed as
a roper, but did not follow that trade, or conclude his apprenticeship. Afterwards,
he worked at various occupations, more particularly in the iron trade. He twice
visited Australia, & turned his attention to photographing, wh. he followed up to
about 1866. George then again worked at the iron trade in Newcastle, for several
years, where he was in 1868. At this time Geo. was unmarried, & a quiet, steady,
hard-working lad. His peaceable, easy-
53
going disposition rendered him a great favourite with the family, & other people
generally. He is “fond of money,” but lacks the art also of knowing “how to keep
it” – a general failing in the Bell family – Dec. 1868. George is the tallest, &
strongest man in the family, but has had to use his great strength to make a living.
Charles Bell was born at Norton, next the Methodist chapel, on the 10th of April,
1827. This son, like all the others, was sent early to work, either in the brickfield –
that is, to “carry off bricks,” or other occupations, as errand boy, &c. – at about
the age of 10 to 12. This fact is evidence sufficient, that the education of the
whole family was but of a meagre description, prior to their being sent adrift to
fend for themselves, or aid in bringing home the wherewithal to buy a crust, or in
helping to clothe themselves. In 1837, the Bells removed from Norton to
Stockton, into Thompson Street. This step was necessary for the convenience of
the lads, who were employed at the various factories or machine shops, besides
there being better opportunities for work than at Norton. Charles was taken from
a more menial servitude to be placed with Mr. Whitfield, draper, Stockton, as
errand boy. When Charles went to Mr. Whitfield’s, he was a dark, active, plucky
little fellow; full of spirit & pluck, he was not to be kept at bay by his companions,
without an effort at resistance, & an attempt to “win the day” at
54
whatever game or contest he was engaged in. As the saying goes, “He was not to
be put down with a trifle,” but could “stand up for himself,” even at that early
age. Chas. became a great favourite with Mr. Whitfield, as a reliable, steady,
attentive, studious, honest, straightforward boy. He was never to be found
sauntering away his time in back lanes or streets, but had a preference for
reading, writing, & the general improvement of his mind. Being placed amongst
those daily in his business where superior manners & intelligence were necessary,
in transactions with Mr. Whitfield’s customers, he felt the necessity of exertion to
advance his knowledge, writing, &c., to place him on a par with his companions in
labour. During the whole of his apprenticeship, he embraced every opportunity of
instruction, which might be said to depend solely upon his own efforts. At this
time, books of all kinds were dear & scarce, whilst the facilities of obtaining
instruction were also limited, compared with the present (1868). Still the boy
persevered, even amidst the turmoil & mischievous pranks of others of the family,
who were less inclined to improve themselves for the future struggles in the
world. By the time his apprenticeship was finished, he became a pretty fair
scholar. Besides learning his business as a draper, Charles was a favourite with
Mr. Whitfield’s young men assistants. He was “not above” doing small menial jobs
for those in
55
Mr. Whitfield’s employ. For instance, he had “no objection to earn a trifle,” as
pocket money, by cleaning their boots & shoes – no doubt using the best of
burnishing material, which at that date was made & vended by a well-known
character called “Blacking Bobby.” To show that Charles was of an economical
turn, it may be mentioned as a fact, that the young men were in the habit of
sending him for a three pen’worth of ship biscuits in a morning for luncheon.
Charley used to get five-a-penny one over in every three penny worth & had the
one biscuit presented to himself for “fetching.” Careful even over his odd biscuit,
he did not eat it, but kept it in store, till number five had accumulated he had
three penny worth, & then he sold his stock for the penny to the men & pockets
the three pence! This little incident speaks highly for the foresight & self-denial of
the boy. After his apprenticeship was over, Charles went to Barnard Castle, to Mr.
Pulman’s, where he spent, for a short period, one of the happiest portions of his
life. Here he formed connexions wh. proved of great benefit to him in after life; &
to Barnard Castle he often paid visits whilst in business at Middlesbro’. “The child
is the father of the man.” & Charles fully carried out what he had begun as a boy
& assistant – the improvement of his mind & general education. He was a great
favourite with father & mother, both being “proud” of his cool judgment &
discrimination, his tact & steady con-
56
duct, his strict honesty, his straightforward & honourable dealing. Charles tutored
himself into the best scholar of the family, & possessed a solid knowledge of
business matters wh. none of the Bell family could equal. Assisted by sisters
Emma & Jessy, & the kindness of a host of real friends, he Charles commenced
business as a hosier and haberdasher in 1850, in South Street, Middlesbro’-onTees. He continued in his first shop for about five years, when he was enabled to
take much larger premises in the same street, where he carried on an extensive
business as a draper, hosier, &c. &c. Charles was an active & untiring supporter of
the principles of total abstinence, & delivered lectures & gave readings at various
places in the surrounding district. It is not too much to say, that he possessed the
esteem & confidence of all – the rich & powerful as well as tradesmen & the
poorest of the poor – classes of society. Charles continued at his second shop till
the year 1868 (April), when a reverse overtook him, owing to the numerous
“strikes” in the iron trade, & general stagnation of trade. With a family of six
children, & the dark, dismal future before him, his heart almost failed in this dire
extremity. For several months he was located at Marske with
57
his family in a small shop as a draper, living upon Hope that he might be able once
more to return to Middlesbro’, re-embark in his old line of business, & steer the
old craft as afore time with success. This wish was realised before the end of the
year (1868), & he is at present again under the shadow of his old roof & doing a
good stroke of trade, with every prospect of a permanency. It may be here stated,
that this great-boon was conferred principally thro’ the influence of numerous
friends, who came to his rescue & assistance when his utmost need required; thus
showing in a most convincing, answering, & disinterested manner, the great
respect & invaluable esteem in wh. he was held. One main point wh. crippled
Charles was the purchase of his house & shop, & trade becoming dull shortly
after, crippled him in his ready-money resources, & ultimately dragged him down,
from no fault of his own. The kindest sympathy was expressed by all for Charles’s
misfortune; but the fact that real help was at hand when required, was far more
satisfactory than empty pretensions. It is pleasant to know, that Charles settled
amicably with all his creditors, was complimented on his honourable conduct, &
fully reinstated
58
in credit & business connexions. Of course, this mishap “opened” Charles’s eyes
to many points wh. had previously existed only in imagination, and caused a
corresponding caution & improvement, as well as even additional foresight, (a
point of wh. he was not by any means short previously). It may certainly be said,
with credit to himself, that Charles Bell made less mistakes in his life & business,
as well as family ties, than any other of the Bells, sons or daughters of John &
Margaret Bell. There is at this date – Dec. 12, ’68 – the greatest hope & prospect
of Charles’s permanent establishment at Middlesbro’, as a draper, & he is
destined, apparently, to be the only one of a large family (ten) who bids fair to
hand down to posterity the name of Bell; & that, too, in the locality in wh. so
many of them were born – viz. at Norton & Stockton. So it is that we constantly
find children, or youths, or men of full growth divided, or driven by circumstances
to seek their livelihood at long distances from the home of their birth, as a sort of
wanderers through the world at large, taking root abroad, or in dear old England,
as prospects of comfort & happiness, or riches, may present themselves. Charles
married Miss
59
Sarah Martin, from Stokesley, near Middlesbro’, in the year 1853 (14th July), and
his family consists of the following: -Margaret Bell, born May 22nd 1854; died June 16th 1854.
Emily Bell, born May 8, 1855. Married Jas. Stead, unitarian minister,
Henry Bell, born Aug. 1st 1856. Died [blank]
Louisa Bell, born June 6th 1858.
Clara Bell, born Apr. 17th 1860. Died [blank]
Annie Bell, born March 29th 1864. Died [blank]
Eleanor Bell, born Sep. 2nd 1865.
60
Page for Charles’s additional family! (or remarks)
61
Characteristic Incidents.
As well as others of the family, Charles was also tinctured with the sarcastic
propensities of the family, as well as the ambition. When a boy of about twelve
years of age, he went occasionally to Brunswick Street Chapel, at Stockton, to the
lovefeasts. He was along with sister Emma one Sunday afternoon, when the old
codgers were droning out their admonitions & experiences. Charley bore up with
resignation & patience for some time. At length, he whispered to Emma that he
was desirous of “holding forth” in a maiden speech – he said “he was sure” he
could “do as well as some of ‘em” – he made an attempt to get on to his feet –
Emma pulled him back to his seat, & “shook her head” with anger, being in great
trepidation of fear that her 12-year old companion would venture to “speak his
mind,” (whatever that might be). Several times Charley persisted in “speaking,” &
was as many times persuaded, or compelled by force, to desist. At length the
meeting separated, much to
62
the relief of Emma. On reaching home, the incident was retailed to father &
mother, the latter enjoying the “pluck” of the boy with great gusto, & “laughed till
tears came into her eyes!” Perhaps it would be said by some people, that this
little boyish freak was the first impulse of self-reliance, in the idea of being able to
give utterance to his thoughts in public. The poet says, “The child is father to the
man;” & it is just possible that the notion of ultimately being able to become a
good speaker even then germinated, & was in the long run accomplished. Thus it
is that men often attain what they resolve upon, and even achieve greater fame
than was ever contemplated. The reporter sayeth not whether the aspiring youth
had his ideas prearranged – whether he meant to begin with divisions in his
address, as “first, second, third, & lastly” – but it was strongly surmised at the
time, that the whole scene was one of an impulsive nature.
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Perhaps it will not be out of place to name another incident of rather a different
character. When living at Norton, & a very small, pert boy, he had been frequently
“insulted” by several big, burly, clout-headed youths much taller & older than
himself. Charley was surrounded with a few friends – the bullies had made a
fierce attack upon the smaller fry – ran them up & down, so that there reigned a
species of terrorism for awhile. At length, this conduct of domineering was to
cease. Charley “screwed his courage to the sticking point,” & resolved to do battle
on behalf of himself & associates. The biggest bully of the lot, an itinerant Tinker,
alias “Gipsey Jim,” stepped forth – Charley “faced” him, put himself into pugilistic
form – “looked fierce” – & shot out a blow direct from the shoulder of his right &
left, plumb on to the proboscis of his opponent, “drawing first blood;” round
number 2, a dab in the eye from Charley’s right mauley, a fall to the ground, &
Charley at the top, fall-
64
ing heavily, & knocking the wind out of his competitor (loud cheers of
encouragement to the little ‘un). The big ‘un slow in coming up on the 3rd round,
& desirous of shirking another edition; but Charley felt his prowess increase, &
Peter Fletcher & his companions urged him on – one more go, & the bully
succumbed! – Charley became “the admiration” & hero of the village green for
the time being, – the braggadocios were reduced to submission – peace was
established for sometime afterwards – & Charley proclaimed cock o’ the Midden.
Both Tom & John Bell were partial to adventure & tricks; & in addition, were not
at all particular in drawing people in & letting out the secrets, to raise the laugh
against those deluded. This dodge was also carried out by others of the family,
much to the chagrin of those exposed. The freak of inducing John to enter a
cupboard during a prayer meeting, & attaching a string to the top of the door, in
order to “drop on” to Jack when
65
all was in full swing, was one of many singular adventures.
