Hi Margaret, 5 April 1891 census at 5 Peter St. shows Robert and Jane Bell and children, John 27, Margaret 18, and Mary J. 17. On the 24 July of that year Margaret gave birth to an illegitimate son by Alexander Abercrombie whom they named Joseph Bell. Alexander and Margaret married on 30 Oct 1893 and went on to produce at least another 14 children, of whom about 4 or 5 survived!!
Mary married a James Harswell 13 July 1894 and had a son named Richard Lennox Harswell on 8 Aug 1894. Joseph and Richard were cousins born in the same street, possibly the same close.
Account in the 16 June 1905 issue of the Ardrossan ans Saltcoats Herald reports; "While bathing in the river Irvine near the shipyard, Richard Harsell (sic) (10) got into difficulties and his cousin, Alex (sic) Abercrombie, Peter Street, Irvine who plunged into the river to his rescue, was drowned. The weight of his clothes dragged him under."
Even them newspapers made errors; Richards surname misspelt, and giving Joseph his father's and younger brother's name. All the documents confirm that it was Joseph. Sad isn't it.
Hope that fills in some gaps.
Merv.
