Frank Bell, Jr.
La Marque, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(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
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Frank Bell, Jr. (1893–1963), son of early La Marque settlers, overcame limited schooling to become one of the most influential figures in his community. A World War I Army veteran who later worked in the Texas City oil industry, he turned to real estate in 1938 and helped develop numerous residential subdivisions serving La Marque's African American families. Known for fairness and quiet influence, he served on the county's Negro Chamber of Commerce and was called the town's unofficial African American mayor.
Why it matters
Bell's work building homes, businesses, and civic institutions shows how Black leaders created opportunity and community amid the constraints of the segregation era.
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Related people
- · Frank Bell, Jr.
- · Will Mentor
Themes & tags
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