Thomas Wells Died Last Midnight at his Home Near Marco in Eightieth Year -
Resided for many Years in Elk Prairie Township And Was Later Engaged in the Mercantile Business.

Thomas Wells, one of the best known residents of the south part of Jefferson County, died at 12 o'clock last night at his home in Marco.

Mr. Wells was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County and a member of a pioneer family. He was the oldest son of William and Lucy Wells, of Elk Prairie Township.

The Wells family were among the earliest residents of Elk Prairie Township and always among that township's most progressive and highly respected citizens. Members of the family have played a prominent part in the history of the township and have done much to develop its resources, and from the first exerted a great influence in the community.

Thomas Wells was born August 5, 1842 in Elk Prairie Township and at the time of his death his age was 79 years, 5 months and 23 days.

Mr. Wells was married twice, his first wife was Miss Nancy Elizabeth Hayes, died years ago.

His second wife was Miss Elizabeth A. Newell who, with one daughter, and children by the first marriage, survives him.

Four brothers and one sister also survive Mr. Wells. The children surviving by the first marriage are Mrs. Harry Wells, McClellan Township, Ella McBryant, Madison, IL, James W. Wells and William Wells, Mt. Vernon, and Mrs. Charles Ord, Christopher. Three other children are dead, and Edward who died in infancy. Mrs Joy Beckman, born to his second union, lives in McClellan Township.

Mr. Wells is survived by the following named brothers and sisters: John W. Wells and Joseph P. Wells, Mt. Vernon, and Edward Wells and Jonathan Wells, Elk Prairie. Mrs. Mellie Puckett, a sister is a resident of St. Louis.

Mr. Wells lived in Elk Prairie Township, where he engaged in farming until about fifteen years ago when he moved to Marco, where he conducted a general store. About ten years ago he retired from the mercantile business.

He had been in poor health some time and for about two years had been blind.

Mr. Wells attended the Christian Church. He was a successful farmer, a good citizen, and a useful member of the community and as long as health permitted, took an important part in every effort to promote the general good.

Funeral Services will be held at the home in Marco and burial will follow in Hickory Hill Cemetery in McClellan Township. Funeral services at the home will be held at one o'clock p.m.

Source: Unknown Paper
Date: January 30, 1921
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman