His paternal grandparents were Richard Schell and Anna (née Schultz) Schell.[2]
He was first educated at the Starr Institute in Rhinebeck, which he left at the age of ten years.[3]
Career
As a child,[clarification needed] Schell began his career with Littlefield & Shaw, an Irish linen importer in New York City. After a few years' service, he was sent to England to represent the house and, at the age of twenty-six, he became a junior member of Lewis S. Fellows & Schell in New York, which later became known as Schell, Fellows & Co. He was with the jewelry firm[clarification needed] for twenty years until it dissolved.[4]
He later entered the banking world with the Manhattan Savings Institution, serving as a trustee, treasurer and, beginning in 1876, president for over thirty years.[4] He was president of the bank during its robbery on October 27, 1878.[5]
Edward Heartt Schell (1848–1910), who married Cornelia Evarts Barnes, daughter of the William Evarts Barnes, in 1886.[7]
Jonas Heartt Schell (1850–1852), who died young.
Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Schell (1855–1882), who married Samuel Cragin, a son of George D. Cragin and Lydia (née Briggs) Cragin. Their daughter, Elizabeth Schell Cragin married Harold Heartt Foley.[8]
Mary Emily Schell (1857–1926), who did not marry and was active in philanthropy.[9]