Background
BELL, John William was born on October 1, 1848 in Edinburgh. Son of William Bell, native of Dumfries, Scotland (Bells of Blacket House), late of Grahamstown, South Africa, advocate.
BELL, John William was born on October 1, 1848 in Edinburgh. Son of William Bell, native of Dumfries, Scotland (Bells of Blacket House), late of Grahamstown, South Africa, advocate.
Studied at High School, Edinburgh.
Solicitor, practised at Queenstown, South Africa. Member of Queenstown Rifle Volunteers since formation of corps in 1873. In command since 1881.
Holds South African war medal, 1877-1878. Was granted long service medal, 1898. Holds volunteer officer’s decoration (20 years’ commissioned service).
South African Campaign, 1899-1900 (despatches, medal and three clasps). Master of the Supreme Court of the Transvaal, 1901-1906. Volunteer Officers' Decoration, Justice of the Peace.
Spouse 1873, Eliza Jane Brad field, 4thdaughter of Edward Mortimer Turvey, one of British settlers of 1820.
Companion of St. Michael and St. George 1900. Lieutenant-Colonel.