Bell, Charles J.

CHARLES J. BELL, justice of the peace and insurance agent, post-office Sheakleyville, Penn., is a son of William and Lavina (Boylan) Bell, natives of Ireland and Mercer County, respectively. The sketch of Mr. Bell, Sr. appears in this chapter. Our subject was born December 21, 1842, on the homestead farm in Sandy Creek Township. He received his education at the public schools. He was apprenticed to the shoemaker’s trade at the age of sixteen, which he followed for eighteen years. He then entered the employ of T.K. Cochran, of Sheakleyville, as a clerk, where he was employed for a number of years. He then engaged in the insurance business, and represents the following companies: Allemania Fire Insurance Company, of Pittsburgh, Penn.; City of Pittsburgh; Pymatuning Fire Insurance Company, of Mercer County; Travelers’ Accident, of Hartford, Conn., and others. In 1883 our subject was elected justice of the peace for Sheakleyville Borough, and re-elected in February, 1888, which office he now holds. Mr. Bell has served as school director and in various other township and borough offices, and while a resident of Porter County, Ind., was postmaster for Porter Cross Roads, Ind., which office he held for two years, 1866-67. He was married, September 17, 1863, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Justius Meibert, of Perry Township, who died December 23, 1878, leaving three children: William, George and Emma. He was united in marriage, December 24, 1879, to Alice Dearmont, of Crawford County, and by this marriage they have four children: John, Leoida, Ralph and Bernice. Our subject is a member of the K. of H., Norman Lodge 1640, of Sheakleyville, Penn., and is one of the charter members. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church of Sheakleyville (became a member in March, 1864), of which he has been a deacon for fourteen years. Politically he is a Republican, and first voted for A. Lincoln.