Charles J. Bell

Charles James Bell (March 10-1845 – September 25 1909), was a Republican and the 50th Governor for the U.S. State of Vermont between 1904 and 1906.

A native of Walden, Vermont, Bell was educated locally and attended Peacham Academy. He enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and served in the 15th Vermont Infantry Regiment and 1st Vermont Cavalry Regiment. In April 1865, he was injured at Appomattox Station. He was then mustered out in June. Bell was a successful farmer after he left the army.

A Republican, Bell served in local offices, and was a member of both the Vermont House of Representatives (1882-1883) and Vermont Senate (1894-1895). Bell was a member of the state Board of Railroad Commissioners (1894-1896), the state Board of Agriculture (1896-1904), and Secretary of the state Board of Cattle Commissioners (1898-1902).

Bell, a Republican nominee for governor in 1904, was elected and served one term (1904-1906). After leaving office, he returned to his farming and horse raising enterprises. Bell became ill while visiting New York City, and died at Grand Central Station while on board a train preparing to return to Vermont. He was buried at North Walden Cemetery, North Walden, Vermont.