Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-11-30
Dr.. lyons
P8REoT
Tooth Powder
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and fragrance to the breath.

= - - 49, -
who has been associated with Col. Bell
for many years, was much affected by
the news of the latter's death.
1T would be difficult for me to make
really clear how much his loss will mean
to many of us personally and to the
Guard" said Gen. Harries. HE was
one of the hardest and at the same time
most efficient workers the Guard ever
had. We owe much Of the present eff
cheney, particularly in small arms work,
to his untring efforts.
Col. Bell had wonderful qualities which
he brought into playa wonderful COM
bination Of qualities. which made him
the happy faculty of getting work done
and at the same time commanding and
holding the love Of those whom lie COM
handed
wants he filled in the Guard and in the
lives of his friends. He was a dear per-
sonal friend Of mine for many years.
Native Of Virginia.
James Z. Bell was born near Freder-
icksburg, Va. July 81. 1916. When he
was two years old his parents moved
to Washington. In this city he received
the common school education until he
reached his sixteenth year.
At the outbreak Of the Civil War,
young Bell left home and identified
himself with the commissary depart
ment of Michigan regiment. After
a little more than a year of this, the
situation OF his family required his
return to Washington.
In April. 1852. he obtained employ
ment as letter carrier in the city post
office, then squat franc building
on street between 18th and 18th
streets. From the time he entered
the service, a lad Of Is years, Bell made
himself felt.
Promotion followed promotion. He
finally worked his way to the top Of his
division.
In 1882, after twenty. years. service, he
was appointed superintendent Of city de-
livery. From the time he entered the
service until he accepted less arduous
duties as superintendent Of the George
town branch post Office a few years ago.
Col. Bell saw the force he finally directed
increase 300 per cent
On his shoulders fell the task Of plan
ming and putting into effect most Of the
changes and improvements in adminis-
tration. Col. Bell was responsible for ar
ranging and placing furniture and equip
ment tn the big city delivery room in the
post Office. a work that required much
thought and expert knowledge. The room
and equipment is looked upon as a model.
FortyEight Years. Service.
In, his forty-eight years service Col.
Bell saw changes in everything, from adj
| ministrations to buildings In the course
of his work he served under thirteen diff
ferent postmasters. as follows: 9. H.
Bowen, Lewis Clephane, Alexander,
Judge ]. NJ. Edmunds, D. b. Anger,
Thomas L. Tullock, F. B. Conger, John
w. Ross. Henry Sherwood, James r.
Wil1ett, John A. Merritt, F. e. Barnes
and N. A. Merritt.
Col. Bell was one Of the best liked
officers in the District National Guard.
With a reputation for working night
the Guard, Uncle Jimmie" as he was
affectionately known, was credited
with fathering and fostering the enthu-
siasm which begot crack rifle teams
and high general proficiency In marks
manship.
Entering the organization as flrst
lieutenant and inspector of rifle prac-
tice Of the old LIST Regiment. in 1885
Col. Bell Immediately started to stir
up enthusiasm in the particular work
under his direction. In January, 1890,
he was appointed captain and inspector
Of rifle practice for the I'd Regiment,
and, in 1897. was appointed major and
inspector general of rife practice. Dis
eiASl VI NOluAiU1c ~AAAilAas SuCCccUAAS 6cu'
HarrieS.
Last July he received his commission
as lieutenant colonel. The following
month he was retired because of the
age requirement in the new militia law.
He was assigned to active duty, how
ever. and had continued as inspector
of small arms practice to the time Of his
death.
His last work for the guard was the
annual report of summer rifle practice,
which he completed a little more than
two weeks ago, when very i'll.
Father Of National Tournament.
Col. Bell took personal interest in the
District National Guard rife team, and
spent many hours training candidates. To
this training much Of the success that has
attended the teams from the local organ
ization at national shoots is attributed.
Col. Bell, it is declared, really was the
father Of the big national match tour
nament which is conducted annually. He
was the first one to advance the idea. and
the plans he proposed were ultimately
carried out. The last national match was
held at Camp Perry, Ohio.
Col. Bell became widely known IN
Washington and throughout the country
through his connection with the inaug-
urai committees for the last eight ad-
ministrations. Beginning with the in
auguration of President Garfield, Col.
Bell served first as member and later
as chairman of the committee on COM
ff,r OF ba Ia eight administrations