Mathew Bell (1769 – June 24, 1849) was a seigneur, businessman and political figure in Lower Canada. His first name is also sometimes recorded as Matthew. He was born at Berwick-upon-Tweed in England, the son of James Bell, a merchant of 'gentry stock' who served two terms as the town's Mayor. Bell came to Quebec around 1784 and worked as a clerk for merchant John Lees. In 1790, he started an importing business in partnership with David Monro; they owned a store at Quebec and their own ships. When John Lees retired from business in 1791, they became agents for Alexander and George Davison, who were suppliers to the British troops in North America. Bell and Monro also managed the king's posts on the north shore of the lower Saint Lawrence River and, in 1793, held a share in the lease of the