Major Bell and Family: 1845 - 1913
Probably taken in Ontario - Possibly the earliest known photograph of William (Bill) Bell, taken around the time that he enlisted in the military, or earlier.
This photograph of Captain Bell in military uniform was probably taken some time between 1865 and 1875, reportedly an officer of the Montreal Infantry.
Son of Major W.R. and Catherine (Elwood) Bell - Sherwood Ambler Bell (1868-1870) was born in Elizabethtown, Ontario in approximately June 1868.
This photograph was likely taken after Major Bell left the military, as he seems more mature (moustache) than he does in his uniform images.
A hunting party with their canoe, dogs and catch of birds, possibly at the south edge of the Qu'Appelle Valley, north of the Bell Farm in the 1880s.
A second view of the Duck Hunters includes this inscription on the back: "Major Bell with W. Crawley Ricardo, Compliments" This notation could indicate that Crawley took the photo, and sent a copy back to Major Bell.
Photographed at the John Ross Studio, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Major Bell (left) and an unidentified man, photographed around 1882.
Major Bell [centre] and others at the doorway of the Bell Farmhouse, 1883. Major Bell is wearing a pith helmet that is visible in several historic photos.
Jack McKee was the nephew of Major and Catherine Bell. He lived at or near Barrie, Ontario, and is recorded by the "Northern Advance", published in Barrie, as going to the Bell Farm for the autumn in August, and returning in December, 1891, to visit his Aunt at Indian Head.
Major Bell, posing in a studio between 1893 and 1894, when Robert Randolph Bruce took a number of photos of important western personalities at his photographic studio in Calgary.
It appears that this sketched image of Major Bell may have been taken from a photo taken the same day as the view where the Major faces directly into the camera. Note the similarity of the suit and tie, as well as his hair style.
Major Bell in 1911, three decades after starting the Bell Farm Major Bell is visiting with one of the Indigenous women of the region, standing at the base of the large flagpole in front of his Farmhouse.
Possibly taken in Winnipeg - Major Bell, far left, with five unidentified men, possibly members of the Qu'Appelle Valley Farming Company, or just friends who have gathered for a social get-together and an opportunity to have this group photo taken.
Major Bell, in a white suit, on board a ship during one of his many trips across the Atlantic Ocean.
This photograph was likely taken after Major Bell permanently left the Bell Farm for Winnipeg in 1896.
These images have been obtained from various archives, families and publications. Click on the image for a larger view and other details.
RESEARCH BY:
Research for this Album has been undertaken primarily by Michelle Cabana, Saskatoon, Sask. and Frank Korvemaker, Regina, Sask.
Lesia Design is