ASA BELL, Port Jervis, New York.
Many men miss their calling when they first take up the serious problem of life; some are content with partial success and go on year after year working against odds; others realize their mistake and cast about for the occupation that is peculiarly suited to them. Of this last class of men is Asa Bell, who was born in Rockland County, New York, February 25, 1864. He left school at the age of 12 and worked in a grocery store for three years, and then tried the painter's trade for a while. September 1, 1885, he took service as a fireman on the Erie, firing an engine, 549, for Charles Angle. From the very first it was evident that he was in his element, and after a successful service of four years he was promoted to engineer on December 1, 1889, and given engine 551. Since that time he has been continuously in the road's service running freight, and has clearly demonstrated his entire fitness for the responsible position he has been assigned.

On October 6, 1887, Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie McNerney, and they have one child, a fine little boy of 3 years. Mr. Bell is a member of the Jersey City Lodge, B. of L. E., and is highly respected by his many friends.

Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.

The Newburgh Short Cut now boasts having an engine which its engineer, Asa Bell, and fireman, G.H. Clegg, believe is the equal of any of the "red spotters" that traverse the road, and it isn't one of the big fellows either.

The engine in question is 591 of the "F-2" class. Although there's a bell on the top, there's no "Bell" on the sides of the cab, and even that is not worrying Asa. It is learned from Asa that with 591 he runs the "Newburgh and Harriman Limited Express" between Newburgh and Harriman and makes 140 miles per day. Asa also states that his trains are so regularly on time that the passengers are assured of reaching destination at the prescribed hour and all are happy.

The fact that Asa calls 591 one of the cleanest and prettiest engines running on the Erie Railroad is very pleasing to Superintendent Parsons, sponsor for the "Red Spot Club" and he would be glad to have all his engineers and firemen follow the good example shown by Messrs. Bell and Clegg, even though it might cause a bit of friendly rivalry.

The crew of this train consists of Conductor James Nolan, Baggageman Michael Maney, Brakeman William Van Tassel. They are seen in the cut standing beside engine from left to right in the order their names are given. Engineer Bell (with the benign smile) being in the cab and Fireman Clegg standing on the tender.
From the June, 1911 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine

From numerous 1913 through 1915 issues of Erie Railroad Magazine:
New York Division Engineer A. Bell, running engine #591, was listed as being in the Order of the Red Spot for numerous months from 1913 through 1915. The Order was an honor bestowed on engine crews who operated efficiently with few engine failures.

From the October, 1908 issue of the B of LE Locomotive Engineers' Journal:
The wife of Asa Bell of Port Jervis died Sept. 8, 1908 of acute gastritis and valvular disease at the age of 49. She was a member of B of LE GIA Division 66. She held an insurance certificate dated March 5, 1900, payable to husband Asa Bell.