Charles James BELL (1874-1943)

CHARLES JAMES BELL, agriculturist, "Lockwood," Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, is the youngest son of Mr. P. T. Bell, of Wisanger, and was born on the island, at Stokes Bay, in 1874. He received his education at the Wisanger public school, and after the completion of his studies joined his father on the farm, where he gained a good general knowledge of the agricultural industry, and continued in this connection until his twenty-fourth year. He then engaged in Government mail-contracting for three years, and at the end of that time, the "Lockwood Farm" being under offer for sale, decided to purchase the property, consisting of about one square mile. This is practically cleared, and Mr. Bell has met with most encouraging success in his operations, which consist of agriculture, grazing, and dairying.

Mr. Bell is a staunch teetotaller, and as a protest against the growing of barley for malting purposes, confines his attention to the cultivation of wheat and oats, although the climate and soil of the island are peculiarly adapted to the growth of the former.

For about six years he acted as Clerk and Overseer of Works for the Kingscote Council, and upon the occasion of his resignation was entertained at a large social gathering in appreciation of the efficient and conscientious manner in which his many important duties had been performed whilst he held this office. He is a member of the Agricultural Bureau, and is a warm supporter of the Methodist Church, besides which he always holds himself ready to give a helping hand in any movement relating to the welfare of the place.

In 1906 Mr. Bell married Grace Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Henry, of Scotland, and has one daughter.

- Cyclopedia of South Australia 1909, p.1009