When father was overseer at Norton, he kept a pony. There were some races
advertised to take place on the sands between Hartlepool and Seaton, at wh.
there were saddles, bridles, legs of mutton, &c., presented to the winners. John
slyly determined “to have a go in” with the pony for the new bridle. Without
divulging his intention, away he went to Seaton, paid the entrance fee, won the
new bridle, & returned home triumphant. But, alas! The worst part of the
business was, that although he felt himself “very large” in coming in as the winner
of the trophy, he was obliged to keep his victory secret, till it was one day
accidentally discovered by father, & Jack ran the risk of receiving the application
of a little stirrup-leather oil for his pains!
On one occasion, Tom & John ventured on a lark wh. proved serious. Leading
from Norton to Billingham, there is a very steep bank. A cart was near, which
66
belonged to a person named Walker. The lot decided upon having a ride in this
cart from the top of the hill to the bottom. Walker’s son claimed the first privilege
of riding , as the cart was his father’s. All right, & agreed to by Tom & Jack. The
cart was placed on the brink of the hill, the lad got inside, & Tom & Jack started
the vehicle off at full speed; but, in going down the bank, the cart ran on one side,
came in contact with a large stone placed to keep horses, &c., off the footpath,
threw the lad out, by the sudden jerk, & he was killed on the spot. The two youths
retired home (Tom & Jack), were very mute & much distressed, & ultimately had
to appear before a coroner’s inquest, to explain in detail the facts. The result was,
a verdict of “accidental death,” without censure upon the two survivors. They
were both shocked at this occurrence, & mother was greatly distressed that her
two boys should be so venturesome, & run such risks.
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Having been always amongst Methodists, it stood to reason that some of the
schemes of play would originate & be carried out in this religious body. Here is
another example, somewhat similar to Tom & John’s trick with the cupboard
door.
When Wm. Bell (the writer) was at Hollym, he used to be always taken to chapel
by uncle James. On one occasion, the youth above-named had a cousin with him,
named Robt. Pattinson, & both sat in the same high pew. After the evening
sermon, there was a prayer-meeting. After singing a hymn, now & then, it was
customary to offer up two or three prayers in between, by different parties.
According to the idea of the two youths in the pew – both about 12 years of age –
things appeared to be “stale, flat, & unprofitable,” & they resolved to “join in”
with those who were on their knees. It so chanced, that there was a leaf from an
old spelling-book upon the seat, wh. contained the morning and evening prayers.
The boys “tossed up” with a button wh. should “hold forth,” when there
appeared an opening, or a calm. W. Bell lost; but it was of course agreed by both
that there was to be dead
68
silence, no laughing or interruption, whilst the performer went through his task.
With palpitating hearts, both listened & watched for an opening. The youth who
was to read got stuck close into a corner of the pew, where there was a penny-dip
suspended above his head. Pattinson nudged Bell to proceed – he faltered –
another brother in the circle was “called” upon; after he had done, Pattinson
urged his companion again to make a start, when, with tremulous voice at first –
off Bell started, with the Evening Prayer! All was still as death at the sound of the
boy’s voice – but, he went ahead. By and by, several of the old codgers in the
circle breathed forth – “Amen!” “Glory!” with other ejaculations; & at the
conclusion, when those present rose from their feet to sing another hymn, all
eyes were turned to the square pew where the two boys were ensconced. Both
looked as solemn as judges; & when the service concluded, the saints were
desirous of congratulating “the new convert” from the error of his ways! But he
declined, & wended his way homewards. It so chanced,
69
however, that, in the hurry to get out, the loose leaf was left in the pew. Up to
this time, the worthy followers of Wesley imagined that the spontaneous prayer
offered up was “original!” So, when uncle James went to chapel on the following
Sunday, the sweeper presented him with the identical prayer! On uncle’s return
home, the recreant & ambitious 12-year older – Wm. Bell – was called into the
stable, a horse-whip was taken from its peg, the youth audaciously seized by the
collar – the leaf was held up, with the question, “Is that what thoo read?” – a kick
on the stern-post for saying “yes!” and a promise of a thorough good whipping, “if
ever thoo dares again to do such a thing!” Of course, the feat was never again
essayed, & therefore, no thrashing was applied on that account.
George Bell’s characteristics were all of the serious & practical sort. George went
to Australia about 1854. He worked his passage on board a ship called the
Croesus. He got employed as a blacksmith at Sydney, where he saved “aboot”
£50. He again worked his passage back to old England, & returned with about
£100 in hand.
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Jessy tells a story (and Wm. Bell says he can confirm it) that, when at Bradford
with “all this money,” George used to “count” his golden sovereigns several times
during the day, “to make sure they were all there!” & that George laughed with
delight on each occasion! (I wish poor George had his 100 sovereigns to count
now, & glory in the sight of so much hard-earned wealth.) The next time (1859)
George visited Australia, he was accompanied by brother Edward. Both paid their
passages out, with the idea of visiting the gold diggings, & practising
photographing. Very little good arose from this second voyage to George. He
spent all the money he possessed, & had to turn his attention to work at
anything. Once he was engaged as an assistant to a pie-maker, made of kidneys &
fruit, wh. the proprietor vended amongst the gold-seekers’ tents at sixpence
each. George ascertained all the secrets of pie-making, & seriously thought of
beginning in opposition to his employer, but – he diddent! He left the diggings, &
went into the country – or bush – to seek a livelihood. Here he met with a man
from Darlington, who gave him “a job” at blacksmithing. George con-
71
tinued with this man for some time, at board in the house, with “a promise” of
“so much” for wages. But George could see no probability of securing his cash –
began to be uneasy – & ultimately “Took,” (or borrowed) an old gun, as past
payment, & sold it. But this was insufficient. George tired of working for nought,
& resolved to make his exit from the place, if he could secure his deserts [sic]. At
last, George saw no chance of being paid & in the long run had to accept three
goats! – mother and two kids! The bother of this mode of payment was, that the
two live animals “had to be kept” up with food, & George was wandering through
the brush-wood with the goats following his track! They were disposed of for
about £1 a-piece to the first customer, & George made head-way for Melbourne.
By the time he reached that goal, he was very hard-up, & had to take a turn at
breaking stones for highways, at 7/6 per day. This job gave him a slight lift up, but
living was expensive. The House of Refuge for persons in great need was his last
resource for a while. Then George had the good luck to meet with a person at
Melbourne who had been mate on board the Croesus, the first ship in which
72
he sailed to Australia. This man proved a kind friend to George; for there he stood
in Melbourne – 15,000 miles from home – without a shilling! This noble-hearted
sailor promised George his assistance to procure him a job on board, as a means
of getting back to England; & the first thing he did was to give George a shilling –
“to go and get shaved!” washed, and titivated up a bit! George was afterwards
engaged as an assistant cook, & thus he landed once more at Liverpool, in the
year 1855. From this period to 1868, George practised photography occasionally,
at wh. he was very clever; but from 1866 to 1868 was employed in an iron factory
at N’Castle. George was rather “peculiar” in his way about clothes – he “did not
believe” in having too great a variety of suits, either of many colours or one. He
considered that one set of garments was amply sufficient. He did not relish the
notion of being “too smart,” but preferred the plain-going, free-and-easy style of
cutting, with ample proportions in width & length. Anything new that was tightfitting, or “nipped,” he abominated, & would set to work on his own account to
“let out” (or extend)
73
his unmentionables or other togs. The same remark applies to his boots, with this
difference – that when rather “tight,” he made room by giving them “a slit” here
and there, by way of ventilation! George had to endure many hardships during his
life, owing partly to not having been brought up to any definite trade. He was a
capital walker, & thought nothing of starting on a walking expedition of a couple
of hundred miles, or more. Somehow, George was a general favourite amongst
his mates & companions, as a quiet, easy-going, good-natured fellow, & the
expression usually was – “I like poor George.” George was particularly partial to
birds, dogs, cats, hens, &c., like the majority of kind-hearted folks; but the three
goats – for wages – were beyond his conception of human endurance! George has
had cocks & hens, cats & dogs, birds & beasts, who would run to meet him at his
dinner hours, & follow him when he returned, each evincing the greatest delight
at his presence, & apparently sorrowing when he was absent. Whilst lodging in
N’Castle, in ’66 & ’67, Geo. had a favourite cat, wh. used to sit at the door & wait
for his return from work at nights. If he was late in coming, the cat grew
impatient, sat moodily on the threshold, but did not cease to keep sentry. The
moment the cat caught a glimpse of its favourite master’s approach, it used to
cock its tail, scamper up & down the passage into the sitting-room, & other wise
evince its great pleasure at its master’s arrival.
74
The adventures & anecdotes relative to Tom & John in the West Indies, as well as
in America, are innumerable, but space will not permit of their insertion. Suffice
to say, that both passed through the ordeal without dishonour or disgrace.
Edward Bell’s career I know little about, as he was invariably absent from home
after his apprenticeship as a fitter & modeller. He was, however, fond of
wandering from town to town, & rather of an unsettled disposition. His worldly
experience was extensive, & he “was fit to turn out” anywhere, so far as being
“wide awake” was concerned. He well knew how “to tak’ care of hissen,” go
where’er he might, or into whatever company. He could relate some droll stories
in the scenes of his career, but too long for insertion. As a pattern-maker, Ned
was ingenious & clever. He once made a square fiddle, wh. turned out a “real
good ‘un;” as well also a number of diminutive model planes, from a couple of
inches long to larger sizes – “Real beauties.” Ned was also a musician, & used to
practise upon a trombone in a small bedroom at Stockton, by opening a window,
& shurving the slide at arm’s-length into the street! This bobbing out of the brass
slide had a most comical appearance, every now & then, when Ned required to
get very low notes, & crowds assembled to witness Ned’s variations & practise on
the trombone. Ned is a funny fellow!
75
As for the peculiar characteristics of the feminine gender – Mary, Emma, & Jessy –
it is only necessary to add, that all possessed the stamp of fun & ridicule so
prominent in the family. Each possessed a happy humour in recital of anecdotes,
incidents, or life-training, which rendered them at all times welcome amongst
their numerous associates. If anything, the lasses followed too much in the vein of
their mother, by being too confiding in others, & believing that all was true gospel
which Everybody said. Of course, the error was not discovered till deception or
deceit supplied the place, & then it was often said by them, “that they could
hardly believe the world was made up of such glaring contradictions” – &
pocketed the affront, with promises “to be more cautious in future” – only to be
cheated again by the first designing knave. Like all who possess kind & openhearted dispositions, – who having nothing to conceal & are affable to the world
at large, they were ever at the beck of those supposed to be in need, and, as a
sure consequence, had often to lament the base ingratitude of those whom they
served so well. Various striking examples could be easily supplied, such as
borrowing sheets to “lay out” somebody who was dead – ditto blankets &
counterpanes, to “make things
76
look decent” during the time of mourning – ditto black dresses or shawls, &
sometimes “a nice quilted petticoat” to attend funerals with – ditto “my best”
black bonnet – ditto a pair of bran [sic] new boots, wh. had perhaps had been had
on only once or twice – ditto woollen shawls, to keep the mourners warm in
winter, or a crape one to keep them cool in summe [sic] – ditto, even on one
occasion, chairs, tables, fire-irons, sofa, & even a bedstead (crib) was solicited for
outdoor service! It was not at all surprising that there was often “a difficulty” in
procuring the return to their proper owner of the above articles; whilst it was not
at all to be wondered at, if some amongst the many articles lent out were
discovered in a pawnshop, or dispensed to some neighbour, without permission!
