Alphonzo Bell 1875 – 1947

Biography

Alphonzo Bell was born on September 29, 1875, in Los Angeles, during a formative era for both the city and the American West. Over the course of his life, he became known as an oil millionaire, building substantial wealth during a period of significant petroleum industry expansion. His success in the oil business reflected both the opportunities of his time and his own business acumen, establishing him as a prominent figure in early California’s economic development.

Beyond his achievements in the petroleum industry, Bell was also recognized as a tennis player, demonstrating his commitment to both professional pursuits and athletic endeavors. His interests extended beyond business, revealing a well-rounded individual who engaged with the recreational and sporting culture of his era. This combination of commercial success and sporting participation made him a notable personality within Los Angeles society.

Alphonzo Bell remained a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, the city of his birth. He passed away on December 27, 1947, at seventy-two years old, concluding a life spent largely in the place where it began. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, a final resting place befitting his prominence and standing in the community.