Fairfield Ledger
Fairfield, Iowa
April 3, 1895
DIED AMONG STRANGERS
Hon. GEO. A. WELLS SUCCUMBS TO AN ATTACK OF HEART DISEASE AT MARSHALLTOWN
Ex-Mayor Geo. A. WELLS died in a hotel at Marshalltown Wednesday about midnight, after an hours' illness from a disease of the heart. He had gone to that city two days previous as a delegate to the state meeting of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and was in apparent good health when he left home.
Mr. WELLS had spent several hours immediately preceding his death with James J. ROE, formerly superintendent of the Fairfield Gas and Electric works and now holding a similar position at Marshalltown. They had visited the electric light and water works together, and had spent some time on the street railway and at the rooms of the Commercial club. It was shortly after 9 o'clock when they separated, with an agreement to meet next morning and visit other portions of the city together, and Mr. WELLS was shown to his room perhaps half an hour later. He seemed in excellent health and spirits, and said good night in cheery manner to Mr. ROE and chatted pleasantly with some of his lodge brethren before going to his room.
About 11 o'clock a young man who occupied an apartment adjoining was awakend by a rapping on the wall of Mr. WELLS' room, and when he went to the door Mr. W. told him that he was very ill and wanted a physician immediately. A messenger was at once despatched (sic. dispatched) for Dr. PAYNE, and he arrived not more than ten minutes later. In the meantime Mr. WELLS had partially dressed himself and attempted to rise from his bed, but was compelled to lie down again. The physician saw that his condition was alarming, and before administering any medicine asked a question or two regarding his condition. He received an audible reply to his first interrogatory, but when asked where he suffered greatest pain, the unfortunate man was able to give no other answer than the placing of his hand on his heart. His breathing then became more difficult and stentorious, and in five minutes he was dead. A telegram from Dr. C.C. COTTLE gives the cause of death as angina pectoris, or neuralgia of the heart, and friends here remember that Mr. WELLS had frequently of late complained of a shortness of breath and other symptoms attending his disease, although his condition was not condsidered serious.
Mr. ROE was summoned to the hotel as soon as possible and at once took charge of the body and opened up communication with friends here, for, with the exception of one daughter, all members of Mr. WELLs' family were absent from home. Mrs. WELLS and the eldest daughter having been in Salt Lake City for several months. The body was prepared for burial at Marshalltown, and was escorted to the train by the local lodge of the Legion of Honor and members of the Masonic lodges. It arrived here at 12:40 Friday morning, in charge of J.F. Abernathy of Sigourney, who had been appointed by the grand lodge to represent the order, and C.W. MAJOR of Ottumwa, a soninlaw.
The remains were kept until Sunday to await the arrival of Mrs. WELLS from Salt Lake. Funeral services were held at the family residence at 2:30 p.m. Rev. J.F. Magill, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. A. F. Marsh, pastor of the Congregational church, had charge of the exercises, while President SMITH of Parsons College paid a warm tribute to the excellences and worth of Mr. WELLS. The music was rendered by the Congregational church choir. Members of the city government attended the funeral in a body, and there was a large attendances of old friends and neighbors. A number of handsome floral offerings adorned the casket, among which was an appropriate piece from Jerusalem Commandery Knight Templar of Mt. Pleasant, of which Mr. WELLS had long been a member.
Geo. A. WELLS was born at New Albany, Ind., June 21st, 1831, and was a son of Rev. A.S. and Sophia H. WELLS. His early life was spent in that state and in Michigan, and he received an academical education at Lodi in the latter state. He began the study of pharmacy in 1849 at Lima, Ind. where he remained six years. In 1855 he came to this city, where other members of the family had preceded him and where his parents also came later. He at once engaged in the sale of drugs and books, and in 1862 opened a private bank. This business he conducted alone until 1877, when a partnership was formed with G.A. GARRETTSON of Muscatine, under the style of WELLS & GARRETTSON, and which ceased in 1893 with the dissolution of the firm.
Mr. WELLS was married to Priscilla D. HOLMES in Indiana in 1855, and seven children were born to them, three of whom are now living - Mrs. C. W. MAJOR of Ottumwa and Misses Fannie and Grace H. WELLS in this city.
Mr. WELLS had had a long business career in Fairfield, and few men there are who can form more or warmer friendships. He was a man of few words, reticent in his manner and retiring in his disposition, but he was generous with his friends almost to a fault, and could the history of his fault, and could the history of his career in Fairfield be an open book it would disclose a multitude of kindness to young and struggling business men. He had a strong hold on the business life of Fairfield for more years than many men can ever hope to retain it, and he was justly entitled to all that honest, loyal friendship. Mr. WELLS was a man of public spirit, was early and easily enlisted in any enterprise which had for its purpose the building of town or country and was generous in his gifts toward all good ends. He had held numerous positions of honor and trust in the community in these years, though seldom an aspirant for public office and never a politician. He was a member of the board of trustees of Parsons College from its organization, one of the projectors of the Evergreen Cemetery association and had served the public in various like capacities. Mr. WELLS was also a member of the city council for several terms, and had just completed two years' service as mayor. He was an earnest and active Mason and had always manifested great interest in the work of this order.
