Surnames: WELLS PETTINGILL LLOYD

----Source: NEILLSVILLE PRESS (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 04/17/1924

Wells, Mathias N. (5 JUN 1845 - 14 Apr 1924)

Mathias N. Wells, another of the old pioneers of this community (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) passed away Monday night, April 14, 1924, at the home of his son Burton Wells. He had not been in good health for several years, but was able to be about and do light work around his home till the last few weeks. The death of his wife, just three weeks previous to his own death affected him seriously, and about a week after her burial, he took to his bed an continued to grow weaker until his death. Mr. Wells was born June 5, 1845, in Lamoille Co., Vermont. He came west with the family who settled in Dodge Co., Wis. On Nov. 12, 1863, he entered the Civil War as a volunteer in the Seventh Battery, Wis. Light Artillery, and served till the close of the war.

On Oct. 23, 1867, he was married to Alberta Pettingill at Neosho, Wis. They lived there four years, and in the spring of 1871 moved to Clark County, Settling on a farm in the town of Pine Valley, west of Black River. Mr. Wells worked in lumber camps during the winter for several years, clearing on his farm when not working out, and developed a fine home, where he went into dairying quite extensively. Eight years ago he sold the farm and moved into Neillsville, purchasing a home on Grand Avenue, where he lived until his wife died three weeks ago, when he went to the home of his son Burton.

Mr. Wells was one of the highest types of citizens. Through years of toil and privations of pioneer life he developed a strength of character that was admired by all who knew him. He was for many years a member of the G. A. R. and took great interest in the local post. During his early married life he became a member of the Methodist Church and at all times lived a consistent Christian life.

He is survived by his three children, W. C. Wells of Hamilton, Mont., Burton H. Wells of Neillsville, and one daughter, Hattie, Mrs. Ed Lloyd of Pine Valley; also 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at the M. E. Church at 2 o'clock p.m. Thursday, Rev. Wm. Walder officiating.