G. S. & R. W. Bell
G.S. & R.W. Bell is the style of the leading Dry Goods House of the place, and an enterprise worthy an extended notice in this connection. This house was originally established in the year 1861 by G.S. Bell and R.B. Morrow, under the name of Bell & Morrow. This alliance continued about two and a half years, when Mr. M. withdrew, leaving Mr. B. alone. In 1868 the present firm was organized, Mr. R.W. Bell taking an interest in the concern. Both gentlemen are natives of this place, and for the past 22 years Mr. G.S. Bell has been identified with its mercantile interests. His brother was for a number of years previous to entering in the present enterprise in California. They are great-grandsons of Robert Bell founder of Bellville and in honor of whom the town was names. They are at the head of an enterprise that will compare favorably with those of large cities. The stock embraces a general line of dry goods, notions, clothing, groceries, boots, shoes, &c., and is full and complete in every respect. Their stock is the largest and most complete in the place, and they are also doing the leading business. Messrs. Bell Brothers are men of progressive ideas, who believe in themselves and the town, and none have done more to advance its interests, and there are none more worthy of success.
From THE BellVILLE WEEKLY: January 2, 1874, Vol. 2, No. 44