James Bell

Who is James Bell?

James Bell was born in Scotland and came to Canada about 1765 or shortly after with his wife, a cousin of Gabriel Christie, and family.

With solid connections in Canada, Bell quickly established himself as a merchant trading in products such as wheat, meat, spirits, building materials, carriages, and horses. He attained notability in history for his opportunist trading, most notably during the American invasion of 1775–76.and the period immediately following that conflict. He was not directed in his commerce by the causes but by the opportunities to make money. During his affiliation with the American forces, he rendered services to people such as brigadiers-general Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, and Benedict Arnold His knowledge of the area and his firm connections in trade allowed him to supply valuable and timely service. A particular part of his activity involved overseeing the repair work on Fort Chambly.

After the Americans left Quebec, Bell offered his services to the British and was involved in construction on a variety of military projects. He then accompanied a British force led by Major-General John Burgoyne to Fort Ticonderoga and subsequently to Fort George to engage the American army.