Bell, Andrew, 1757-1843

Andrew Bell, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bell (d. 1778), was born on June 4, 1757 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family moved to New Jersey where he was a law student of Cortlandt Skinner at the outbreak of the Revolution. Bell, a loyalist, joined the royal army in New York and in December of 1776 was appointed a clerk in the office of the British Commander in New York. He served under various men in that office, including Sir Henry Clinton and Sir Guy Carleton, and was involved in a number of skirmishes, including the Battle of Monmouth. In 1779, patriots confiscated the New Jersey estate Bell had inherited upon his father's death the year before. Bell's sister, Cornelia (1755-1783), however, married William Paterson (1745-1806), an active patriot, creating ties to both the loyalists and the patriots for the Bell family. At the close of the war, Bell settled in Perth Amboy, New Jersey and started over as a merchant. He was successful despite uncertain times and his loyalist background, and was appointed the collector of Perth Amboy's port in 1800 for the final year of John Adams' presidency. During this time period, he was also the deputy surveyor general of the East Jersey Proprietors and for approximately thirty-five years, ca. 1806-1842, served as the surveyor general. During his lifetime, he was active in St. Peter's Church of Perth Amboy. On September 23, 1782, Andrew Bell married the widow Susannah Moore (b. 1755), the daughter of Margaret and Daniel O'Brien, in New York City. They never had children. Andrew Bell died in Perth Amboy on July 19, 1843.

From the description of Andrew Bell Papers, 1745-1866, 1770-1820. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 61315387

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