Obituaries Australia

Henry Bell, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 September 1926

The death of Mr. Henry Wyatt Bell, which occurred on the 26th July last at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Sydney, removes a fine, courtly and much esteemed man from the pastoral world of Australia. To say that he was a noble minded and lovable man sums up the universal opinion of those who had the privilege of his friendship, and the world is the better for his life in it. Sympathetic, kindly and charitable, he cheered many a one on in the battle of life. He understood human nature and was ever ready to make allowance for the frailties of others. The influence of his character and fine personality upon those with whom he was brought in contact will remain a lasting testimony to one who always sought to do the right thing, whether in business or in private life.

He was born at Carinda, Singleton, New South Wales, a property granted by the Crown to his father, the Hon. Archibald Bell, in recognition of his discovery of a route to Bell on the Blue Mountains. He was in his eightieth year at the time of his death. He was educated at The King's School, Parramatta, and after leaving there in 1857 entered the office of Mr. Jacob Montifiore. At an early age he became identified with pastoral pursuits, and managed Pickering in the Denman district for his father. Later on as joint owner of Pickering with his brother, the late Frederick Bell, he resided there for some years. This partnership, which was a life-long one, was marked by an exceptionally fine spirit, the brothers being bound up in their loyalty to and affection for each other.

In 1873 he, with his brother and the late Albert Dangar, purchased Noorindoo Station, Queensland. In conjunction with his brother he established and built up the well known red Shorthorn herd at Pickering.

As a young man he was a fine athlete, and up to the time of his death took a keen interest in sport.

Mr. Bell was for many years a director of various commercial companies, and was deeply interested in any undertaking that had for its object the development of the pastoral and agricultural industry of Australia. He was a member of the Warrigal Club, where he resided for the past sixteen years. He was unmarried, and is survived by two sisters, Mrs. George White and Mrs. F. G. Weaver. A photo of the late Mr. Bell will appear in our next issue.