James Martin BELL, Congress, OH (1796-1849)
BELL, James Martin, a Representative from Ohio; born in Huntingdon County, Pa., October 16, 1796; attended the public schools; studied law in Steubenville, Ohio; was admitted to the bar in 1817 and commenced practice in Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio; served as major general of the Fifteenth Division, Ohio Militia; prosecuting attorney of Guernsey County 1818-1832; member of the State house of representatives 1826-1831, serving as speaker in 1830 and 1831; master commissioner in 1827; justice of the peace in 1830; county school examiner in 1830; elected as an Anti-Jacksonian to the Twenty-third Congress (March 4, 1833-March 3, 1835); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1834 to the Twenty-fourth Congress; resumed the practice of law; served as mayor of Cambridge from 1838 to 1840; died in Cambridge, Ohio, on April 4, 1849; interment in Foundersâ Burial Ground.
Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present
