George Henrich Bell (b. 24 Mar 1728 – d. 24 Apr 1807) enlisted in Klock’s Regiment of the Tyron County Militia in May or June 1776. Captain Bell commanded a company at the battle of Oriskany. One of his sons was killed in the battle and another was killed trying to run away. Bell escorted General Herkimer from the battle to his home, but he was taken prisoner and imprisoned in Quebec until 1778, when he was exchanged at the Albany.
Captain Bell later served as a justice as well as in the New York Assembly in 1779, and when he died, an inventory of his estate included “one negro wench.” Captain Bell married Catherine Herkimer Bell (b. 10 Aug 1739 – d. after 1807) on 19 Jun 1753.
An inquiry into Captain Bell’s military record from the NARA turned up three pay records for “George Henry Bell” for service as a private and a guide under Col. Peter Bellinger of the 4th NY State Regiment of Militia, including eight days for “Gen. Herkimer’s Battle, August 6, 1777.
References and Notes
SERV: PS NY ANC #021023 from NSSAR Patriot Index edition III.
Bell is listed on p. 218 of the DAR Patriot Index, Centennial Edition, as “Captain NY.”