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HARVEY WELLS. The career of this gentleman has been marked with enterprise, industry and well directed efforts, that have been rewarded by the accumulation of a goodly amount of land and the machinery and stock necessary for carrying on a first-class farm. It comprises eighty acres pleasantly located on section 14, Elk Creek Township, Jefferson County. This he has placed under good improvement, and is engaged in a general farming business. Our subject was born near where he is at present residing October 5, 1843, and is the son of William and Lucy (Farthing) Wells, the former of whom was born in Giles County, Tenn. The father came to Illinois in an early day and engaged in farming in the above township, where he ranked among the prosperous farmers until his decease, which took place in 1888. The mother of our subject was born near Licking, Ky., and departed this life in 1890. Harvey had few advantages for acquiring a good education, but availed himself to the utmost of every opportunity for gaining knowledge, and for a short time was a student in the pioneer schoolhouse held in a log cabin with puncheon floor. Small trees split open were used for seats and were supported by wooden pins. A plank on the side of the wall was utilized for a writing desk, and all the appurtenances of this school were meagre and rude in construction. Our subject spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and when reaching his nineteenth year began teaching school in his native county, which he followed for six years, and then took a course of study in the school at Carbondale, this state. Two years later he was married, and located with his bride on a farm, the cultivation of which has since been his principal avocation in life. The lady to whom he was married was Miss Margaret Guthrie, the ceremony which made them one taking place in August, 1871. Mrs. Wells was the daughter of Elisha and Rebecca Guthrie, residents of Mt. Vernon, and by her union with our subject became the mother of two children, both of whom died in infancy. She also departed this life in 1875, and two years later Mr. Wells was married to Mrs. Lorenda (Farthing) Puckett, daughter of William and Lyda (Mendenall) Farthing. Their marriage has resulted in the birth of four children, only two of whom are living, viz.: Pearl and Gay. Mr. Wells is a devout member of the Christian Church, in which he holds the position of Elder. His good wife is also a member of that society and is ever ready to assist in religious work in her vicinity. Our subject believes that the principles laid down in the Prohibition platform are best adapted to the needs of the nation and he therefore votes a straight ticket.
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton,
Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer