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FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE

DR. FRANK J. BELL
Pioneer Curtiss Aviator

Dr. Frank J. Bell was born at Potosi, Wisconsin, January 14, 1880. He attended local grade and high schools, then graduated in dentistry at the University of Iowa in 1903.

After graduation he visited a sister in Helena, Montana, liked it there and started his practice in Billings, Montana. In 1911 he contracted tuberculosis and was forced to give up his practice, so moved to southern California for his health.

There Bell became interested in the Curtiss Flying School at North Island, San Diego and as a result became a close friend of Glenn Curtiss. Mechanically inclined, and for something to do, he helped caring for the planes and engines at the school, which led to his taking flying lessons, personally directed by Curtiss. He flew his tests for a pilot license on December 7, 1912 and was granted F.A.I. Certificate No. 196, dated January 8, 1913.

Bell ordered a Curtiss plane and while awaiting delivery did some instructing at the Curtiss School for a brief period. When ready, his plane was shipped to his former home in Billings, Montana where Bell began flying it at once. On May 27th he flew over the city, then on to Laurel and Park City, Montana where he flew exhibitions.
He soon found he could keep busy at exhibition work at fairs and public celebrations in Montana and adjoining states during the summer seasons, then
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