At Bradford, altho’ Mary was but of a delicate constitution, she was looked upon
as a sort of matronly Sister-of-Mercy, who ought to be able to give advice to
everybody all or lend out her bodily self “to sit up” at nights with all who chose to
ask during the illness of any of her customers! As if it was the rule of trade to be
open to the solictations [sic] of all who might buy a penny bobbin of thread, or a
ha’porth of tape! If the custom of such visitations & borrowings was general, it
might be a blessing – or otherwise – but, so far as is known, it is the Bells only
who are subjected to similar indignities. Jessy & Emma
77
were each imposed upon by similar loans, & at last firmly refused to lend any
more. Jessy often frequently laughingly remarked, that when she lent out dresses,
&c., they “never were fit to be seen afterwards,” and that the things “always had
a queer smell!”
As a matter of fact it may be stated, that although Margaret Bell was a farmer’s
daughter, she was not much trained to domestic work – cooking, washing, &c.
Her resources being extremely limited for so large a family, it was often a
thankless task to be able fully to provide for their daily necessaries. It is
consolatory to know, that seldom, if ever, did the family fall short of sufficiency of
food. Appetites being sharpened with early rising & hard work, the lads were not
particular as to “dainties,” so long as plenty was on the board. The adage – “onehalf the world is ignorant how the other half exists,” was applicable in our case; &
even poor mother could not explain how she got the means, & could only observe
“that she was often in a dilemma as to where the next meal was to be obtained.”
Luckily, both Bells & Gells possess good constitutions, & were healthy & vigorous,
active and cheerful. These blessings enabled them to glide over ills wh. wd. have
disheartened many, whilst they were ever cheered onward with hopes of better
days, by the ever-kind & Christian spirit of their parents. If there were drawbacks
to the generous, confiding advice instilled into the family by mother, there were
likewise advantages, wh. thro’ life have operated as watch words, & preserved us
from a snare.
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There is one feature runs through the lives of both Bells & Gells wh. I will notice,
even at the risk of being tedious. As Sterne writes, I have endeavoured to avoid
giving up the imagination “to be pleased one knows not why, & cares not
wherefore;” & have consequently interspersed facts with voluntary opinions. And
now I approach to conclusion, I have sometimes fancied it wd. have been better
had I been less prolix. But it is too late to repent. I can’t afford to re-write, & all
must go as it is – offend or approve.
The point to which I refer is – that both Bells & Gells appear longer in “growing
old” than other people. Some may imagine this to be a singular notion; but there
is an immense weight connected with it. An example or two will show “the
bearings,” as seafaring men say. I will first take myself. I can say with truth, that I
was nearly forty years of age before I began seriously to meditate about settling
in life – that is, to think about becoming a staid, methodical, family-going,
domestic person; & even at 55, I still feel, occasionally, in good health, the
buoyancy & lightheartedness of youth. The same remarks apply to near the whole
of the family, in a greater or less degree, varied principally by their position, or
exuberance of animal spirits. I can speak from experience that it was the same
with the Gells. It was so with
79
father, & few people could belief [sic] that he was of the “green old age” he was
for years before he died – “looking like the oak – worn, but still steady amidst the
elements – “ & be possessed of so much hilarity, jocose fun, light step, & bluff
uprightness erectness of bearing. Yet the above description, brief tho’ it is, is
strictly true of father within a couple of years of eighty. Of course, I am aware that
old age is a relative question – a matter of degree; but I specify this opinion as
particularly observable in the family, & as somewhat singular. If any one who
reads this paragraph will reflect, & cursorily think over some of the recent
incidents connected with the Bells, & the general tenor of their habits, I believe
they will coincide with me, that both in constitution, decision of character, & cool,
calm, meditative, sedate, calculating fixity of purpose, so common in every-day
life with those who have attained old age, middle life, or maturity. Perhaps it will
be asserted that all this is owing to a natural sprightliness of disposition, a natural
buoyant joyousness wh. cannot be suppressed. Admitted in part; but how seldom
do we find the same qualities elsewhere? Uncle William (Brancepeth) is another
instance. It is not necessary to individualise, otherwise I could fill pages, relating
specially to each of us. I will therefore leave the selection to those who feel
interested. A great deal could be made out of the point mooted.
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Whilst upon this subject, I will add, that my fixed impression thro’ life has been,
that the main cause of all contained in the two preceding pages, has been owing
to the want of proper direction when young. If circumstances had been such, that
the Bells & Gells had had to face men of stolid, unflinching business habits, where
barter is the rule, & where the best bargains are often made thro’ sheer dexterity,
their habits of would have been earlier cooled down, & impulse would have
yielded to serious, reflective judgment. However, it was their misfortune to be
induced to take everything for granted as genuine, & all as fair & above board, till
some mishap or misplaced reliance intervened, & then only were their “eyes
opened.” Like gamblers, who are generally blind till they have lost their all, &
then, instantly, like a flash of lightning, their sense of folly is self-evident. It is no
difficult task to find many families who are staid, fixed, or defined in character, at
ages ranging from 16 to 21 – steady & decisive as old Time; but we appear to
extend the probationary term from 20 to 60! – if not longer. (I hope I shall be
distinctly understood, that I am not alluding to mere personal appearance?)
By way of concluding the above notions, I will refer to one or two observations of
father, who was rich in anecdote & telling in their recital. Of course, he, as well as
mother, & the rest of us, was a believer in the
81
all-is-fair-and-above-board doctrine. But towards the latter end of his days, he
had often cause to express his amazement at the tricks & schemes prevalent in
the world at large. All have heard him say, “Yau hes to be cautious noo-a-days.
There’s nee tellin’ what some folks ‘ill dee, & nowt seems te cum amiss te them.
We’ve getten to sike a pitch of rascality, that some waddent care to tak yer teeth,
& come next day for’t gums!” This quotation embraces more in the way of giving
full vent to practical experience than all that I can possibly conceive or advance.
Does not its whole tenor imply – Caution, Foresight, cool Judgment? Yes, I
imperative every-day watchfulness. Had we been favoured, as a family, with a
little more of the above, we should all have occupied higher stations, & been
blessed with better resources, than is now our fate. Let bygones cease. “It is never
too late to mend.” Having been sufferers, let us endeavour to look-a-head; even
yet there is hope that a better future awaits us with new resolves. Let action be
the word, in place of trying to accommodate & please everybody. Learn to say
“No,” decisively; let Self predominate rather than sympathy; learn how to “keep”
as well as “earn” money, and all will yet be well.
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Inasmuch as there is not, & never can be, any monopoly of the best feelings of
human nature, by the wealthy or powerful, so there is no check upon people
using their eyes & forming opinions upon passing events. For “taking stock” of
those by whom they may chance to be intermingled, I will back the Bells against
all comers. It is impossible for one of them – from the oldest to the youngest – to
sit in the presence of any party, without forming an immediate – but “silent” for
the time being – impression of each individual with whom they may hold
communion. Instance, a railway carriage, no. 1, “Didn’t like to sit beside, because
he had a sinister look.” 2. “A queer-looking fellow, with a guttural voice;” & ditto
3, “with a shrill voice – like a woman;” 4, “Couldn’t fancy him (or her) because he
had red hair, & rabbit-coloured eyes” – that is, “pink eyes”. 5, “because there was
a queer smell arose from his togs, & he chewed tobacco." For these, & a hundred
other similar notions, the Bells would swap seats, (on a long journey), in order to
find a kindred spirit – often very difficult to accomplish. The same applies in
private, or take a public meeting, or concert. The opinion is formed, instantly,
whether a man is this or that. “I was sure he was all talk, & as empty
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as a drum; & the moment he opened his mouth – he put his foot in it!” (that is,
made “a mess” of himself.) For many years I have heard those opinions, & it is
patent that all have to pass the crucial test. “I never liked him, because” – “I never
had any confidence in him, because – he couldn’t laugh!” “I never could have
been comfortable with him, because – he was vul-gah, & supped – the – gravy –
off – the edge – of his – plate!” & so on. Combe & Lavater – phrenologist &
physiognomist – stood no chance whatever in noticing the peccadilloes of others,
compared with the Bells! Of course, I leave the question “an open one for
discussion,” whether the trait is good or bad. Let “doctors” & judges decide.
There is no harm in noticing the fact; & let those deny the statements who can.
And thus we have survived to have the “critics criticised” – by one of themselves!
And he, in turn, will have to bear the brunt of all readers in the family who waddle
thro’ his long-drawn effusion! The writer has been long accustomed to
responsibility, is pretty tough, & not at all afraid of his back. There is a
philosophical observation in “Eugene Aram” by Bulwer, which
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I will quote, as applicable. It is to this effect – What a world of dark & troubled
secrets lurk in the hearts of every one who hurries by you! Goëthe wrote, that
each of us – the best as the worst – hides within him some thing – some feeling,
some resemblance, some adverse ideas – that, if known, or could be read on the
forehead, would make you hate him. It is a good job for the Bells that the best of
linguists can’t interpret their reflections! To the parties concerned, they are mute
– of course. Shakspere says – “I do know of those that therefore only are reputed
wise for saying nothing.” If we are rather indiscreet in “making ourselves too
familiar” as a rule, making ourselves at home with any fool that may turn up in
the wayside of life, there is an effectual embargo upon ventilating your thoughts
on personal appearances – except in private; therefore, it is best to be “reputed
wise,” and say nothing. As father used to say, “They can’t stop yau fra thinking,
onny hoo;” but my assertion is, that the Bells “think” & form conclusions more
than others, & can’t help it, favourable or unfavourable.
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Alfred Bell, son of John & Margaret Bell, was born at Norton, in the year 1829, on
the 13th of May. When young, he was a mischievous boy, but quick, & a great
favourite with mother. So far as attending school went, Alfred had perhaps the
best chance of any of the others, & was favoured, in this respect, above all those
who had preceded him. When 14 years of age, he was bound apprentice to a
designer in the stuff trade at Bradford; he continued at Brfd. till 1846, when he
decamped, & foolishly enlisted for a soldier. After serving about twelve months,
he was bought off; he was then located at Middlesbro’ as bookkeeper, &c. &c.;
after that, he turned his attention to photographing; at Darlington he got married
to a clergyman’s widow; he then removed to Leeds, & commenced business as a
draper; this did not answer; photographing again; once more in business at Brfd.
as a draper – again no go; photographing once more, & his first wife having died
at Leeds, he married a second, who brought forth a numerous family, wh. sadly
crippled poor Alfred. He then removed to Middlesbro’, & commenced business as
an accountant, & debt & rent collector, until a severe affliction compelled
90
him to resign, in January, 1868. This sad misfortune once more threw Alfred on
his beam ends, & had well-nigh shipwrecked & blasted all his future worldly
career. Fortunately, he recovered his full health, & at this date – Dec. 12/68 – bids
fair to qualify himself for any situation that may transpire or suit him. He is at
present at Bradford, with sister Mary, & his wife is working with a sewingmachine, to help to support a number of young children. Alfred’s family comprise
two boys & three girls. Here was another instance of a “great mistake” made by
one of the Bell family. As a designer at Bradford, Alfred had every prospect of
becoming well-to-do; was respected by his employer, & possessed his full
confidence; he was quick & clever as a designer; had improved himself greatly as
a scholar, & was fully calculated to accept a situation as bookkeeper or clerk, if
designing patterns for the Bfd. trade should fall off; but, unfortunately for his
future prospects, he missed “the tide” when it served, & has been in the slough of
difficulties from the year 1846 to the year 1868. Whether the current of good
Fortune will ever again run in the
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same channel is a question. That is for the future to decide, & I will leave a blank
space for those who live the longest to chronicle Alfred’s final life as it may close,
wh. I sincerely hope may be better than is now apparent.
