Bell, Frank, Jr.

(1893-1963) was the son of early La Marque settlers Flavery and Frank Bell, Sr. Although he received little formal education, he was able to achieve business success and became a respected civic leader in La Marque's African American community. Bell served in the U. S. Army during World War I and later was stationed in this area. He retired from the army and began working in the oil industry in Texas City. In 1938 he began a real estate career with the purchase of land in La Marque which he and partner Will Mentor subdivided into residential lots. As a partner in the B A & P Realty Company Bell helped develop a number of residential subdivisions in La Marque's African American communities in the 1940s. Bell gained a reputation for fairness in his real estate dealings and as owner of a neighborhood store and gas station. A behind-the-scenes force in local affairs, he served on Galveston County's Negro Chamber of Commerce and was often referred to as La Marque's unofficial African American mayor. Bell played a vital role in the creation of Carver Park and in obtaining needed funds to enhance the religious, educational, and recreational opportunities for the city's African American community. Sesquicentennial of texas Statehood 1845 - 1995

Bell, Frank, Jr. is a historical marker in La Marque, Galveston County, dedicated in 1994. It is one of 281 historical markers documented in Galveston County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 352 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.3686, -94.9716 near La Marque. The nearest cataloged historic site is La Marque (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Rising Star, Kelsey Family, and Settlement Community.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5167000065. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.