Born John Joseph Thornhill, he was John Bell Thornhill by 1899 when he enlisted in the army. Bell being his mother's maiden name
1879 Apr 29 born Mayo
1899 Nov 14 Enlisted #6798 in 4th R Lancs Regt. Militia. He was living in Manchester
1900 Feb 12 Posted to South Africa
1900 Aug 10 Deserted at Lancaster
1902 Feb 5. returned to UK
1905 May 13. Purchased his discharge
1911 census He is a Wireworker's Labourer in Hospital at Chorlton upon Medlock. He is now John Bell Thornhill
1915 Jan 15 married Lancs to Elizabeth A Devitt
1921 Jun 21 enlisted with RIC no 81784. Clerk & ex-soldier.
1922 Jan 20 disbanded
1939 Register 259 Oldham Road, Rochdale, Manchester. He is widowed and a Compounder Rubber Works
1953 Jan/Mar died Manchester