Louis Bell (Alfred’s children) born [blank]
John Wm. Bell, born [blank]
Francis Henry Bell, born [blank]
Margaret Bell, born [blank]
Mary Bell, born [blank]
Fill in dates
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Jessy Bell, daughter of J. & M. Bell, was also born at Norton, on the 2nd of July,
1831. When Jessy grew up to be able to attend school, she had the privilege of
attending the Infants’ School, in High Street, Stockton. Having an excellent voice,
she became an excellent singer of the numerous little songs & hymns practised
daily at that institution. Being of a lively & happy disposition, she was an especial
favourite with father, mother, & the whole of the sons particularly. It was the
glorious delight of both father & mother to hear Jessy sing – for many years after
leaving the infants’ school – “The Pet Lamb,” “The Dew was falling fast,” “The
Lark,” “How Fine has the day been;” as well also was it a pleasure up to the
present (Dec. 12/68), to brother Charles, & all others of the family, to hear the
sweet little songs, wh. reminded them so forcibly of former days. Even at this
date, there is one other point at wh. Jessy looks back upon with fond
remembrance, & that is, her connection with Trinity Church Sunday School, at
that time under the superintendence of Miss Tathwell, when the Rev. Mr.
Collinson officiated there as minister. Miss Tathwell was a lady of most amiable &
religious disposition, & imparted instruc-
93
tion to her pupils kindly, affectionately & won the young hearts of all who were
favoured by being under her direction, leaving an impress which remained “a
thing of beauty, & a joy for ever.” When Jessy attained womanhood, she was of
valuable service to Charles in commencing business at Middlesbro’, as well as
Emma, both of whom worked hard in attending to the regular household duties,
as well as the shop, & in making articles for sale. In About the year 1854, Jessy left
Middlesbro’ & went to Bradford, & became housekeeper to the eldest of the sons
(Wm. Bell), with whom she remained up to the year 1868, & was likely to
continue (Dec. 12). Jessy was married to Geo. Saint, engine-driver, of Coxhoe, on
the 6th of April, 1850, at Shadforth, near Durham, by the Rev. Mr. Blenkinsopp.
Jessy had one son, Henry Bell Saint, born on the 6th of Sep., 1857, at Linthorpe,
near Middlesbro’; who also lived with Wm. Bell, & was of course along with his
mother. This family left Middlesbro’ for Newcastle in Feb. 1859, & remained there
from that time till the present – Dec. 12/68. Jessy’s great “mistake” was in making
too early a marriage, at 19 years of age, before even she had
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begun to think of the consequences, or sufficiently settled in disposition to cope
with the difficulties of a married life. Jessy was sent early to farm servitude, met
with hard taskmasters & mistresses, & was thus driven to seize what she
considered, no doubt, a chance of escape from the thraldom of being at the beck
& insults of her employers. From childhood, Jessy was a good & willing worker, &
no mere trifle could abash or dishearten her. Father was so partial to Jessy’s
generous & joyous disposition, as well as her management of household duties,
that he used to say, “I could live in a wood with Jessy, & be happy all the day
long.” While others of the family entertain similar feelings towards Jessy. With
having gone thro’ the arduous duties of service at farmhouses, Jessy was early
engrafted into work, was an excellent cook, & handy at almost anything wh.
turned up, as well as being quick, active, & lively-tempered. Jessy was axious [sic]
to be “doing something” towards the support of her son, & to keep herself
employed, whilst at Newcastle. She, therefore, bought a sewing-machine, with
wh. she did a vast amount of work, & was remarkably clever. When Jessie married
in 1850, Charles was about commencing business, & Jessy & Emma united with
Charles in lending their
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valuable aid. Although married, Geo. Saint & Jessy had not lived together,
inasmuch that on the same day they were united at Shadforth, Jessy returned to
Middlesbro’. Owing principally to Jessie being cast among a new circle of friends
& connexions, wh. were more in accordance with her feelings than country
servitude, she spent a joyous life for four years. Charles, however, got married, &
then the services of Emma & Jessy were not so much required. Brother Edward
was on a visit to father, & Jessy returned with him to Liverpool. Wm. Bell being in
want of a housekeeper, at Bradford, Jessy accepted the situation; she remained
there till January, 1857, when she was induced by George Saint to reside with him
as her husband. This event resulted after many misgivings & a long
correspondence; but it was the sole desire of both parties. The union was an
unhappy one, & time soon unfolded the fact that they were not adapted to each
other. A separation took place, & Jessy returned to her brother as housekeeper.
George Saint was an engine-driver, and died in November, 1859. He was a decent
fellow, quiet when sober, but unfortunately too fond of his beer, &c. He was
clever as a mechanic, had good wages, was a stout, well-made man, but the
ruination of all was – drink, which was
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his ruin, as well as the cause of his early death. He was unfortunately connected
with a “bad lot” of dissipated companions, & had not the nerve to separate
himself from their temptations. Thus it was that Jessy “could not be happy” with
her husband, who had nothing in his nature of the homeliness of a comfortable
fireside & domestic bliss entertained by his partner. It was therefore better to
separate, than that both should be rendered miserable, as well as being a source
of constant irritation and uneasiness to all connected with them. If Jessy had been
taught music, she would have made a capital singer. She possessed great power &
flexibility of voice, as well as a remarkably sensitive ear. She was quick at catching
tunes, with a precise correctness in tone wh. few can accomplish. Jessy would
have made a tidy actress, if it had so chanced that opportunities for training had
occurred in her youth. Of commanding figure & good action, accompanied with
good emphasis & expression of features, she would undoubtedly have attained a
good position, either as an actress or a singer. But, neither father or mother
would entertain ideas “so wicked” as to make one of their family
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a public character! & would never “allow” Jessy to learn to dance, for fear of bad
company. They were “afraid” of (imaginary) consequences; & were often even
unwilling that their children should mix in the world, like other people. Jessy was
also a capital mimic; & altho’ this is a characteristic not to be commended at all
times, to “see another” pourtrayed to the life is generally amusing, & often
rewarded with hearty laughter. Such was the case when Jessy ventured upon
ironical imitations in voice & gesture of old mother Stainthorpe – a person with
whom Jessy was in service, & a hale, hearty, stout, handsome old body, “as ivver
walked,” as Jessy says. To give an idea of the expression & emphasis is impossible,
by writing; but there was one in particular quite irresistible, wh. related to mother
Stainthorpe having once left Sedgefield on a visit to Middlesbro’ – without her
box of pills! The old lady fancied her digestive organs were impaired, & was in the
habit of declaring aloud, in all companies, that “without she could get a box of
Rookes’s pills – un-less – John – Bell – you – can get me a box of them pills – I – I –
shall be obliged – John – Bell – to – go – home at – once!”
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or, otherwise, she “was sure she would have an – inflam – ma – tion!” So the only
way was, if the Bell family were desirous that the old lady shd. prolong her visit,
the pills were procured; if not – then she departed! It will be at once admitted,
that this was a rather novel method of being able to get rid of a troublesome
visitor!
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To speak individually, perhaps some may imagine that I have written “more
concerning Jessy than the other sisters,” & favoured her accordingly. This is easily
accounted for, from the fact that Jessy was under the shadow of my roof for 14
years, & therefore I was the most likely to note her peculiarities. It would,
however, be a great mistake to assume that Mary or Emma possessed none of the
good qualities, or did not equal Jessy in all good deeds & works, with perhaps
even fewer mistakes than Jessy.
Nothing could exceed the unlimited kindness & affectionate zeal of both Mary &
Emma towards father & mother, as well as towards all the rest of the family,
whether in sickness or in health, in poverty or prosperity. Mary did all th. the
most wealthy cd. have done with her purse for father, and his faintest desire was
gratified – nothing th. money cd. buy to relieve was omitted or wanting; whilst
Emma was, during 20 years of her life, untiringly watchful & attentive to every
breath of father’s solicitations; & very, very often, be it honestly confessed, when
her resources were extremely limited, & even dire necessity or want threatened.
To write more fully of the benign characteristics of Emma or Mary wd. be
fulsome; but both richly deserve every praise & credit – along with Jessy – for
doing all that mortals could for father, mother, & family. The same
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observations apply with equal force to Charles, Tom, John, & Alfred; for, at the
table of the former, father was an ever-welcome guest; & but for Charles, it is just
possible, that the venerable old sire of us all, might sometimes have fallen short
in his daily appetising requirements, as well as being deprived of the great
privilege of mixing with the rising generation at Charles’s house – his
grandchildren.
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Summary Opinion of the Bell Family.
Having ventured to speak of each of the Bell family individually, – as well as the
Gells – there can be no further harm (& not anything like such dangerous ground)
if I summarise the whole, as depicted in the preceding pages – simply without
reference to any single party.
Hundreds of times has the writer meditated, & asked himself the questions –
Here was a great and solemn fact, twelve children brought into the world by a
poor tradesman, How were they brought up? How could they be trained, fed,
clothed, & educated, to occupy respectable, honourable, & responsible positions
in society? Every two years, another & another “dropped into existence,” from
the year 1813 to 1833. And what was the weekly (or annual) stipend to support
them? I have heard mother say, many times, that she could say with truth, that
she never had one pound per week to support this large family, & often very
much less! Mother used to say, if from one pound [torn page] could have been
guaranteed weekly, [torn page] would have been rich,” & had amply
102
sufficient for every requirement. There is a book published – “How to Live on
£250 a-year.” Would not the title have been far more serviceable to the great
bulk of the working class community, if it had been – “How to keep a family of ten
children upon £1 per week?” – or less even than that?
Well, those who desire to know, will find at least some little reference in these
pages as to how the family was fed & clothed, as well as to their limited education
& actions thro’ life. For myself, I unhesitatingly have stated, that the Bell family
have been a credit to their predecessors.
It has been observed by some that both the Bells & Gells are “proud.” No doubt of
it; & I venture the opinion, that this “notion” of pride, respectability, &c., has
been their mainstay of success. For a blessing, they have all been “too proud” to
descend to meanness or rascality; whilst their independent spirit & pluck helped
them onward over the quick-sands & pitfalls wh. surround poor humanity. Taken
all in all, I wd. venture to say, that, sometimes this independent, off hand spirit
[torn page] of disadvantage, but, as a rule, [torn page]
103
Some say we are an irritable, excitable, fiery, in temper. Few of us can deny this
characteristic. The faults are inherited from both father & mother; but, as a fellow
with not the best of tempers remarked – “Lord bless us! – how could the world
jog along without tempers?” And, pausing for a reply, & receiving none, gave one
himself, by saying – “Why, there would be nowt else but – stagnation.” I am not
going to palliate our infirmities, but, on my own account, at once plead guilty. I
leave others to pass their own verdict, & to judge for themselves as to the
advantages or otherwise.
