My Genealogy Hound

W. S. BELL, photographer, post office Putnam, is a native of this county, born in 1852, the second son of John and Phianna (Arner) Bell, and at the age of nine years was left an orphan and thrown upon his own resources. He received his early education at the common schools, and worked on a farm until he was fifteen years of age; later was a student at the Linnaean Academy, and at sixteen years learned telegraphy, which he followed two years. He was then employed as clerk in a drugstore, which business he learned and followed for eleven years. In 1878, on account of ill health, he gave up the drug business and embarked in his present calling, his studio being located at 77 Fifth avenue, Pittsburgh. His practical knowledge of photography has made him successful, and he stands second to no one now engaged in that art. He married, in 1874, Alida, daughter of Martin and Margaret (Yeager) Frederick, of Mansfield, and they have four children: Winfield Frederick, Olive Grace, Lulu Bright and Gilbert Algernon. Mr. Bell is past master in the Masonic fraternity. He has served as school director; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a republican.