James Gell

Sir James Gell, (13 January 1823 – 12 March 1905) was a Manx lawyer, who was the First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls in the Isle of Man. He was also the first Manxman to become Attorney General of the Isle of Man.

Gell was educated at King William's College, Castletown, Isle of Man.

After completing his articles Gell set up his own legal practice, becoming a highly sought-after advocate. he was the first Manxman selected for the office. an occasion on which Sir James was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) by King Edward. Sir James was also present at the Coronation ceremony of King Edward VII.

Sir James was said to have been an ardent defender of the rights of the Manx people and a tenacious supporter of the Manx Home Rule Constitution. A special train, hauled by two locomotives, was required to transport people from all over the island to attend the service.

Amongst those present at the service were the Island's Lieutenant Governor, Lord Raglan; the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man; Deemster Kneen; Deemster Moore; the Vicar General of the Isle of Man; the Attorney General, the Speaker of the House of Keys and other members of the House of Keys. Following the service the body was interred in the family vault at Malew Parish Churchyard.

Offices of State First Deemster, 1898–1900