John Cromwell Bell

Education

Bell attended Central High, graduating in 1880 (with an Bachelor of Arts) and then the University of Pennsylvania, directly in the law school, receiving an Bachelor of Laws in 1884.

Career

He was closely involved with football and his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. He served as director of Penn"s athletic program, chairman of its football committee, and from 1911 onwards, was a trustee. He helped found the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and served on Intercollegiate Football Rules Committee, responsible for the many rules changes made in collegiate football in its early years.

He was offered a judgeship, but declined.

As District Attorney, he was noted for enforcement of food purity laws. In 1911, Governor John K. Tener appointed Bell as state Attorney General.

Upon completing his term, Bell returned to private practice. Bell died of heart disease in 1935.

Achievements

• Bell achieved prominence as an attorney very quickly, and he was noted for his corporate work. When in 1902 sitting Philadelphia District Attorney John Weaver won election as the city"s mayor, Bell accepted the appointment to take his place, and then ran for and won a term on his own, but declined a renomination.

Connections

Father:

Alfred M. Bell

Mother:

Sarah (Risher) Bell

Spouse:

Fleurette de Benneville Myers