Obituaries Australia

Lewis Bell, n.d.

from Pastoral Review and Graziers' Record, 16 June 1951

Mr. Lewis Bell, of Alma, Booligal, N.S.W., whose death on 21st April at the age of 61 was briefly recorded in these columns last month, devoted practically the whole of his life to the pastoral industry and was particularly well known throughout the Western Division of New South Wales. He was born at Alma Station in 1889, and after completing his education at Scotch College, Melbourne, returned to the property to assist in the management with his brother, the late Mr. Alexander Bell, who was later killed in action during the first World War.

Mr. Bell's father, the late Mr. Lewis Bell, originally went on to Alma Station in 1876, and in the same year established a Merino stud with the progeny of rams purchased from Charles Fisher, of Hill River, Clare, S.A., and ewes acquired from C. C. Cox, of Brombee, Mudgee, N.S.W. The stud has remained in existence ever since and produces an excellent type of sheep for the semi-arid conditions of the Western Division.

In addition to carrying on the management of Alma Station and the Merino flock along the careful lines laid down by his father, Mr. Lewis Bell gave a great deal of his time and energy to public life in the Booligal and surrounding districts. He was a member of the Balranald P.P. Board for some years and of the Marrowie Creek Water Trust, and he did much to maintain interest in the Western Lessees' Association. He was also adviser and friend to many of his neighbours who looked to him for guidance in difficult times.

Mr. Bell is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Isabel Waugh, daughter of the late William Waugh, of Clare Station, Balranald, N.S.W., and by their two children, Lewis A. W. Bell, who served with the R.A.N. in the second World War, and Miss Anne Bell.