Page:Men of Mark in America vol 1.djvu/215

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JAMES MONTGOMERY BELL
141

Lutheran denomination. His principal relaxation he finds in tennis, golf, and horseback riding.

In youth his health was good and most of his time was passed in the country, on his father's farm. He was deeply interested in reading of the campaigns of great military leaders, and was profoundly impressed by the appearance of the Pennsylvania militia at their annual musters. In the choice of a profession he was allowed to follow his own inclination. Among the influences which have tended to form his character and help him in his work, he names his mother, and his early home life, as paramount. Next came the school and the teacher, of whom he says: "The sturdy character of the Irish schoolmaster of the old log schoolhouse, with his bundle of rods in the corner of the room, gave me the idea of discipline as necessary to success in any calling of life." As a kindly and helpful suggestion he would say to each of his young readers, "Be true to yourself and honest with your fellow men. Therein lies all the gospel."