Surnames: WELLS, BUTLER, VAN WOERT

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 12/23/1905

Wells, Richard (12 SEP 1828)

Richard Well was born in Courtland Co., N.Y., Sept. 12, 1828. He came to Wisconsin in 1855 and settled in Houghtonburg, where he lived for about twelve years. Later he removed to Marengo, Ill., where he lived for twenty years and then returned, this time settling near Humbird, Clark County, Wis., and has since made his home at this place. He was married Jan. 1, 1862 to Miss Marion Butler, who died Dec. 26, 1882. March 5, 1885 he was again married to Miss Lydia A. Van Woert, whom is still living. But one of three children remains to Mr. Wells, who has recently retired from his farm two miles north of town, and is now making his home in the village. Mr. Wells attributes the reawakening of Humbird to a change in the business methods incident to the business passing into new and more enterprising hands. He believes as long as Humbird offers the surrounding farmers a market for their produce that the village will continue its growth and prosperity, and can see no reason why this should not be. While we have a great deal to be thankful for Mr. Wells believes that if capital enough to establish some manufacturing business here, could be interested it would greatly contribute to the permanent wealth and growth of the village. He believes that in morals we are at least on a level with other towns of like character and population. The businessmen in their method of buying the farmers' produce and paying cash for it are on the right track and are following the course that will surely bring prosperity to them and to the town they are in. Mr. Wells recalls that while he was living in Houghtonburg, over forty years ago, he was one of the first to organize a Sunday school. On July 4, 1861, they had a picnic on the grounds just west of the south point of Humbird bluff. A fine poplar grove that then stood there was cleared for the occasion, which was long to be remembered by those present. Many different school were represented, people came from Hixton, Alma Center, Pole Grove, the Meek settlement, while a four horse load came all the way from Augusta. A Mr. Downes, lawyer, farmer and all around man of the early time, was orator of the day and Elihu S. Clark was marshal and master of ceremonies. After a repast such as only early settlers knew how to get up, the merry crowd adjourned to the speaker's stand. The exercises however, were broken up by a terrific storm which came up shortly afterwards. At this meeting Rev. I. E. Springer and wife sang the "Star Spangled Banner," which was doubtless the first time this soul inspiring song was heard in this part of the country.