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Studiousness, combined with
the habit of thoroughness, has brought John Montgomerie-Bell to a
position of prominence at the Calgary bar and he conducts his law
practice with strict regard for the highest ethical standards of the
profession. He was born in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, June 18,
1879, and his parents, Mathew and Jane (Cockburn) Montgomerie-Bell, were
also natives of that country. The father was one of the leading
barristers of Edinburgh, where he successfully followed his profession
for many years. His death occurred in that city in February, 1917, while
the mother passed away in September, 1897.
The public schools of his
native city afforded John Montgomerie-Bell his early educational
advantages and he afterward became a student at Edinburgh Academy and
Edinburgh University, graduating from the latter institution on the
completion of a course in law, it being his desire to follow in the
professional footsteps of his father. In 1904, when a young man of
twenty-five, he severed home ties and started for the States, making his
way to the Pacific Northwest. For two years he operated a fruit ranch in
the celebrated Yakima valley of Washington and in 1906 crossed the
border into Canada, locating in Calgary, Alberta. In the following year
he returned to Edinburgh and entered a law office of that city, in which
he remained until 1911, when the lure of the new world brought him back
to Canada. He spent a short time in Vancouver, British Columbia, and in
September, 1912, returned to Calgary, entering the law offices of
Lougheed & Bennett. He continued with that firm until 1916, when he
enlisted for service in the World war, and was later commissioned a
lieutenant. He went overseas with the Fiftieth Battalion and
participated in several major operations on the western front. He was
wounded on January 18, 1918, and returned to Canada in October,
receiving his discharge in December, 1918. For two years thereafter he
had charge of the information and service branches of the Soldiers'
Civil Reestablishment bureau and on the expiration of that period he
devoted a year to agency work. In November, 1921, he resumed the
practice of law, remaining alone until July, 1922, when he was joined by
C. W. Coole, who received the LL. B. degree from Cambridge University of
England and is now a member of the firm, which has taken its place with
the foremost in the city.
In April, 1913, Mr.
Montgomerie-Bell married Miss Jean Macleod, the youngest daughter of
Colonel James F. and Mary (Drever) Macleod, the former of whom died in
1894. The mother survives and is now a resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Montgomerie-Bell: Helen
Rothnie, whose birth occurred in December, 1914; and Roma Macleod, born
in June, 1920. Mr. Montgomerie-Bell adheres to the teachings of the
Anglican church and is one of the vestrymen of Christ church of that
denomination at Elbow Park, a suburb of Calgary. His political support
is given to the Conservative party, and while he has never sought nor
held public office, he is deeply interested in all that pertains to the
welfare and progress of his adopted city. He is a member of the Calgary
Golf & Country Club and during his student days took an active part in
athletic sports, in which he excelled, being particularly well known for
his prowess as a football player. At the outset of his professional
career he learned the necessity for thorough preparation and never
enters a courtroom without being fully prepared to present his case in
the strong, clear light of sound reasoning, based upon the fact and the
law. He is thoroughly alive to the dignity and responsibility of his
profession and has gained the respect and esteem of his fellow
practitioners and the confidence of the general public. |