Connected with warmth of temperament may be classed instability, wh. many
imagine to be are inseparable. There is no doubt that, to some extent, this is true;
for a plodding, care-nothing, easy-going, calculating, dull, immovable, coldblooded cla[torn page] will often submit to any indignities, rather than budge
from the sod upon wh. they were reared. In our case, I have given ample
instances to show that at least the majority are not so unstable as may appear.
For instance – one occupied only two situa-
104
tions in 34 years; one was in the West Indies for 14 years, & another for 9; whilst
others of the family have remained in one or other locality for 10 & 20 years in
succession. Where the greatest instability has occurred has been owing to nonsuccess in business or a desire to improve their mere hand-to-mouth position.
Grim Necessity often drives the best & most settled dispositions to seek their
livelihood anywhere, as well as to change the business to wh. they were innured
[sic]. And so has it been with the Bells & Gells. He is, indeed, a poor dog who has
no pluck to fend for himself when Fortune fails, & will lie down & wait for what
turns up. I am proud to say, that this notion has no existence in our family, so far
as I am able to judge.
Following in the same strain, one short paragraph will suffice to say, that when
misfortunes have beclouded our path, we have yielded too much to gloomy
imaginings, evil forebodings, almost bordering on despair. This feeling is natural
to all possessing fine feelings & impulsive tempers, & more particularly is this the
case, when parties have trained themselves
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into the belief, & inwardly feel, that their “intentions” were honourable, their
characters irreproachable, & their actions stainless. Their gaseous nature soon
exploded, whether with pain or pleasure – soon elated, soon up, & soon
depressed. They stood in no need of “hot & rebellious” liquors to raise their
languid or dormant fire. Their greatest difficulty arose in suppressing its ebullition,
or “keeping cool” for emergencies.
And herewith annexed is what may be deemed the ruling passion of the Bells
(Middlesbro’) & the Gells (at Hollym), in contrast with the Bells (of Brancepeth). I
mean the question of Marriage (see pages 30 and 40). The point is of course a
debatable one, & much can be advanced on both sides of the question; but the
feature in the three families is worthy of notice. It is stated amongst the notice of
the Gells, that only one “aimed high” in choosing a wife – that is, looked out for a
wench wi’ some brass – & that was Thos. Gell (Knaresbro’). He first married a lady
who was in a consumption – she soon died – she had a house or two & a
druggist’s shop, in the market-place, Knaresbro’, besides a fair lot of private traps,
furniture, cash, &c. Her name was Coupland. He next pitched his attentions upon
another woman with money – Miss Eteson – with whom he “bolted,” much
against the wishes of the family of Etesons. She also soon died, leaving two sons.
One also of the Bells chose a wife possessed of a few hundreds, but it is a
doubtful point whether a rough-spun, hard-working wench, wd. not have been of
more real service, & helped her partner more easily o’er life’s chequered path.
That is, one out of ten aspired; the remainder who selected wives or husbands,
have been
106
content to either “fall in love,” “take a fancy,” or entertain a “cant-do-withoutyou” sensation, & clinched the bargain at once! Some could not possibly explain,
or will not attempt, the reason-why they got wed. One has been heard to say,
when following in the wake of his lady, “Look what a smart step she has!” whilst
another embraced, or entered, the bonds of matrimony – because – really – “I
can’t tell what for.” but – “It was done – & that’s enough.” One or two have done
very well – one or two very badly – & four of the lot have not “done” at all in
wedlock. Altogether, in a family of ten, I reckon we have done very little towards
keeping the world a-wagging, after coming from so healthy & prolific a stock.
There is no doubt that the Bells, having been brought up as hard workers, held
the notion that useful, plain-going, steady, practical girls were preferable to the
superficial or ornamental. Had the one enjoyed good health – who was
introduced into the family as superior to themselves in attainments, gracefulness,
& lady-like acquirements – there is no doubt but she wd. have been of great
assistance to her partner, of whom she was passionately fond. She was, indeed, a
cultivated, well-taught, accomplished person, of pleasing manners, a good
musician & singer, & throughout possessed of good abilities as a lady. She was
qualified to impart instruction of a high class, & wd. willingly have done so, but
bad health prevented. The great misfortune, however, is, that persons thus highly
educated often require more attention & service than can be provided out of
small means, if they are not even sometimes extravagant in their ideas. My
conclusion is therefore this – that, invariably, it is the best to marry from the class
in wh. you move, but – with a bit of money, if you can get it; if not, working
abilities.
107
John Bell’s family were proverbial for always being in a hurry, or full of business.
Ask them to do a certain thing within a given time, & they will say – “Oh, yes, to
be sure!” in a moment; but, something intervenes, weeks or months pass away, &
then, all at once, it is discovered that less than five minutes wd. have
accomplished what had been promised so long! – merely, perhaps, to write six
lines, with another “promise” to “write again soon” – wh. said time never arrives.
Once they start, they can go a-head – but it is difficult to make the first step. A
little less phlegm & more decision of character wd. cause greater punctuality.
They are wavering & fidgetty.
There is one commendable point wh. must not be omitted, & that is, that both
Bells & Gells are tidy, orderly, precise, & cleanly – in some cases, even fastidious.
But, there are exceptions to this, tho’ I speak of the majority as above.
The Bells are all “capital talkers;” & possess a glibness of tongue, a fund of
anecdote, & a facility of expression, wh. may be envied by some, but is excelled
by few. There is nothing spasmodic about them in speech or action, but all is freeand-easy, & all feel comfortable & “at-home” amongst the Bells. There is no
plausibility or hum-drumming deception – no saying perverse things for
aggravation’s sake – but generous, open-hearted converse, wh. gains confidence,
though, with truth to be confessed, not always of material advantage on the side
of the loquacious. They will suggest, object, argue, twist a point, but never give in.
108
It is true there is one brother in Australia, who has been absent eight years in
search of fame or fortune, but taking them all in all, they are not cut-out for
exploring expeditions – or “roughing” it, as the saying goes. They prefer a
comfortable, domestic fireside, or “home, sweet home,” to wandering without
fixity of purpose. Four tried their abilities at photographing in various localities,
with & without galleries, with uncertain success, & small earnings as the result. All
“retired” from this calling – that is, after the “fine arts” – & selected more
practical occupations.
And now I arrive at a point wherein there seem to be nothing but contradictions
in character.
It is singular, but a fact nevertheless, that the Bells & Gells were the most liberal,
generous, off-hand, cheerful givers; they wd. give of their substance to the last
farthing; they would imagine such & such folks stood in need, & impoverish
themselves to to [sic] render aid to others. They would scratch, & save, & work, &
scheme, to save a trifle, whilst before long they would be equally prodigal,
heedless as to the value of money, & indifferent about the necessities of the
future. I am here referring to “treating” others, in preference to looking at
Number One. I dare not enumerate examples; otherwise, I could do so without
limit.
The next “contradiction” apparent is, that the Bells are rather self-willed,
stubborn, headstrong. What is herein advanced about impetuosity of
temperament, excitability, &c., must be compared,
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& see whether this tenacious characteristic is common with others of similar
temperament. I think not, but will leave others to form their own opinion. Father
used to say, that this stubbornness, &c. did not spring from his side, but from the
Gells. Perhaps he was partially correct – I incline to the belief that both families
were possessed of the faculty. I need only quote the old proverb to illustrate what
is meant – “one man can lead a horse to the well, but a hundred can’t make him
drink.” I only wish our lot had been a little more stubborn & headstrong in looking
more to themselves, than to others. They would all have been in a vastly superior
position in a worldly sense, whilst the lip-salve & compliments pass as of no avail.
But – ‘tis bootless – “What’s bred in the bone comes out in the flesh.”
Without desiring repetition, I will merely observe, that few working men, brought
up on scanty resources, & without influence, have earned more money than three
or four of the Bell family. Yet, what is the fact? In spite of all these great wages,
few, if any, are blessed with even a moderate competency. There was no mistake
about their talent as workmen – no pretence of ability wh. did not exist – no silly
conceit – no faltering or quivering – no asking of questions how to do this & that –
no necessity to beg of a friend “to show him how” to
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accomplish the commonest work; but their knowledge of their branches of trade
were practical & skilful, being well-versed in all the routines, so that they were
throughout good workmen, quick, active, reliable, & attentive. As a person once
remarked to me, who knew the Bells well – “There is great talent in the family;
they are capable of accomplishing anything to wh. they have been brought up.
They are possessed of extra abilities as a family of working men, & their means at
command when young; but were short of discretion, coolness, & foresight.” This
short quotation conveys immense meaning; how far it is correct is not for me to
say – only, I think “it is rather near the mark.” A little more cool, calculating,
Scotch-like caution & sagacity, would have made the Bell family permanent
landmarks in their localities – well-to-do, prosperous, if not independent
tradesmen.
There is just one other notion crosses my mind, wh. may perhaps pass as a
substitute for an explanation, in the absence of a better, on the point above
referred to. It is generally admitted that when people are brought up in seclusion,
or when hard fare & limited resources cripple their exit into the world, they feel
an unbounded pleasure when the time arrives & they are blessed with plenty.
Small means in youth lead to extravagance and recklessness in manhood; men
first launched
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into the world on their own responsibility fear not, & go-ahead, upon the
principle of self-reliance, & their own pluck & ability. Altho’ manhood is attained,
the inexperience of youth still governs, directs, & controls. Temptations are tasted
for the first-time, & the titillating pleasure increases. Then again, “Great earners
are great spenders;” so that, in the long run, the man with a moderate income &
cool judgment is better off than he with great receipts. It is something after the
fashion of a sailor who has been on a long voyage, & earned his wages amid
storms & tempests, in peril of life, every hour of the day. He has been “cribbed,
cabined, confined.” The moment he is free, paid off, and on solid land, he forgets
all his hardships or dangers. Headlong he rushes, is liberal with cash, “treats”
everybody, till he meets with some designing scoundrel more clever than the rest,
who “cleans him out” of his cargo, & he remains afloat, & at liberty “for another
ship!” I have often imagined that the Bells were excusable for any extravagance
they were guilty of, because their experience of the world only really commenced
at the close of their apprenticeship. They not attained their world-wide ideas by
degrees or gradually, but at once “rushed in, where angels fear to tread” – (of
course, “good” angels.) For those who feel inclined, there is ample scope in this
paragraph “to think and talk about.” There is the text – use at pleasure.
