William, son of Jonas Bell, was born in Phelps, New York, August 21, 1845, and was educated there in the public schools. At the age of eighteen he became a traveling salesman and followed that business for a number of years. He finally located in his native town and since has followed farming with exceptional success. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of Wide-Awake Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
He married, September, 1871, Ann Eliza Bishop, born in Manchester Centre, daughter of William and Eleanor Bishop. Children, born at Phelps: Carrie Louise, August 26, 1873: Mary Elizabeth, November 17, 1874. died October, 1895; William Spencer, July 27, 1876, attended public school, then Dr. Kellogg’s University, Battle Creek, Michigan, and from there went to the Chicago University where he graduated in 1900 as a minister of the Brethren church. He preached first at Waterloo, Iowa, then at Sterling, Illinois, six years, then was in charge at Johnstown, Pennsylvania; now (1910) at Sunnyside, Washington.
