My Genealogy Hound

WELLS, JOHN C., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 10, P.O. White Hall. The above named gentleman was born in Greene Co. on the 7th of August, 1841, the oldest son of John C. and Hannah Wells, who were natives of Tennessee and Illinois, respectively. As the head of the family became a contemporary settler with many who first founded homes in the West, we shall here append more than a passing description. The exact date of his arrival cannot now be ascertained, but sufficient is known for the statement to be made that the county bore but little existence of civilization when he first set foot in the southern portion of Illinois, where he was destined to witness many stirring events in the pioneer days of Greene Co. On attaining his majority he proceeded to Alton, in Madison Co., where he became identified with the butchering business, remaining some six years. While a resident of Alton, a party by the name of Lovejoy introduced one of the first printing presses in Alton, and probably published the first Abolition sheet in Illinois; this attempt aroused the ill will of many, among whom was Mr. Wells, who, in company with others, bore a hand in the destruction of the press. On his return to Greene Co. he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Garrison, a daughter of Jesse B. Garrison, of Kentucky. Not long after his marriage, Mr. Wells emigrated to Jefferson Co., where he purchased a farm of 80 acres. Three years later he concluded to push farther west ward, and accordingly set out for Iowa. On reaching Scott Co., the partner of his joys and sorrows was taken suddenly ill; the disease, in the nature of paralysis, proved fatal, a sad calamity to the enterprising pioneer, who found his plans materially changed, and accordingly he now located in Scott Co. In 1853 he once again became a resident of Greene Co., where he purchased 80 acres in township 11, range 13, where in subsequent years he became a successful farmer and trader. When the war broke out he enlisted in Co. H, 91st Illinois Infantry, and proceeded to the front from White Hall. He became a participant in many important battles noted in history. After the exchange of prisoners, and while encamped at the city of St. Louis, he was taken suddenly ill, and died in Uncle Sam’s service, July 10, 1863. The remains subsequently found a last resting place in Greene Co. Mrs. Wells survived her husband but two years, dying April 10, 1865, and her ashes now repose in the family cemetery. The survivors of the family are four: George W., Lucinda, Mahuldah, and John C., whose career we now follow. Passing his early years upon the farm homestead, when the war broke out he enlisted in Co. G, 9th Missouri Infantry, in 1862. Through changes made in the regiment it became the 59th Illinois. Serving for four and a half years, a veteran toward the close of the Rebellion, he became a participant in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Wild Cat Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Missouri Ridge, Ringgold, Rocky Faced Ridge, Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Franklin, Nashville, Overton Hills, etc. When the war closed, Mr. W. returned to Greene Co., where he married, in 1866, Miss Sarah E. Vinyard, a daughter of Joseph Vinyard, by which marriage he has five children Elmer V., John C., Jennie S., Sarah E., Rosa H., and David C., deceased. Mr. Wells is the owner of 80 acres of valuable land in this township.