112
I have written that the Bells possessed great facility of expression as talkers. I may
say the same of some of them as writers. Their great fault in writing was volubility
& length. (Of course, I don’t deny that I am equally guilty, & perhaps this book
may be tendered as a case in point. If so, let any one who “fancies” he can
compress more into the space, try his hand at the job.) The fact is, nothing is
more natural than that those who have received meagre educations should be
apt to spin long yarns. To be able to give condensed expression to thoughts in
writing requires a life-long practice, wh. few attain with a good direction &
thorough training. The Rev. Sydney Smith gave good advice, when he said, after
having written what you think, “Take a pen, & cross out every other word, & you
will see what a wonderful improvement there is in the style.” No doubt. but
common working men are not supposed to be blessed with the same facilities as
men of education; & neither have they the time or inclination to be so precise or
fastidious. It is certain the Bells were never known to stick fast for the want of
ideas or subjects in their writing or conversation; and the accomplishment of
being able to convey their thoughts in a bold, good, or amusing manner, is in the
highest degree creditable & commendable. When we reflect with what a little real
knowledge the world is go-
113
verned, & how many pass muster with mere scraps of common every-day
twaddle, & are even set down as “clever,” we have no fault to find with the shortcomings of the Bells under this heading. They have proved themselves equal with
those who have had better opportunities in early life; but what the Bells might
have been – had they been more favoured by fortune or position – is of course a
speculative question, & too delicate to descant upon.
Our family were kind, & decidedly Sympathetic; – they had sympathy sufficient, &
to spare, for half-a-dozen families. But I need not say more than this – after what
is previously advanced in pages 75 & 76 – that not only did they really feel &
express their kindly feelings, but were always ready to render all the assistance in
their power. The whole contents of this book bears testimony of high character to
the Bells upon this particular point.
On the death of father, in Nov. 1867, I promised to bro. Charles to write an
outline of the lives & characters of the Bell & Gell Families. I did so, because I was
the only one remaining who was well acquainted with the Gells, who was willing
to undertake the task, but I had no idea at the time, that the information
furnished wd. be so extensive, or that my own additions wd. be above a few
pages, otherwise, I wd. not have
112 [i.e. 114]
consented so willingly. Once for all, let it be distinctly understood, that wherever
the imperfections, short-comings, want of foresight, prudence, coolness,
providence of earnings, prodigious gift of tongue, superficiality of character,
sarcasm, susceptibility & fire of temper, want of judgment, decision of character
are herein dilated upon, the writer feels his own career even more strongly
defined than any others of the family. If there has been a lack of the
“accommodating,” crouching, & lick-spittle principle of lacqueyism amongst the
Bells, the writer also pleads his total inability thro’ life to have “been able to
submit,” to smother (perhaps) his self-constituted notions, for the mere prospect
of emolument. Having been a sufferer in this respect, he feels it rather an honour
than otherwise to know that there are others in league with him of the same
breed who entertain opinions somewhat similar. It must be confessed, however,
that even this point may become too elastic, & highly detrimental to permanent
success in life – a little independence is all very well, but too much becomes a
nuisance.
He would, indeed, be a bold man to assume that any one could write at this
length, honestly, & please everybody concerned. That has not been attempted. So
far as could be ventured upon, each illustration has been drawn correctly, if
113 [i.e. 115]
even at the risk of condemnation. Naturally, perhaps, every one may feel greater
curiosity as to what is said respecting himself (or herself) than about others; but I
have not taken this point into account, having freely ventilated the principal
features of all, whether absent or present.
For the style & penmanship, I will merely say that the job has been in hand for 14
months off and on – that I have written snatches now & then, as information
arrived – & that I have endeavoured to avoid bombast, egotism, fine sentences,
or rigmarole. My sole aim has been a straightforward, plain, unvarnished recital of
the truth in all things.
And lastly. I am perfectly aware that all herein contained will probably interest
only the present generation of Bells; that, as each, one after another, leaves this
earthly abode, the contents may become more interesting to the last survivor,
when he or she silently but sorrowfully thinks & contemplates –
“To what straits Old Time reduces Frail man, when paper, e’en a Rag like this,
survives himself, his tomb, and all that’s his.” – Byron.
Jan. 13th 1869. – Wm. Bell, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
114 [i.e. 116]
P.S. I am sorry to say I have not had time to read the preceding pages, so that I
might correct any mistakes. If there is a redundancy of words, or repetitions, here
& there, I shall feel thankful if these excrescences are expunged.
Now that the main facts are altogether, it would be easy to condense. Those who
feel inclined can do so; but herein be it affirmed – for once and for ever – that I
will never make another “promise” of a similar magnitude – or even one of any
kind, unless I can guarantee the whole lot to be covered by the circle of a
bramble.
I feel as if I had “overdone” the whole affair, but it must now be taken as it is.
I have given vent to honest convictions, independent of “family pride,” or
egotistical nonsense, & you must take – the will for the deed; & that is – a neverceasing, craving prayer, for the good of all the family.
Wm. Bell
Jan. 16, 1869.
1
Supplement to brother William’s
Sketches of the Bell and Gell Families.
By Chas. Bell.
Feb. 1869.
[Charles Bell often uses a vertical line to represent the word “the.” In these cases I
have supplied the full word in square brackets.]
Dr. Wm.
At the time of our dear old father’s death, we entered into an agreement that,
between us, we should furnish a few outlines of the leading incidents &
characteristics of the two families, with wh. we are directly connected by the ties
of blood. As you were the oldest brother, & had seen & heard the most about the
Gells & older Bells, the early work, we agreed that you shd. sketch the first part, &
that, as I had been most intimately connected with father & family at home for 20
years’ past, I shd. confine myself to that period, & also narrate the closing scene
[of] father’s long & eventful life; also mother’s. You having done yr. part, with an
2
industry & minuteness wh. far surpass my largest expectations, & wh. must prove
of intent interest to all who are related to the Bell & Gell families.
It now remains for me to fulfil my part of the agreement. Yours extends over a
period of nearly two centuries & a half; mine, over the space of about a quarter of
a century, & may not prove so interesting. I will, however, do my best to chronicle
some of the leading incidents – especially the last moments of our dear old
parents. These must, at least, prove valuable. The last words, looks, actions,
feelings, of those who gave us birth, & with whose memories are associated so
many lively & hallowed recollections, will be treasured more than gold.
“The tongues of dying men
Enforce attention like deep harmony;
When words are scarce, they are seldom spent in vain;
For they breathe truth, that breathe their words in pain.
He that no more must say, is listen’d more
Than they who, in youth & ease, have taught to glose.
More are men’s ends mark’d, than their lives before:
The setting sun & music at the close,
As the last taste of sweets, is sweetest last;
Writ in remembrance more than things long past.”
– Shakspere.
3
You have already noted the fact that father & mother left Norton with their family
in the year 1837. Thompson Street, Stockton – a not very poetic locality – was the
scene of their first domicile. This was the street where Edward’s celebrated
trombone performance took place, wh. you have sketched. Our people resided in
Thompson Street during most of the time that Tom & John were serving their
apprenticeship with Neasom & Welsh, & during the four yrs. & a-half that I was
with Mr. Whitfield, High St., Stockton, drapers &c. In this house, though not
situated in the most attractive locality, many of us spent happy days, & witnessed
youthful scenes never to be forgot.
I well remember how mother was in the habit of gathering us together, on
Sunday nights, “As a hen gathereth her chickens under her wing,” & how happy
we felt whilst singing some of those charming old Wesleyan hymns, such-as –
“There is a land of pure delight,
Where saints immortal reign
Infinite day excludes the night,
And pleasures banish pain,” &c.
“Behold the Saviour of mankind,
Nailed to the shameful tree!
How vast the love that Him inclined
To bleed & die for thee!” &c.
4
“Jesus, the name high over all,” &c
“Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise –
The glories of my God & King,
The triumphs of His grace,” &c.
“A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the Sky:
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfil:
Oh, may it all my powers engage,
To do my Master’s will,” &c.
Though some of us – myself included – did not possess the organ of tune very
largely developed, yet we “all joined in” with those who did, whilst mother sat
listening, as if she had already “the realms of the blest.” Was it not, indeed, “a
little heaven below?”
“The land of promise, the shrine of love,
A type on earth of our home above;
What matter to us how the world may glide,
If it leave us the light [of] our own fire sides?”
There was a hymn, of wh. I remember that the juvenile portion of the family were
especially fond: –
5
“What are those arrayed in white –
Brighter than the noon-day sun?
Foremost of the sons of light –
Nearest the eternal throne?
These are they that bore the cross –
Nobly, for their Master stood;
Sufferers in the righteous cause,
Followers of their dying Lord.”
Then there was a rattling chorus, wh. all pushed out with the vigour of lung so
characteristic of the Bell’s, & with a gusto wh. seemed “to shake” the loose
articles within the domicile –
“Victory! Victory!! When we gain the Victory!!” &c.
If I were asked to point out the hymn wh. was the greatest favourite with mother,
I shd. decidedly say – “Rock of Ages, cleft for me,” &c., the last verse of wh.
always struck me as highly solemn & impressive; & I can still fancy I see my
sainted mother, as she used to sit in her “old arm chair,” with closed eyes, &
singing –
“While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death;
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne:
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee
(Two last lines repeated)
6
Singers in the Family.
Father had a sweet, melodic, ringing voice, & was a decidedly good singer; he
frequently took the lead in these social exercises. Alfred, Jessy, Mary, & William
were all good in this charming gift of musical faculty & voice. Alfred was once
singer in a choir at Trinity Church, Stockton; Jessy you have already done justice to
as a sweet warbler, & you have not advanced the word too much. Years
afterwards, when Jessy returned from Scotland place, & came to reside at
Middlesbro’, she formed one of a choir who used to meet at temperance
gatherings, to sing temperance melodies. As a proof of the appreciation of the
services of Jessy & the said choir, crowds assembled once a week to listen to their
vocal entertainments. The singing was the chief attraction, for never since has
there (1850-54) been such good singers, in Middlesbro’, & never such enthusiastic
& hearty greetings. Jessy was one of the most prominent & effective of the whole.
Her songs were – “Hope of the World;” “My own dear Home;” “The Bridal Feast;”
“The Patriot Spirit;” “The Drunkard’s Wife;” “Love Shall be the Conqueror;”
“Spring is Coming;” “The Crystal Spring;” “Let the Joys of Youth Appearing,” &c.,
wh. were sung by her with a gusto & pathos wh. produced a magi-
7
cal influence on all who had a spark of feeling & an appreciation of the true &
beautiful.
Never shall I forget a meeting that was held in the Town Hall, Middlesbro’, to hear
a man of colour, who had come to give a lecture on “American Slavery,” & to
advocate the cause of three millions of his brothers in bondage. He was, himself,
an escaped convict slave. The choir assembled a quarter of an hour before the
meeting commenced, waiting the arrival of the man of colour. The moment he
stepped into the Hall, with the gentlemen who accompanied him, the choir struck
up –
“How bright the Sun of Freedom burns
From mount to mount, from shore to shore;
The slave departs, the man returns,
The reign of force & fraud is o’er;
‘Tis Truth’s own beam, from sea to sea
From mount to mount, from vale to wave.
Her ministers this night are we
To free, to free, to free the Slave!”
“We’ll free the slave of every clime –
Whate’er the chain that binds his soul
We’ll publish forth this truth sublime
From farthest Indus to the Pole;
That Man, how proud soe’er he be
Is but a poor & paltry Knave,
Who joins not now, with you & me
To free, to free, to free the Slave,”
The above song was sung to the air of “Ye Banks & Braes o’ Bonny Doon.” Upon
such an occasion & for such an
8
object, the effect was thrilling, the audience joining in the chorus with hearty
good will, greatly enhanced the scene. Jessy’s voice could be distinctly heard
ringing out its full, rich, & mellow tone above all others, she having a voice of
different quality to any of those present.
