The fact that the subject was one of the patriotic sons of the north who
offered his services and his life, if need be, on the field of battle in
defense of the flag during the dark days of the rebellion, entitles him to
the high honor which is due every one of the gallant boys in blue.
George C. Wells was born in Washington county, Rhode Island, January 20,
1844 the son of Peter C. and Elizabeth (Stillman) Wells, both natives of the
same county, in Rhode Island. He was a farmer and died in 1872, at the age
of sixty-six years; she passed away in July 1888, at the age of
seventy-eight years. The subject's parents had seven children, namely Anna
Elizabeth; Maria, of Alleghany county, New York; Harriett, living in Rhode
Island; George Clark, our subject; Adeline, Emeline and Oscar, all living in
Rhode Island.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the home
schools and Alford College, New York. In July 1862, he enlisted for a period
of three years in Company A, Seventh Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, at
Hopkinton, Rhode Island. He was in the army of the Potomac, Ninth Army
Corps. He was in the great battle of Fredericksburg and was shot in the
right hip, December 13, 1862, and was sent to Washington, District of
Columbia, where he remained for one month, and he was in the home hospital
for one year, was then discharged and came home. He served six months. After
the war he went to Westerly, Rhode Island and engaged as a mechanic until
December 10, 1865, when he came west and located in section 4, Meacham
township, Marion county, Illinois. He first bought forty-four acres of land,
but being thrifty and a good manager, he gradually added to this until he
owned two hundred and ninety acres. He made all of the improvements on the
place and was considered one of the best farmers in the township.
Our
subject was united in marriage February 16, 1868, with Emma L. Brown, a
native of Niagara county, New York, and three children have blessed this
union, namely: Oscar C., who married Inez Randolph. He is a farmer and
poultry raiser in Meacham township, and the father of five children, Gale,
Glenn, Ora, Elsie and George. Harriett, the subject's second child, is
living at home; Lena, the youngest, is also a member of the home circle.
Oscar Wells taught school for many years. Lena is now in the Farina high
school.
The subject carries on a general farming business, raises Red
Polled stock, Red Comb and Brown Leghorn chickens, Pekin ducks and several
varieties of good livestock. Since 1896 Mr. Wells has been living in
practical retirement, however, he still oversees his farm. He has for many
years dealt very successfully in poultry, feed and fertilizers. He has held
several of the township offices, and is a Republican of pronounced
convictions.
Mr. Wells is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic,
No. 426, at Farina, Illinois. He has been commander of the same, having held
all the offices of this post. He is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist
church at Farina. Mr. Wells deserves a great deal of credit for what he has
accomplished. He started life poor, but being ambitious he worked hard and
has achieved eminent success, being today one of the solid and substantial
men of his township and well and favorably known by everyone. He is
remembered as a teacher of more than ordinary ability, having taught school
for six years, one year in the Farina, Illinois high school. What his hand
and mind have found to do he has done with his might, and having attained a
commanding position among his contemporaries he wears his honor in a
becoming manner.
Extracted 03 Nov 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 384-386.