My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE M. BELL, M. D., of Benton Harbor, has won a foremost position among the physicians and surgeons of southwestern Michigan, where his eminent abilities and broad knowledge are universally recognized and admired. He is one of the most devoted disciples of the science of therapeutics, and has not only won from his profession the laurels of success, but has also been instrumental in effecting its advancement. His studies have been long and thorough, and it has ever been his aim to keep abreast with every advance made in the profession.

The Doctor is a native of Canada, and was born in the province of Ontario, in Milton, Halton County, September 19, 1848, being the son of Joseph and Mary (Teetzel) Bell. He resided in Canada during his childhood years, and there received his elementary instruction. At the age of fifteen years he came to Berrien County, Mich., and after completing his literary studies, commenced to read medicine with his brother, Dr. John Bell, of Benton Harbor. In 1869 he entered the medical department of the State University at Ann Arbor, and there pursued his studies with ardor and perseverance. In the spring of 1870 he was graduated from that institution, and the degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon him. During the following year, he took a course of lectures at the Chicago Medical College, and was graduated from there. The winter of 1874-75 he spent in New York City, graduating from Bellevue Hospital Medical College.

It will thus be seen that Dr. Bell has had every advantage which thorough training can give. He commenced the practice of his profession at Benton Harbor, and has since conducted a general practice in this city, giving especial attention to the diseases of children. He is at present filling the position of Surgeon for the Big Four Railroad, and is also a member of the Board of Pension Examiners. Dr. Bell and his brother, Dr. John Bell, own and carry on a large drug store in Benton Harbor. In his social relations, the Doctor is a Mason, being a member of Lake Shore Lodge No. 298, and Calvin Brittain Chapter No. 56, at St. Joseph. He is also identified with the Knights of Honor and the Order of the Maccabees. In his political opinions, he is a thoughtful student of the issues of the day, and gives his influence to the principles of Democracy.

The lady whom Dr. Bell married in May, 1876, and who since that time has been the affectionate helpmate of her husband, was formerly Miss Anna Nichols, and is the daughter of Edgar and Anna Nichols, formerly from the State of New York. Mrs. Bell was born in San Antonio, Tex., and has passed her life principally in Michigan, being well known and highly regarded in the social circles of Berrien County. The union of Dr. and Mrs. Bell has been blessed by the birth of one son, John, Jr.