My Genealogy Hound

HON. HENRY B. WELLS. There is in the development of every successful life a principle which is a lesson to every man — a lesson leading to higher and more honorable positions than the ordinary. Let a man be ambitious and honorable and he will rise, whether having the prestige of family or the obscurity of poverty. These reflections are called forth by a study of the life of Hon. Henry B. Wells, one of the most extensive farmers of his section. Like many of the representative citizens of the county, he is a native of the Empire State, born in Otsego County, February 4, 1830. His parents, Werden and Julia (Baker) Wells, were natives of Rhode Island and New York, respectively, and his paternal grandfather, Joshua Wells, was also a native of Rhode Island. The latter’s brother, William Wells, who was a Revolutionary soldier, was shot in the head and had the sight of both eyes destroyed. Our subject’s maternal grandfather was a native of New York State and a farmer by occupation.

Werden Wells was a mechanic by trade. After reaching mature years he was married to Miss Baker, their nuptials being solemnized in New York State. For some time after their marriage this young couple resided in Otsego County, N. Y., but in 1835 they moved to Michigan and settled in Charleston Township, Kalamazoo County, on one of the wildest farms in the region. There they made a permanent home and passed the closing scenes of their lives, the mother dying in 1845, and the father in 1890. After the death of his wife, Mr. Wells married Miss Elipha Filkins, who resides in Kalamazoo County. To his first union nine children were born, six surviving at the present time: R. J., H. B., Homer, Werden, Jr., Morrill and Almond H. The second union resulted in the birth of two children: Hattie and Perry. Mr. Wells was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in his religious faith and practice had the close sympathy of his first wife, who belonged to the same society. In politics he was a Whig until the defeat of Henry Clay, when he became an Abolitionist and on the formation of the Republican party joined its ranks.

The early education of our subject was received in the log schoolhouse in Kalamazoo County, Mich., and when fourteen years of age he left home to live with a Mr. Tubbs until his twenty-first birthday. However, he did not remain with the latter that long, but when eighteen years of age came to Cass County, where he assisted in building the Michigan Central Railroad for some time. The three years following he worked for John S. Gage and then for two years was conductor on the Michigan Central. Later he was engaged in building a ship canal, and after finishing that he returned to the road, on which he remained three years. He was then Inspector of wood and timber for three years, after which he came to Cass County and settled on his present farm.

In 1866 he removed to Dowagiac, engaged in merchandising, and after continuing this for three years sold out, and for three years was in the produce business in that place. Later he moved back to the farm, but only remained on this two years, when he again returned to Dowagiac and was engaged in his former business for two years. Not being satisfied, he returned to the farm, on which he has since remained. In the year 1854 he was married to Miss Phoebe Carr, a daughter of Gary and Eliza (Heazlit) Carr, both natives of New York State, the father born in 1801, and the mother in 1805. Mr. Carr and wife came to Michigan in 1849, settling in Wayne Township, Cass County, where they passed the remainder of their days, the father dying May 3, 1875, and the mother April 29, 1883. Only one child besides Mrs. Wells is now living, Robert H., who makes his home in Minnesota. Mrs. Carr was a consistent member of the Congregational Church.

Mrs. Wells was born in Yates County, N. Y., October 19, 1837, and received her education in the log school house of those days. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wells resulted in the birth of five children, two of whom are living. Alice M., wife of H. B. Tuthill, resides in Michigan City; and Elbert C. married Miss Lottie Andrews, and also resides in Michigan City. Both children are well educated. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are members of the Congregational Church at Dowagiac and contribute freely of their means to its support. Formerly Mr. Wells was a Mason. In politics he was at one time a Whig, but upon the formation of the Republican party advocated its principles and has voted with that party ever since and is now a member of the County Republican Committee. His father also took an active part in polities.

Our subject was Township Treasurer in 1859, and Supervisor in 1860, holding that position six years in succession. In 1866 he was elected to the Legislature and held that position until 1868, taking sides against the general railroad law. He served as chairman on several committees. In 1880 he was again made Township Supervisor. He is often called upon to act as administrator of estates and guardian of minors. During the administration of Gen. Grant he was Postmaster at Dowagiac. An enthusiastic supporter of public enterprises, he is never the one to hold back when assistance is required. He has been a member of the School Board and is interested in all school work.

Mr. Wells is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of improved land, and is widely known for his success as a tiller of the soil. He was President of the Cass County Mutual Insurance Company for twelve years, for two years was Treasurer, four years Director, and assisted in organizing it. He assisted in building the elevator at Dowagiac. During the Civil War he was Recruiting Officer for Wayne Township and always filled the quota for the township. He made two trips to the South in the recruiting business.