Senator from the ninth district, Des Moines county, was born at New Boston, Mercer county, Illinois, March 28, 1878, the only son of Vashti Willets Bell and Omer H. Bell. For a number of years represented the Bordens Condensed Milk company of New York, as salesman and supervisor of brokers throughout the United States; served as deputy county auditor Des Moines county, Iowa; served two terms as democratic county chairman, 1912-1916; twice elected mayor of Burlington, Iowa, 1916-1920; member H. Co., Iowa national guard at age fifteen years (with parents' consent). Married Julia E. Leake of Burlington in 1925. Twice democratic candidate for congress first congressional district, 1926 and 1928; member Citizens Water Company board, Burlington, Iowa, appointed 1934. Member following fraternal organizations: F. O. Eagles, B. P. O. Elks, I.O.O.F., Rebeccas, A.O.U.W. Encampment. Elected to the senate in 1934 and served in the forty-sixth, forty-sixth extra and forty-seventh general assemblies. A democrat.

Senator from the ninth district, Des Moines county, was born at New Boston, Mercer county, Illinois, March 28, 1878, the only son of Vashti Willets Bell and Omer H. Bell. For a number of years represented the Bordens Condensed Milk company of New York, as salesman and supervisor of brokers throughout the United States; served as deputy county auditor Des Moines county, Iowa; served two terms as democratic county chairman, 1912-1916; twice elected mayor of Burlington, Iowa, 1916-1920; member H. Co., Iowa national guard at age fifteen years (with parents' consent). Married Julia E. Leake of Burlington in 1925. Twice democratic candidate for congress first congressional district, 1926 and 1928; member Citizens Water Company board, Burlington, Iowa, appointed 1934. Member following fraternal organizations: F.O. Eagles, B.P.O. Elks, I.O.O.F., Rebeccas, A.O.U.W. Encampment. Serving first term in the legislature. A democrat.