Obit: Wells, J.V. (1831 - 1912)

Contact: Ann Stevens

Email:  sdann88@yahoo.com 
 

Surnames: Wells, Le Clair 
 

----Source:  Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.)  April 25, 1912 
 

Wells, J.V. (2 Jan 1831 - 21 Apr 1912) 
 

The following notice of the death of one of the highly respected early settlers of Black River Falls, on the 24^th ult., is from the Gary, S.D., Inter-State:

J.V. Wells, one of the earliest and oldest residents of Gary, died at his home here Sunday afternoon at two o’clock, and at the time of his death was 81 years old. 
 

Mr. Wells was born January 2, 1831,in Erie county, New York.  When he was yet very young his parents moved to Pennsylvania, and ten years later to Michigan, where he received his education.  He spent the greater part of his early life there upon his father’s farm, and at the age of eighteen learned the tinner’s trade.  In the fall of 1855 he went to Black River Falls, Wis., and engaged in the hardware business which he continued until 1878.  In June of that year he moved to Gary, Duel county, this state, and established a merchandise store.  This store was the first one established in this county, and during the year when times were hard many settlers has reasons to thank Mr. Wells for his kindness and generosity in supplying them with the necessaries of life, without money. 
 

On September 13, 1852, Mr. Wells was married to Armina Le Clair.  Mrs. Wells died one year ago last February.  They had no children of their own, but adopted two boys, Frank and Henry, who everyone knows. 
 

In his business dealings Mr. Wells was upright, square and honorable.  His generous deeds, while carried on in his usual quiet and unobtrusive manner, were many.  As a citizen he was public spirited and always had the welfare of the town at heart.  At home he was a loved and loving husband and father.  His memory will be cherished by those who knew him best until time shall be no more.