United States Naval Officer. Appointed as a midshipman at the age of 15, Bell served consistently afloat in the West Indies, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea upon the frigates the United States and the Constitution. Through the years, Bell rose to the rank of Commander, which he was appointed in 1854, and sailed to the East Indies as commanding officer of the steamer San Jacinto. During the Civil War, he was Fleet Captain of West Gulf Blockading Squadron, which was involved in operations along the Mississippi River, including the capture of New Orleans. This service led to his appointment of Commodore. After the Civil War, Bell was sent to the Far East and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1867. That summer, he led the Formosa Expedition, which was in response to an attack on an American bark that occurred at the island. After the expedition failed, the Formosans continued to attack, which resulted with the intervention of the Japanese, after their own vessels were attacked. During the later part of 1867 and the beginning of 1868, Bell stationed his squadron in Osaka Bay, to pressure the Japanese government to open Hyogo Port, which was sanctioned to be done on January 1, 1868. After a failure to open the port, Bell made his way to shore on January 11th. During heavy seas, his boat capsized and the entire crew, except for three men, perished. In honor of his service, the US Navy has named two destroyers for him.
United States Naval Officer. Appointed as a midshipman at the age of 15, Bell served consistently afloat in the West Indies, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea upon the frigates the United States and the Constitution. Through the years, Bell rose to the rank of Commander, which he was appointed in 1854, and sailed to the East Indies as commanding officer of the steamer San Jacinto. During the Civil War, he was Fleet Captain of West Gulf Blockading Squadron, which was involved in operations along the Mississippi River, including the capture of New Orleans. This service led to his appointment of Commodore. After the Civil War, Bell was sent to the Far East and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1867. That summer, he led the Formosa Expedition, which was in response to an attack on an American bark that occurred at the island. After the expedition failed, the Formosans continued to attack, which resulted with the intervention of the Japanese, after their own vessels were attacked. During the later part of 1867 and the beginning of 1868, Bell stationed his squadron in Osaka Bay, to pressure the Japanese government to open Hyogo Port, which was sanctioned to be done on January 1, 1868. After a failure to open the port, Bell made his way to shore on January 11th. During heavy seas, his boat capsized and the entire crew, except for three men, perished. In honor of his service, the US Navy has named two destroyers for him.
Bio by: Eric B Stone
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