ROBERT BELL, the genial and companionable proprietor of the Pennsylvania House, at Freeport, has been for many years officiating as “mine host,” and takes particular pride in conducting a well-ordered establishment, conspicuous for its neatness and comfort. He has been a resident of this county since the spring of 1843, when he started out on horseback from the State of Pennsylvania, and after a tedious ride of about four weeks, made his entrance into what is now Lancaster Township, and went to work upon a farm. Soon afterward he established a claim of his own where a small log house had been erected. He began the cultivation and improvement of a quarter section, and not long afterward took unto himself a wife and helpmeets, Miss Eliza Ann McCool, whose family, formerly of Pennsylvania, had migrated to the West a few years before. The young people commenced life together in the humblest manner, and remained upon the farm thus opened up from the wilderness for several years. Mr. Bell then sold out, removed to Freeport, and was appointed Superintendent of the County Poor Farm. This position he held three years, and in the meantime brought about great improvements in its condition. Two years later he purchased the Tremont House, which he conducted two and one-half years, and for the next twelve months lived in the enjoyment of private life. At the expiration of that time he purchased the Pennsylvania House property, which, besides the hotel included a large stable and nine lots. He took possession of this in May, 1882, and it is now ranked among the best conducted hotels in the western part of the State.

Our subject was born near Lebanon, Pa., in December, 1813. He is the son of James and Catherine (Young) Bell, who after marriage settled in Lebanon, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Their family consisted of four sons and five daughters, Robert being the fifth in order of birth. He grew to manhood in his native county, was educated in the common school, and became skilled in the various employments of farm life. His father in early manhood had learned carpentering, but later employed himself almost exclusively at agriculture. The paternal grandfather of our subject was of Scotch ancestry, and the son of James Bell.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell are the parents of five children, three daughters and two sons. James married Miss Carrie Howland, of Freeport, and is living with his father; Joseph is a resident of Arkansas; Ellen M. is the wife of T. C. Laird, of Nebraska; Lucretia married C. C. Wolf, also of that State, living in Ord; Eva is at home with her parents. Our subject and his estimable lady have been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of forty years. In this church Mr. B. has served as Steward and Trustee, and has always been a liberal contributor to its support and advancement. While a resident of Lancaster Township, he served as a member of the County Board of Supervisors seven years, having resigned upon his removal to Freeport. In early manhood he identified himself wit h the old Whig party, but upon its abandonment assisted in the organization of the Republican party, with which he has since affiliated. He joined the old Washingtonian Society in 1842, and has held firmly to its principles to this day. He is a man whose personal qualities have secured him hosts of friends, and is a general favorite in the large circle of his acquaintances.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888