(b.1799 - d.1869) Invented the reaping machine which was a direct precursor of the modern combine harvester. Born in Auchterhouse, near Dundee, he studied divinity at St Andrews University. Although designed in 1827, it was not until 1843 when Bell was ordained as minister at Carmyllie (near Arbroath), that the machine was brought into general use, following years of testing. His original machine was purchased by the Science Museum in London (1869), with a smaller model going to the Royal Scottish Museum (1870) which is now displayed in the Scottish Agricultural Museum. Bell's workbench and tools can be seen at the Angus Folk Museum at Glamis. He is buried at Carmyllie Church, where he is commemorated in the windows of the church.

Derived from the Gazetteer for Scotland with permission.

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