As an orphan, Jane aged 14, came to the Colony to work as a servant under the care of the Children's Friend Society. While she was working for Captain F. Whitfield she gave birth to an illegitimate baby to him and was imprisoned at Rottnest Island for concealing the birth. She was found not guilty of murder of the child. Jane married James Bell (a deserter of the ship HMS 'Driver' on 12 November 1847. They reared 8 children. Jane and James alerted the authorities to the escape of the Fenians. They celebrated their diamond anniversary and were pioneers of Rockingham. The Rockingham Museum contains many articles associated with the Bell family. Jane died 6 December 1909 and James her husband died 1 March 1911. Both are buried at Rockingham.