Thomas Bell was one of Stephen F. Austin's colonists, having moved to Texas in 1824 although one record has him entering the colony as early as 1822.

As head of a committee in Cedar Lake, a Thomas Bell corresponded with Austin on how to deal with the Karankawa Indians in October 1825.

A Thomas Bell served in Captain John York's volunteer company from September to December 1835, including the Siege of Béxar.

[2] Since a new county seat to replace San Felipe was desired, he along with his brother James Bell donated the land on which Bellville was founded in 1846.

The Thomas Bell of Bellville along with his brother-in-law Benjamin Granville donated land to the Methodist Church on Piney Creek.