Father was exceedingly proud of Jessy as a singer; was partial to many of Jessy’s
little songs; learnt her many of his own tit-bits, & the pair used constantly to sing
together with great feeling & delight.
When up at the Exhibition in 1851, whilst stopping at brother Edward’s lodgings,
father was the means of keeping Edward & the other lodgers many nights at
home, by relating anecdotes & singing favourite melodies, & telling droll stories of
his own experience. The fol. song was a great one with father, to the tune of “My
own Blue Bell” –
“My own dear home, my own bright home,
What visions of loveliness round it roam;
There they stray, through the live-long day
And chase the dark shades of the night away
“The monarch may boast of his marble & gold
And luxuries splendid around him roll’d;
I care not for them, for where’er I roam,
I live in the light of my own dear home.
“My own dear home,
“My own bright home.” &c. &c.
9
Sister Mary was also a good singer. Whilst I was at home, Mary was spent many
years in Scotland & in other parts, & I had not much opportunity of seeing &
hearing much of her in this respect. I have, however, a distinct impression of her
return from Scotland after her first visit, & was with Mr. Whitfield. Our people
resided in the same house in Thompson Street. I recd. notice, while at business,
that the long-absent sister had arrived, & remember with what glee I sped my
way home to greet her at night. When I arrived, Mary was unfolding all her
treasures, re-folding & re-arranging, dusting & gazing upon them. There were
presents for the youngsters, but her stock-in-trade was principally comprised of
fine “toggery.” I recd. one present, – a beautiful Illustrated Testament, with notes,
by Rev. H. Stebbing, containing “The Psalms of David, in metre, with notes
practical & explanatory;” also, “Translations & paraphrases in verse of several
passages of scripture.” Being passionately fond of poetry, this testament was a
special favourite with me – & is yet. Some of the pieces I committed to memory.
One was a paraphrase on the words – Eccles. 12, 6. – “Remember thy creator in
the days of thy youth” wh. runs thus –
1. – “In life’s gay morn, when sprightly youth with ardour glows,
And charms in all the fairest charms wh. beauty can disclose;
10
2. Deep in thy soul, before its powers
Are yet by vice enslaved
Be thy Creator’s glorious name
And character engraved
3. For soon the shades of grief shall cloud
The sunshine of thy days
And cares & toils, in endless round
Encompass all thy ways.
4. Soon shall thy heart the woes of age
In mournful groans deplore
And sadly muse on former days,
That now return no more.”
More than once have I repeated the above in connection with a public address to
the young.
Another book wh. Mary presented me with was “The Youth’s Instructor,” in one
vol, & wh. I still have. This book also contained Poetry, & good articles. In all her
gifts, Mary had an idea of the useful & practical. One book I recd. by post from
Mary, at Barnard Castle – “Johnson’s Dictionary.” Poorly educated as I was –
having been packed off to business at 11 yrs old, & having to pick up odd scraps of
learning as best I could – this book was an inestimable boon.
But, I am wandering from the subject under its proper
11
heading – singing. It was only on this occasion that I had heard Mary exercise her
musical organs. She had a number of Scotch songs, wh. she sang with great effect.
One was – “Ah, why left I my hame?” – was specially sweet, so pretty that even I,
who possessed but of a small share of tune & voice, have sung frequently to
myself, when journeying abroad, or taking healthy exercise. Mother was careful &
desirous of keeping us from learning & singing “songs.” She was attached to
sacred music, but was still partial to Mary’s Scotch ditties, & I have heard mother
request Mary, as a favour, to sing a song now & then, saying, “Now, Mary, you
know I don’t like songs, but those you sing are so sweet, that I do like them.”
Then, as all good singers are proverbially shy, with a little coaxing, Mary would
start off with her favourites, much to the delight of mother & all assembled.
Tom professes “to be a bit of a singer;” Wm., Alfred, Jessy, & Mary; but George,
John, Charles, & Emma “don’t profess” at all, but Ned can do a trifle.
Leaving Home.
There is one scene connected with Thompson Street, wh. will live in my memory
whilst life shall last. It was from here I made my first plunge into the world, on an
independent footing, by Leaving Home for Barnard Castle.
12
I had been some yrs with Mr. Whitfield, & left in July, 1842, thro’ some slight
dissatisfaction about the “grub.” Having secured a situation at Barnard Castle, I
left home on the 20th of Sep., 1842, for that place. Up to the morning of starting, I
was “big” with 1 idea of a new situation – of being on a more independent footing
– of being, in fact, a “junior assistant” in my new place, whilst previously I had
only fulfilled 1 position of “errand boy.” I was very brave up to 1 hour of starting –
none of yr. mawkish sentimentality abt. leaving home, &c., was to take possession
of me – to my then thinking – I wd. soon be a man, & the like. I had carried this
lofty feeling to a goodly pitch, until the morning of starting, & was just on the
point of leaving, when mother fol.d. me into 1 passage. “Good bye, mother!” I
was just going to utter, with great glee; but alas! how frail & touchy is poor
humanity, when dear affection steps in. I caught a glance of mother’s sweet &
loving countenance, gushing with maternal tenderness & anxious solicitude for
my future welfare – I saw the big tears streaming down her care-worn face – I
watched the trembling accents of her voice, & listened to the pathetic & soulinspiriting injunctions – and I was unmanned. For once, I played the woman, &
wept, my feelings being quite overcome. I never got out, “Good bye, mother!”
but, with a parting kiss, my tears mingled with mother’s, & with the kind-souled,
motherly advice ringing in mine ears, I tore myself
13
from the scene, & hurried off with a small green box, wh. contained my scanty
wardrobe & book-treasures, to [the] old Stockton & Darlington railway station.
There was no occasion for a cab or a ‘bus to carry my luggage!
Whenever I want to recal [sic] the loved form of my dear, good mother, & to
revive a vivid picture of her sweet countenance & benign influence, my memory
repaints this scene; & in my brief career, many, many times have I lived it o’er &
o’er again. Who can fully describe the gushing tenderness of a mother’s love –
whose heart is a deep & inexhaustible fountain of Affection’s purest streams,
bubbling up, ever fresh and ever new? –
“There’s music in a mother’s voice,
More sweet than breezes sighing;
There’s kindness in a mother’s glance,
Too pure for ever dying.
“There’s Love within a mother’s heart,
So deep, ‘tis still o’erflowing;
And care for those she calls her own,
That’s ever, ever growing.
“There’s anguish in a mother’s tear,
When farewell fondly taking,
That so the heart of pity moves –
It scarcely keeps from breaking.
“And when a mother kneels to heaven,
And for her child is praying,
Oh, who can half the fervour tell
That burns in all she’s saying?
“A mother! when like evening’s star,
Her course has ceased before us,
From brighter world regards us still,
And watches fondly o’er us!”
14
Sister Margaret’s Death
There is another incident connected with this Thompson St. abode wh. will be of
interest to the family, especially to those who were but little at home, & knew
little of Margaret.
The death of sister Margaret took place on the 11th April, 1845. In the latter end
of March, or early in April, I had been over to Stockton, spending my holidays
(being then with Pulman, at Barnard Castle), & left Margaret in her accustomed
health. Judge, then, of my surprise & sorrow, on receiving the fol.g. letter from
father, on the 12th of April, only aft. a fortnight after my return to Brnrd. Castle: –
“Stockton, April 11/45.
Dr. Charles. – It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of my dear little
Margaret. She was well on the 9th till 5 o’clock. She then took a shivering fit, had a
very bad night. Yesterday morning, she began to vomit blood, wh. contd. until
nearly the time she died. Everything was done for her th. could be, but the Lord
was pleased to call her to an early rest. She never struggled or sighed when she
died, but passed away just as if going to sleep. – yr. affct. father “John Bell.”
I returned a letter to Stockton immediately, being deeply af-
15
fected by her death, requesting further particulars, & recd. [the] fol.g. details
from father: –
“Stockton-on-Tees, Ap. 16/45.
Dear Charles, – We recd. yr. affectionate letter this mg., & thank god you are so
hopeful touching [the] demise of dear Margaret. She was quite well this day
week, & called upon all her neighbours. That day, at 5 o’clock, she took a
trembling fit, & desired to go to bed. I went to see her, & she then burnt with
fever. Next morning, she vomited large quantities of blood. We got Dr.
Keenleysides, who prescribed for her. He ordered fomentation, & a blister on her
stomach. She walked about all day on Monday, at intervals, sometimes upstairs,
& at other times laid down upon two chairs. At night she walked upstairs, with
hold of my hand, to bed; but she was death-struck from the first. When in bed,
she sd. “Oh, dear!” & shouted “Moder!” (mother), & kept rapping at the wall. She
took her medicine every two hours, until 2 o’clock on Tuesday. At this time, she
gave me it back into my hands. I sd. “Margaret, you must take it!” Dear little
creature, she held out her hand for a spoon, & stirred it up. She then smiled, &
said “See Padie” (or father)
16
as if she was pretending to take it, & then gave it me back, as if she had drank it. I
did not press it any longer. Soon after, she vomited blood, & never spoke
afterwards. She slept until 7 o’clock, when she took a spoonful of tea, & laid her
head upon my arm. Mother was dressing. I felt her left arm turn stiff. I said, “I
believe she is dying. Call Emma;” but before Emma & Jessy came, she looked at
me, smiled, & sweetly breathed her last sigh in my face, whilst her spirit quitted
this mortal frame. We kept her five days. Thro’ vomiting most of her blood, she
was the nicest corpse I ever beheld – she was just like waxwork.
“Mary sent us one sovereign & Tom one, wh. enabled us to meet all the expenses
incurred by the funeral. There were eight young girls as bearers, & many of [the]
neighbours who attended [the] funeral came to tea last night. I will write again
soon. – I am, dear Chas, y. af. father, “John Bell.”
“P.S. Emma has enclosed a small portion of all that remains with us of her in this
world, viz. a lock of her hair.”
Reflections. – Poor, frail little darling! She was a grt. favourite with all her
brothers & sisters – most beloved by those who knew her best.
17
She was a tender-hearted, loving child. She was, out of 12 children, the only weak
one, physically, in the lot – the only one who really died thro’ premature disease;
for Bro. James’s death was occasioned thro’ an accident, thus proving to
demonstration the soundness of the constitutions of [the] Bell family – a point to
wh. you have previously given prominence. Father, when referring to this point,
by way of joke, frequently used to say of anything of wh. he was speaking, “Oh, it
is as sound as a Bell!” thus giving a double meaning to [the] phrase. How common
it is, when people are giving an act. of how many children they have had, and you
ask how many are living? for them to say, “only so & so” – perhaps 6 out of 12, or
3 out of 16! So many “died in infancy,” “one when 4 yrs old,” another “at 6,”
another “at 10, 21, 30,” & so on. How different with the Bells! The stock from wh.
they sprung must, indeed, have been “sound wind and limb.” Margaret, however,
was a weakling, stunted in body & deficient in vocal powers – unable to express
her thoughts & ideas in language, tho’ she was a capital hand at making herself
understood by signs & motions,
18
& was not altogether deficient in language. I well remember, after I had been at
Barnard Castle, about six months, having an opportunity to get a lift with a
gentleman in his jig to Darlington, & availing myself of the opportunity of visiting
our people – a sort of pop visit, unasked. When I reached Thompson St., Margaret
was outside. She got a glance of me coming, & ran into [the] house, shouting
“Charley, Charley, Charley!” (Charley, Charley), seized hold of mother’s dress,
pulled her into the passage in [the] wildest state of excitement to meet me. It was
looked upon as a grt. blessing th. Margaret was taken away thus early, seeing on
she wd. never have supported herself, & wd. have been little more than a dwarf.
