BELL, Ora O.

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, pp 116-117

Ora O. BELL, hotel proprietor, Alburg [Vermont], was born in September 1854 
at Alburg [Grand Isle County, Vermont], son of Benjamin Franklin and Susan 
(FARNSWORTH) BELL. His father was killed in the battle of Fredericksburg. 
He was educated in the public schools of Alburg, and select school, Grand 
Isle. Mr. BELL carried on his grandfather's farm for several years; was in 
the cattle business in Wyoming, 1886-1890; in 1890 returned to Alburg, 
purchased a farm, and followed farming until 1901, when he sold the farm, 
removed to the village of Alburg village, and built what is known as the 
"Bell House," continuing the hotel business to date; he also deals in coal. 

In 1877 he [Ora O. BELL] married [Miss?] Minerva HALL of Isle la Motte [Grand 
Isle County, Vermont]; they have one daughter, Ethel Bessie, Mrs. E. E. LORD. 
Mr. BELL is a Republican; was county sheriff 1904-1908; constable four 
years; school director 1897-1900; selectman 1894-1897, 1905-1906, and from 
1907 to the present time. He is an attendant of the Methodist Church; and 
member of Columbus Lodge No. 11, Free & Accepted Masons, of Alburg.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly