Samuel Bell & Son

American, active c. 1882–1908

ActiveStrasburg, Virginia, United States

Biographywww.vagenweb.org/shenandoah/hom/S_sbell.html+solomon+samuel+bell+strasburg&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us

This property was known as Bell Pottery. Samuel Bell, a mere youth, came to Strasburg in the summer of 1833, to conduct the pottery recently established there by a German named Beyers. After a short time, he acquired the property and induced his brother Solomon to come to Strasburg and assist him. Samuel Bell "wagoned the wares" while Solomon conducted the shop. An extensive trade was soon established and their product was stamped SOLOMON BELL, although Samuel Bell was the proprietor. Soon after his coming to Strasburg, a local artist, David Yost, made a portrait in oil of him (Samuel Bell). This fine portrait is now in the Bell home, along with many beautiful pieces of pottery of all kinds, all masterpieces.

After the death of Solomon Bell in 1882, the firm name was changed to Samuel Bell & Son, at which time the two sons, Richard F. and Charles F. were received into the proprietorship. Charles F. Bell preserved many of the tools and moulds that were used in the Bell pottery. The formulae for the mixing of the clay, and the preparation of the glazes are in his keeping.

Person TypeCorporate Body