Bell, Thomas JP

“The death occurred on Saturday evening at his residence, Hesleyside, Bellingham, of Mr. Thomas Bell, J.P., perhaps the most prominent man in the local commercial community and one of Newcastle’s foremost citizens. A native of Yorkshire, Mr. Bell was in his 73rd year and his death is to be indirectly associated with a motor accident at Matfen Piers during the summer when his car and two motor cyclists came into violent collision. One of the cyclists was killed and Mr. Bell never fully recovered from the injuries he sustained on that occasion. He had for fifty years been associated with the commercial and public life of Tyneside in many capacities, his good heart and genial manner, as well as his business integrity and capacity, rendering him universally respected and admired.”

[Abridged from] The Yorkshire Post, Monday, September 21, 1914