Samuel Bell was born in 1798 in Pennsylvania. He served his apprenticeship in an arms factory, and made swords for the war of 1812.
He moved to Tennessee in 1819, and opened a shop in Knoxville. He manufactured hand-made jewlery, silver spoons, spurs, swords, pistol and sword handles mounted in gold and set with precious stones, silver cups, and many other items including “Bowie” type knives.
Mr. Bell was not only a silversmith and jeweler. In 1840 he was elected Mayor of Knoxville. He served until 1842, and was elected again in 1844 through 1846. In 1852, Mr. Bell lost his business through bankruptcy and moved to San Antonio, Texas.
c 1819-1852