Charles James Bell | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Charles_J._Bell.jpg) Official Vermont State House portrait | |
| 50th Governor of Vermont | |
| In office October 6, 1904 – October 4, 1906 | |
| Lieutenant | Charles H. Stearns |
| Preceded by | John G. McCullough |
| Succeeded by | Fletcher D. Proctor |
| Member of the Vermont Senate from Caledonia County | |
| In office 1894–1896 Serving with L. Downer Hazen | |
| Preceded by | Albro F. Nichols Benjamin F. Lincoln |
| Succeeded by | George P. Blair Lorenzo W. Hubbard |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from Walden | |
| In office 1882–1884 | |
| Preceded by | Davison S. Ferguson |
| Succeeded by | None (position not filled) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 10, 1845 Walden, Vermont, US |
| Died | September 25, 1909 (aged 64) New York City, US |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Louisa Perry (1849–1918) |
| Children | 2 |
| Profession | Farmer Horse breeder |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 15th Vermont Infantry Regiment 1st Vermont Cavalry Regiment |
| Wars | American Civil War |
Charles James Bell (March 10, 1845 – September 25, 1909), a Republican, was the 50th governor of Vermont from 1904 to 1906.
A native of Walden, Vermont, Bell was educated locally and attended Peacham Academy. He enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War and served in the 15th Vermont Infantry Regiment and 1st Vermont Cavalry Regiment. He was wounded at Appomattox Station in April 1865 and was mustered out in June. After leaving the army, Bell became a successful farmer and horse breeder.
In addition to farming and breeding horses, Bell served in local offices and was a member of both the Vermont House of Representatives (1882–1884) and Vermont Senate (1894–1895). He served on the state Board of Railroad Commissioners (1894–1896), State Board of Agriculture (1896–1904), and was Secretary of the state Board of Cattle Commissioners (1898–1902).
In 1904, Bell was the successful Republican nominee for governor and he served one term, 1904 to 1906. After leaving office, he returned to his farming and horse-raising enterprises. Bell became ill while visiting New York City, and died at Grand Central Station while on board a train preparing to return to Vermont. He was buried at North Walden Cemetery, North Walden, Vermont.