The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1908-02-24
JUDGE JOSEPH BELL

Elsewhere will be found the an
Of Judge Joseph Bell, cam
didate for reelection for the office of
judge.
1t will be remembered that on Aug
ust 18th. 1905, Judge Bell took charge
Of our county judgship to fill the unex-
pired. term of the late Judge Robert
Bullock, which term will expire in
January, 1909.
While Judge Bell is just twenty
eight years Of age, his past admins
tratiOn Of the office of county judge
has demonstrated to our people that
youth should not be held as a criticism
against a young man coming into our
public life and has substantiated the
predictions Of his friends that though
a young man, he would prove himself
worthy of the trust conferrd upon him
and would prove to be a capable and
upright official" An inquiry among
the lawyers of our county and of our
citizens who have transacted business
Will OuuSC DCh tIC AdSt
that he has always been courteous.
obliging and fair and capable in the
administration Of his office and we
simply voice the expressions of those
whose business has brought them in
touch with Judge Bell and the county
had occasion to note the system ap-
piled and say that older and perha ps
wiser men have adorned that position.
but none have shown greater aptitude
in establishing a more perfect system
in the compilation Of it's records and
believe that today the condition of our
county judges office stands second to
none within the state for thoroughness
and system. Judge Bell has demon
strated that he has every qualification
for the very important position he
holds. and that he has been faithful to
the trust none can deny.
Although Judge Bell has only been
in the public eye few years, he is no
stranger to the people Of Marion coun-
ty. for he is truly product of Marion.
having been born on q farm two miles
east of Ocala in 1879 and in the years
that are told" has been a part Of our
county, growing up with it: farmer
boy attending our schools, reading law
in the office Of Col. Otis T. Green, of
Ocala, from 1899 to 1902 and compet-
ing his studies at the University of
Virginia, and finally casting his lot
here among us in his native county
as a lawyer, an official and as citizen
has won the confidence and esteem OF
the public.
Mr. Bells parents came to Florida in
| 1850. His father. Joseph Bell. was a
Carolnian; his mother, Mrs. Jeffie F.
Bell was born at Fort Valley. Ga. His
father was one Of the invincile Con
federate veterans. 4 brave soldier under
! General ]. J. DiCkCrSOn and an uncOm-
! promising democrat, SO that Mr.. Bells
antecedentS are Of a kind that will bea
inspection and his citizenship since he
came to manhood to high ideals He
became member Of the Ocala Rifles ir
1899 and his devotion to the duties
| Of a citizen soldier has so won the
confidence and esteem of his comrades
in our state militia that they have pro-
NOTED him from the ranks to first lieu
tenant and he is now assigned as ad-
jutant of the third battalion, second
infantry Of our state troops. Judge
! Bell is IA member Of the Ocala Board OF
Trade and public spirited man ant
no interests of our county or city have
| been brought to his notice but that HI