Sarah was born 27 September 1860 Hamilton, South Australia, the twelfth child of Richard Nourse and Mary Ann Bickford. On the 14 July 1842 Sarah married James Bell in the Wesleyan Church, Petersburg(Now known as Peterborough). James was born 11 December1858, South Australia, the son of William Bell and Mary Ann Hutton.
Sarah was a Nurse at Gnowangerup before and after her marriage to James Bell who was the owner of the well regarded blacksmith’s business in the growing town.
A slight, delicate, outstanding nurse at illness, accident or childbirth.
It is said she attended over 100 births never lost a mother or baby, a record to be truly proud of in those times. Well known and well-loved.

Sarah became known as the district midwife after assisting Mrs Pearl Black in 1911. Reputed to have been the first white child born in Gnowangerup.

James was very involved in the community and a JP.

The home they built in Gnowangerup stills stands (2010)
James and Sarah left Gnowangerup and moved to Victoria Park , Perth in 1921, and were always fondly remembered.
James died in Perth 18 January 1930 age 70. Sarah died at her son Arthur Bell’s property at Marybrook on the 9 May 1947. Both are buried in Karrakatta Cemetery.