George Joseph Bell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Joseph Bell
FRSE
|
|
|---|---|
George Joseph Bell, portrait by James Tannock
|
|
| Born | 26 March 1770 |
| Died | 23 September 1843 (aged 73) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Professor of Scots Law |
George Joseph Bell (born March 26, 1770 – died September 23, 1843) was an important Scottish lawyer and legal expert. He taught law at the University of Edinburgh for many years. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, which is a special honor.
George Joseph Bell's Early Life
George Bell was born in Fountainbridge, a part of Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, William Bell, was a church leader. George had two older brothers who became famous surgeons: John Bell and Sir Charles Bell.
When George was just eight years old, he started attending the Royal High School. This was a very good school in Edinburgh. He also went to lectures at the university. He learned from famous thinkers like A. F. Tytler and Dugald Stewart.
Between 1787 and 1788, George studied Scots law. He learned from Professor Hume at the University of Edinburgh. This Professor Hume was the nephew of the well-known philosopher, also named David Hume.
A Career in Law and Teaching
In 1791, George Bell became a member of the Faculty of Advocates. This meant he could work as a lawyer in Scotland. He was good friends with another important person, Francis Jeffrey.
George Bell wrote several important books about law. In 1804, he published a book about bankruptcy law in Scotland. He later made this book much bigger and better in 1826. It was called Commentaries on the Law of Scotland. This book was highly praised by other famous legal experts.
In 1821, George Bell became a Professor of Scots Law. He taught at the University of Edinburgh. This was a very important job. He helped students learn about the laws of Scotland.
Later, in 1831, he got another important role. He became one of the main clerks in Scotland's highest court. In 1833, he led a group that looked into Scotland's bankruptcy laws. He also wrote a smaller book, Principles of the Law of Scotland. This book became a standard textbook for law students.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1805, George Bell married Barbara Shaw. She was the granddaughter of a respected church leader, David Shaw.
For some time, George and Barbara lived on Queen Street in Edinburgh. In his later years, George Bell lived on Darnaway Street.
In 1831, he took over a special job from the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. This job was called Principal Clerk of Session.
George Joseph Bell passed away on September 23, 1843. He is buried in St John's Episcopal Churchyard. This churchyard is located at the west end of Princes Street in Edinburgh.
