Dave Aldous was an historian from Saskatoon who had published a book entitled "Barns in Saskatchewan" in 1995-1996. His attempts to save the Bell Barn began in 1997.

Helen Emmeline Shirriff was born 10 January 1898 in Brandon, Manitoba. She married Robert Alexander in 1919; together they farmed at Portreeve, Saskatchewan, until Robert's death in 1955. Helen remained actively involved in the management of the farm until her death. In addition, Helen was a schoolteacher. Her long career in education began in 1916, and took her to various locations throughout the north and west, including Athabaska Landing (1918), Whitehorse (1956), and the Glidden Hutterite Colony (1967). She died in Saskatoon on 6 April 1992.

Alfred Craig was born July 6, 1925 to Chester B. and Sophia Craig in Dilke, Saskatchewan. His education was obtained through the Vaughn school, the Melfort Public School, and the Melfort High School. Alfred married Noreen, who was a teacher, on July 24, 1959 in Meota, Saskatchewan. They had three children. He lived and farmed near Melfort, Saskatchewan for most of his life, and worked for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool from 1978 - ca. 1988.