Obituary for William A Wells, Vermontville, Eaton County, Michigan

Copyright © 1998 by Sue Wells. This copy contributed for use in 
the USGenWeb Archives.  


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William A. Wells

     William A. Wells, who resides on section 33, town of Sunfield, is one
of the wealthiest farmers in Eaton County.   With the history of this
community he has been prominently identified  and has done not a little for
its advancement and progress.  The position which he occupies in business
circles well entitles him to a representation in this volume.  He was born
in Marcellus, Onondaga County, N.Y., January 1, 1813. and is the only
survivor of a family of six children whose parents were Augustus and
Deborah (Converse) Wells, natives of Connecticut.  It thus devolves upon
our subject to perpetuate the family history.  His brothers' and sisters
were Orrin M., Priscilla, Maria, Russell B. and James R.

     William A. Wells was reared under the paternal roof in Onondaga
County, N.Y., and received only a limited education.  He was thrown upon
his own resources at an early date in his existence and by working by the
month and year provided for his support.  He subsequently learned the
blacksmith trade which he followed for a time.  Acting on the advice of
Horace Greeley he came West in 1840, making the journey from New York to
Detroit by water, and from there across the country with an ox-team.  In
this county he made a claim of one hundred and twenty acres of land,
settling thereon in the spring of 1841.  There was no clearing within a
mile and a half of his place and no raod near it, but all was in a
primitive condition, untouched by the hand of man.  His first house was a
shanty, 12 x 15 feet, built of logs, and the only board in the whole
structure was that forming the door.  With a capital of $30 he began life
on the Western frontier and his lot was not exempt from the hardships and
trials which beset the path of the pioneer.  After seven years his cabin
home was replaced by a substantial log house.  As time passed, acre after
acre of land was placed under the plow until as the result of his own
labors one hundred and sixty acres of richly cultivated land pay tribute to
the care and cultivation he bestows upon them, while an additional
thirty-five acres is also comprised within the boundaries of his farm.  His
progressive and enterprising spirit has manifested itself throughout all
his work.  He and his brother, Orrin M., purchased the first
threshing-machine brought to the town and also brought the first mower and
reaper, and the first fanning-mill and windmill.

     On the 20th of December, 1841, Mr. Wells wedded Miss Mary Chatfield,
of this county, who was born in Oneida County, N.Y., October 26, 1822.  Her
parents, Abram and Sarah (Bixby) Chatfield, came to Eaton County in the
autumn of 1837, and located in Sunfield where they died, both at the age of
sixty-six years.  Mrs. Wells was one of the first white women who came to
Sunfield Township and her home has been in the county since January 1,
1839.  She is in every way worthy of the high esteem in which she is held. 
Her hospitable home shows marks of her care and culture and the welcome she
extends to the many friends of the family has made the Wells' house a
favorite resort to the people of the community.  Six children have been
born to our subject and his wife -- John, the eldest, who is a farmer of
Sunfield Township, married Esther Coleman, by whom he has two children --
Mary and Priscilla.  Ellen M. is the wife of Hollis Y. Patterson, of
Vermontville, and unto them have been born severn children:  Cora, Mary,
Henry, Homer, Ruby, Bernice and Jesse.  Palmer H., is now deceased.  Eva is
the wife of Joseph A. Bale, of Vermontville, by whom she had six children
--Charles W., Roy H., Grace E., Bertha, Joseph A.. and Leslie.  Frederick
I., who married Miss Idell Kenedy, by whom he has one child, Perry, is a
farmer in Vermontville.  William R., who wedded Cassie Rawson, of
Vermontville Township, is now engaged in merchandising in Shaytown, Mich.

     To say that Mr. Wells has succeeded in business hardly expresses the
excellent prosperity which has crowned his efforts, and to his own labors
may be accredited all that he has made.  Since coming to the county he has
never pruchased a bushel of grain or potatoes except for seed; has never
paid a dollar's interest on borrowed money, does not owe a dollar; nor is
he under obligations to any man.  A wealthy citizen, his property has been
acquired through the legitimate channels of business and in no way has he
forfeited the confidence of his fellow townsmen in his business integrity. 
In politics he was first a Whig and now supports the Republican party.  He
has never been connected with any religious denomination or secret
organization.

Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album of Eaton County







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