Biographical Sketch of W. S. Wells - Andrew County, Missouri

>From "History of Missouri, Andrew & DeKalb County" Published 1888

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Transcribed by: Penny Harrell (Incog3678@aol.com)

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W. S. Wells, of the firm of T. J. & W. S. Wells, lumber dealers of
Savannah and Bolckow, was born in Andrew County, MO., and is the son
of W. B. and Nancy (Griffith) Wells.  The father was born in Ohio in
1817, and removed to Andrew County, MO., in 1839, locating in Jackson
Township and engaging in farming.  In 1872 he removed to Savannah,
where he now resides.  He has always occupied a high position in the
esteem of his fellow citizens, and has served as mayor of Savannah for
two years.  Nancy Griffith, his wife, was born in Bourbon County, KY.,
in 1818.  She was a pious, Christian lady, and a member of the Methodist
Church.  She died in 1871.  To them five children were born, three sons
and two daughters, all of whom are living, as follows:  Martha E., now
Mrs. C. W. Bramel, of Laramie City, Wyo., born in 1842; W. S., born 
October 16, 1843; Susan C., now Mrs. John Conner, of Savannah, born in
1845; George W., a merchant of Bolckow, born in 1848; Thomas J., a 
member of the above-named firm, born in 1850.  All of the children were 
reared on the farm, and educated in the schools of Andrew County and
St. Joseph.  W. S. left the farm in 1860, going to Colorado, where he
remained five years, when he returned to Savannah, and engaged in
merchandising.  In 1878, in partnership with his brother, George W.,
he established a store at Bolckow, in which he retains an interest at
present.  During the same year he and brother T. J., opened their
lumber business in Savannah, and in 1883 a similar business at Bolckow.
They own the only lumber yards in those places, and control a large
trade.  He was married in 1877 to Mattie Bedford, who was born in
Andrew County, MO., in 1859.  She is the daughter of Alexander Bedford,
one of the wealthy and influential farmers of Empire Township, Andrew
County.  To this union three children have been born, two of whom are
living.  Mr. Wells was elected county collector of Andrew County in
1882, as a Democrat (though the county is Republican), by a majority
of from 150 to 200.  He was one of the founders of the State Bank in
Savannah in 1887, and is the present cashier.  Mr. Wells' Masonic
career is one of no inconsiderable importance.  May 13, 1886, he was
duly anointed, consecrated and set apaprt to the holy order of High
Priesthood in grand convention at St. Louis, MO., and at this time is
High Priest of Savannah Royal Arch Chapter, No. 83.  He is also
Treasurer of Savannah Lodge No. 71, A. F. and A. M., and a member of
St. Joseph Council No. 9, Royal and Select Masters.