b. 1812 – Virginia
Governor: 1849–1853
Bell received 640 acres in Texas for his participation in the battle of San Jacinto, and 1,080 acres and a headright certificate for one-third league of land for additional service in the Texas army. He joined the Texas Rangers during the Somervell expedition and later served in the U.S. Army under General Zachary Taylor in the U.S.-Mexican War.
Bell was elected governor for two terms. He gained experience in frontier affairs during his military service, which helped inspire confidence in rapidly moving the line of settlement southwestward. Bell was elected governor for two terms but resigned a few months before his second term expired to fill the vacancy in the U.S. Congress caused by the death of David Kaufman. Bell County is named for him.