Mother used to say, “Ah, poor darling! I knew she would be taken care of; I knew
that, out of all my family, she won’t be allowed to want!” & mother was right.
There is not a brother or sister but wd. have been delighted – nay, would have
deemed it a privilege – to share the last crust with her. I used to think, “If I was a
man, & cd. earn money, I wd. keep Margaret & mother;” & I am satisfied there
were others who shared the same feelings. She was a kind & affectionate child, &
won the affections of her brothers & sisters, her parents & neighbours.
19
The phrase in father’s letter – “she had been round to see her neighbours –“
speaks [to] her geniality of disposition, akin to all the Bells. She was in [the] habit
of “taking her rounds,” & was always a welcome visitor. Father & mother thought
a world of poor Margaret; thus, by a wise ordination of providence, the weak are
always the most thought of, & [the] sympathies of [the] strong are so excited, th.
they are certain to evoke help. Some months before Margaret was born, mother
received a severe shock from seeing a child deficient in mental & physical ability,
at Seaton Carew, & hearing it make strange & unnatural sounds; mother was
greatly frightened, & the shocking sight was deeply impressed upon her mind.
Thus was poor Margaret impregnated before birth, sympathetically received from
the parent. She was, however, remarkably quick in her perceptions, thoughts, &
affections. Margaret was buried at [the] new church, Stockton-on-Tees.
The folg. lines are adapted, with slight alterations, from a piece pubd. in
Chambers’ Edinbro’ Journal:--
20
Written on Sister Margaret’s Birthday.
1. “On thy little grave, my sister,
The grass waves long & green,
And absent from our hearth, sister,
Thou many a year hast been.
But thy memory is hallow’d there,
By look, & sigh, & tear,
Tho’ thy name is seldom whispered –
My own lost sister dear.
2. “I look towards the sunny heavens,
And know that thou art there,
With angel’s wings & white raiment,
And face so mild & fair:
Oh! then I think of Death’s dark gates,
Without a throb of fear;
God grant we meet beyond them, -My own lost sister dear.
3. “There’s many a scowling cloud, sister,
Accross [sic] our earthly way;
The midnight frost oft chills the flower,
That blossoms sweet by day.
Then if it blooms in fairer climes,
No gathering tempest near,
Should we wish we had it here to pine,
My own lost sister dear?
21
4. No! wherefore should we mourn for thee?
Thou art not lost for aye –
Tho’ thy mother for little Maggy
Hath wept for many a day.
For if those bodies sleep in Him,
Our spirits shall appear
Once more in holy fellowship
With thee – my sister dear.
5. When the dark billows bear us, sister,
Beyond the gloomy strand
May’st thou be there to welcome us,
To [the] long-promis’d land!
May we, a happy family
Then fill’d with heavenly cheer,
Dwell there, in love to part no more
From thee – my sister dear.”
The Accordion Dodge.
Most lads like music & musical instruments. When Alfred was about 12 or 13 yrs.
of age, he had, by dint of small savings, got sufficient cash to purchase an
accordion. This instrument being private property, he of course placed the
inevitable, but very prose, prohibition of “Touch not” upon it. “Stolen waters” are
proverbially “sweet,” & how to get our itching fingers into con-
22
tact with this then charming instrument, was the question to be solved. John &
myself at last hit upon a dodge. Alfred frequently took a walk to Norton on Sun.
afternoons. The prohibited instrument was on these occasions carefully placed
under lock & key, in a small box of his own – a box in wh. he kept linen, &c. Now,
we agreed, th. If we cd. only get into this box, we cd., by turns, play upon this
instrument during his absence. Fortunately for us, the box had leather hinges on;
& during his absence, with slight difficulty, we removed the hinges, replacing
them ere he returned. Of course, tho’ we had both enjoyed ourselves to our
heart’s content, the accordion was duly deposited in [the] box as tho’ nothing had
been removed. There was a window wh., prior to [the] buildings wh. have
recently been erected, looked over into Norton Road, & to prevent a reprisal, a
good “lookout” was kept, & Alf. could be easily discerned at a considerable
distance. At length the cry arose, “He’s coming!” “Look quick!” his tall figure nears
the goal, in goes the musical instrument, one seized a hammer, another [the]
nails, & the hinges were fastened on as of yore. Some one let the cat out o’ the
bag, & there was “a precious row” with Alfred, & loud denunciations.
23
The Leather Shillings!
“What is sauce for [the] goose is sauce for the gander,” however; & I was myself
on one occasion made the victim of relying on “leather hinges” – contradicting
another old adage – “there’s nothing like leather.” The incident I am about to
relate will show to what straits poor father was often reduced to secure absolute
necessities, either for his business or for food for [the] family. It was well known
in [the] family, th. I had scraped a few shillings together by thrifty means. These
shillings were deposited in a box under lock & key; but alas! also with leather
hinges! Father being hard put to it for a little ready cash, removed the hinges, &
at the same time “removed” (or borrowed) the said few shillings. The question
appd. to have been with him, “How conceal the abstraction from me, until they
cd. be replaced?” He cut four pieces of leather, of the size of shillings, & wrapped
them up in the identical paper (or rag), out of wh. [the] images & superscription
of her majesty had just been taken! Each time I visited [the] box, I of course
glanced to see if the valued treasure was still intact; & being satisfied with the
“outward & visible form,” I never looked further for [the] inward & tangible
reality, until one day, having obtained another sixpence, I went to my horde to
deposit
24
the additional coin, when, lo! – the silver birds had flown – the Bank was broken –
& leather shillings were substituted for sterling silver! Of course, I bemoaned the
loss of my treasure with heartfelt sorrow; but, upon proper explanation became
pacified, & the money was duly replaced, & all amicably arranged. I recollect
mother calling me privately to one side, & interrogating me as to “where I had
obtained the funds?” Tho’ it was known th. I had saved a little cash, she did not
suspect I possessed so much! Her ansiety [sic] was to ascertain whether I come by
it “honestly?” This, together with other instances wh. I shall give by & by, will
show [the] watchful care mother exercised over [the] minds of her family. On this
occasion, mother fairly trembled for my safety, knowing th. I was exposed to
strong temptations behind a draper’s counter. After explaining in detail how I had
gleaned up [the] funds in hand, mother passed her warm & loving fingers thro’ my
hair, commended me for thrift, & assured me that all shd. be returned, with
interest; but, above all things, to be honest, & touch not the property of others.
Tom’s Steam Engine & Boiler.
You have already related th. Tom was an ingenious fellow, wh. is perfectly true,
nothing having ever come amiss to him in [the] mechanical line. During [the] time
he was working at Neasom & Welsh’s, he made during leisure hours, a small
steam engine – not a mere model, on a small scale, but one capable of driving a
lathe or coffee mill. The boiler to this engine was abt. eight feet long, & was
placed in the
25
back kitchen in Thompson St., the engine being in the same place, wh. was really
a handsome little gem, a masterpiece of workmanship. Father used to relate a
tale of a clever son of St. Crispin, who was trained in the far-famed city of York, of
wh. he (Brown) was very proud; & whenever he (Brown) got an extra charge of
John Barleycorn, used to caper about Brancepeth in a braggadocio style, saying –
“I’m all your masters & your master’s master – Don Brown from York!” those
parties being designated “dons” who were classed as superior workmen. Bro.
Tom was indeed the “don” of [the] family & district in mechanical genius – he was
assuredly “all their masters, & all their master’s master” – Don Tomas [sic] Bell.
Where from? To his credit be it said, from the plough tail at Hollym! Thus
developing his ability & passion for the trade to wh. he was apprenticed, & the
inherent force of mechanical genius & turn of mind. Mother, father, & more of us,
were afraid of this formidable-looking boiler, & were not quite sure there would
not be an explosion, thro’ some neglect or mismanagement, & then the whole lot
of us blown to heaven knew where! The boiler whizzed, & fizzed, & blew off the
steam – Tom fired her up again & again – pretended to point to the safety-valve,
& cried out “all right” – looked “knowing,” & was “cool as a cucumber, whilst
others were “sweating” with trepidation; but all proved ultimately safe; the boiler
& engine were sold for £5, by Mrs. Stainthorpe, to a grocer to grind coffee, but
Tom did not get the shine.
26
In Thompson Street, [he] “fixed his eyes” on his first attachment to Isabella
Stainthorpe – his first wife. I chanced to be an eye-witness to the initiation
process, & tho’ but a mere lad, felt a lively interest in watching its progress.
Isabella had a sister who lived on the opposite side of the street, & she was on a
visit there. By some means, she became acquainted with mother, & hence arose
the habit of frequent visits to our house. Of course, sweet Isabella did not for a
moment think of desiring to see anyone else. Tom was there, & he applied, saw,
& won her attention. I was present the first night Tom offered to “accompany”
Isabella home (across the street, only); & Tom continued rather longer than the
time usually required to “cross a street,” but there being a contemplated future
looming in the distance, plans to arrange, & affectionate zeal to cement, Tom was
excusable. After this, they were early united in the bonds of wedlock, wh. proved
anything but happy at the conclusion.
[The following summaries were created by the transcriber. For each term, the
frequency of occurrence in the document is noted]
Surnames
Mentioned more than once
Bell
Blenkinsop / Blenkinsopp
Boyne
Bridgewater
Brown
Eteson
Gell
Hall
Henderson
Love
Marshall
Pattinson
Pritchard
Pulman
Richardson
Rulter
Russell
Saint
Savage
Shaw
Sherwood
Shipley
Stainthorpe
Tathwell
Thirkill
Tindale
Turnbull
Walker
Watson
Whitfield
364
4
2
4
3
6
154
4
16
3
2
6
2
2
3
4
3
7
2
4
5
4
5
2
2
3
2
2
2
9
Mentioned only once
Collinson
Coupland
Crow
Debron
Fletcher
Gale
Keenleysides
Leveine
Martin
Playfoot
Snowdon
Stead
Wilson
Place Names
Mentioned more than once
Australia (including Melbourne,
Sydney and Queensland)
Barnard Castle
Bradford
Brancepeth
Brandon
Cornsay
Darlington
Esh / Ash
Gravesend
Hamsterley
Havannah (West Indies)
Hollym
Hull
Knaresbro' / Knaresbrough
Leasingthorne
Leeds
Linthorpe
Liverpool
London
Middlesbro'
Newcastle
Norton
Patrington
Pitfour Castle
Redcar
Seaton
Sedgefield
Shadforth
Southampton
Stockton
Willington
York
Mentioned only once
9
7
18
59
3
2
4
2
2
3
10
16
11
21
2
5
2
4
11
32
12
29
28
2
5
3
2
4
2
27
2
10
Billingham
Coatham
Coxhoe
Finings
Horsham
Kendal
Kirkcudbright
Malton
Marske
Mount Beulah
Stokesley
Welwick
Whickham