My 3XGreat-grandfather, Joseph Bell's employment was given as stationmaster on his son's marriage certificate in 1854. The only reference I can find to a stationmaster of that name is from a death notification entry in the Newcastle Courant -- "Fri. 29 January 1858. At Sprouston, on 19th inst. Mr Joseph Bell, stationmaster, Sprouston and formerly farmer at Greensfield, nr. Alnwick "
The family did farm in Northumberland for many years prior to the 1850s, so this could be "my" Joseph Bell. However it is a common name and I would be grateful if anyone could provide further information on this Joseph Bell. e.g. any entries in local newspapers; was he buried at or near Sprouston and if he was, possible cemeteries. Perhaps a Memorial Inscription? Thank you.