Bell, M. E
architect, was born Oct. 20, 1847, in Chester, N. H. He conceived the idea of becoming an architect, and studied for the profession; apprenticed himself to an able French architect of St.
Louis, Mo., and was engaged with him in the construction of the capitol buildings at Springfield, Ill., and Des Moines, Iowa, from 1870 to 1876. In the latter year his employer died, and Mr. Bell took charge of the work himself. While engaged upon the Iowa capitol he was tendered, and accepted, the position of supervising architect of the United States treasury.