He was born at Berwick-upon-Tweed in England, the son of James Bell, a merchant of 'gentry stock' who served two terms as the town's Mayor.
When John Lees retired from business in 1791, they became agents for Alexander and George Davison, who were suppliers to the British troops in North America.
Bell and Monro also managed the king's posts on the north shore of the lower Saint Lawrence River and, in 1793, held a share in the lease of the Saint-Maurice ironworks.
Bell was invited to serve on the Special Council that governed the province after the rebellion but did not accept the offer.
Their daughter Catherine married Edward Greive, who represented Trois-Rivières in the legislative assembly of the Province of Canada.