James F. Bell
Is a native of the county. He was born in Oak Run township in January, 1872. He attended the district school and worked with his father at farming. At 19 he was the teacher in the very school house he was formerly a pupil. For eight years he taught, worked and studied. Entering the Ohio State University, College of Law, he graduated in the class of '99, and June 7th of that year was admitted to the Bar. In 1902, he was admitted to practice in the United States Courts.
June 27, 1899, he was married to Miss Rowena Moore, and in the spring of 1900, located in London, where he at once began the practice of his profession. He has made a marked success at the bar, winning his cases and inspiring the confidence of clients and public. Mr. Bell is a Democrat and takes an interest in his party, and it in turn has shown its appreciation. Nominated for Mayor of London, he surprised the people by winning the race by a large majority. He is making a business-like administration, and his party has other honors in store for him, a Common Pleas Judgship being in line. Mr. Bell is a prominent Odd Fellow and popular in all walks of life and among all classes.
From Madison Democrat 50th Anniversary - Published by the Madison Democrat, 1908