After securing a fair common-school education, young Bell entered Lombard University, in which his scholastic career was interrupted by the excitement incident upon the opening of the Civil War. He had scarcely passed his twentieth birthday ere he enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, the date of his enrollment being August 13, 1862. The Sunday after he reached the regiment he participated in a fight with Gen. Morgan at Rigby's Hill, the next heavy engagement being on the Tallahatchie River. Owing to an attack of typhoid fever young Bell did not participate in the siege of Vicksburg but was on duty subsequently with his regiment at Yazoo City and in several skirmishes where hot work was done, but which, being engaged in by comparatively few men, figure slightly in general history. Mr. Bell was present during the siege and capture of Mobile, took part in the last fight of the war—the siege of Ft. Blakeley, and was discharged July 24, 1865.

Immediately after the war Mr. Bell was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession at Clinton, from which place he removed after a year's residence to Lacon. In that town he sojourned six years, removing thence to Peoria in 1873. Here he became political editor of the National Democrat, a position which he filled two years. In 1880 Mr. Bell was elected to the State Senate, and so well did be carry out the wishes of his constituents and so thoroughly satisfy them regarding his ability as a legislator, that he was re-elected in 1884. In 1888 he was a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor on the Democratic ticket, but although he made a good race failed of election. In March, 1889, he resumed editorial labors, taking a position upon the Peoria Herald.

As a journalist the logical mind and training of Mr. Bell give his words a force which is added to by his effective use of shafts of wit; as a legislator he endeavored to promote measures which would increase the material prosperity of the State, aid its citizens to become better informed, and give to its poor or unfortunate better accommodations and greater care. In commemoration of the weary months which he spent at the front, and the dark days of the country's history, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

The refined, accomplished lady who presides over the home of Mr. Bell is a native of Marshall County, known in her maidenhood as Miss Amanda Davis, whose marriage rites were celebrated March 12, 1866. The happy union has been blest by the birth of one child, who bears the name of Fairy E.