Alexander Montgomerie Bell
Alexander Montgomerie Bell
Biography
He was the son of John Bell, a manufacturer of Paisley, and was born there 4 December 1809. His older brother was John Montgomerie Bell.
He studied at Paisley Grammar School and at the
During the greater part of his professional life Bell was a partner in the firm of Dundas & Wilson, C.S., and was engaged mostly in dealing with matters of conveyancing, for which the large business of that firm furnished unequalled opportunities. Combining much research and thoughtful study with the practical administration of conveyancing, he came to be regarded as facile princeps in the department. Personally, he was of quiet retiring habits and sincerely religious temperament. In a minute entered on his death in the records of the Society of Writers to the Signet, he was spoken of as one "who by his talents, assiduity, and great practical knowledge was well qualified to discharge the important duties devolved upon him [as a professor], and who was deservedly esteemed by all to whom he was personally known."
He died on 19 January 1866. He is buried with his family in the south-east section of the original part of
Publications
At Bell's own suggestion his lectures were published after his death. They still form the standard treatise on the subject, a third edition having been issued. According to the
Family
He was married to Margaret Colquhoun (1811–1880). Their children included Dr Alexander Montgomerie Bell (1841–1884), John Montgomerie Bell (1838–1910), Elliot Henrietta Montgomerie Bell (1848–1877), Archibald Montgomerie Bell (1850–1895) and the civil engineer Hugh Colquhoun Bell (1841–1909)
References
- ^ Edinburgh and Leith Post Office Directory 1860-61
Further reading
- Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900. .
Notes
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Bell, Alexander Montgomerie". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.