The sudden death of Mr. WELLS came as a great shock to the community to which he had given the better years of his life, and he wll be sincerely mourned and his excellences of character deeply cherished by others than those within the family circle.
**End of Obituary**
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 370-371
George A. WELLS, resident and managing partner of the private banking house of WELLS & Garrettson, has been engaged in that line of business in Fairfield, Iowa, since 1862. Long experience has familiarized him with that vocation in all its details, and he is now at the head of what is considered to be one of the safe and important moneyed institutions of Jefferson County.
Mr. WELLS was born in New Albany, Ind., on the 21st of June, 1831, and is of English descent, the family having been founded in America by Thomas WELLS, of England, who became one of the early settlers of the New England Colonies. His father, the Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, was a native of Chittenden County, Vt., born in Jericho, and having arrived at mature years, wedded Sophia H. HASTINGS, a native of Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., and a daughter of Seth HASTINGS, of the same place. They resided in the East until 1854, when, leaving their old home, they emigrated to the West and made a settlement in Fairfield, Iowa, where the deaths of both parents occurred. The mother departed this life in 1876, at the age of seventy-six years, and the father, who was a most exemplary man and was employed in missionary work in this State, was called to his reward in 1882, being eighty-four years of age at the time of his death.
We now take up the personal history of our subject, and it is with pleasure we present this sketch to the readers of the 'Album', who, we feel, will gladly receive this brief account of the life work of one of their most illustrious townsmen. His boyhood days were spent in his native city, where he attended the common schools, after which he prepared himself at the Academy at Lodi, Mich., for the sophomore year in college. He then took up the study of pharmacy, spending six years as a clerk in a drug store in Lima, Ind. Thinking to better his financial condition, he came West in 1856, and choosing Fairfield as a location, he embarked in the drug business in this city. His efforts were successful, and he continued operations in that line until 1862, when, having acquired some capital, he began banking, which business he has followed almost exclusively since. He established a private bank and continued operations under the name of the G. A. WELLS Bank until 1877, when he admitted to partnership Garrett A. Garettson, and the firm name was changed to its present form of WELLS & Garrettson, Mr. WELLS continuing the resident and managing partner. The working capital of the bank is $30,000, including surplus.
In October, 1855, in Indiana, Mr. WELLS was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla D. HOLMES, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a daughter of William HOLMES. Unto them were born six children, three sons and three daughters, but the former are now all deceased. Harry died at the age of ten years and Charles H. when two and a half years of age; then followed Fannie, Kate E. and Grace H., while Fred, who died at the age of one year, was the youngest. (sic. some of the given names and dates differ in this account from other genealogy sources. Harry may be the Henry, for instances, but not aged ten years. It could be that the headstone readings are in error, too, so use the names and dates with some caution.)
Mr. WELLS was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, his father and grandfather having both been ministers in that denomination. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and has served as a member of the City Council, but has never been a politician in the commonly accepted significance of the term, caring nothing for official distinction. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Clinton Lodge, No, 15, A. F. & A. M.; McCord Chapter, No. 5, K. T. Mr. WELLS has every reason to be proud of his success in life, having by earnest effort, the exercise of correct business principles and fair dealing with all men, won the prosperity which is but the just reward of the labors which he has put forth. He is highly regarded by those who know him, and the confidence placed in his bank is attested by a liberal patronage.
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Note: Regarding daughter Grace Wells Hoppaugh, the following was found in a search of Ancestry newspaper archives. Additional information in Google searches show that Andrew L Hoppaugh was an attorney of note in Utah. They are buried in Salt Lake City, Utah.
From The Salt Lake Herald, Salt Lake City, Utah. December 11, 1898, Page 13:
"Wells-Hoppaugh Wedding
The marriage of Miss Grace Wells and Mr. Andrew L. Hoppaugh was quietly celebrated on Thursday afternoon at the home of the bride, 483 First street. Rev. Clarence T. Brown performed the ceremony at 5 o'clock. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Frances H. Wells, Mr. F.E. Wilkinson was best man. Mr. and Mrs. Hoppaugh will spend the next six weeks on the coast."
Fairfield, Iowa
April 3, 1895
DIED AMONG STRANGERS
Hon. GEO. A. WELLS SUCCUMBS TO AN ATTACK OF HEART DISEASE AT MARSHALLTOWN
Ex-Mayor Geo. A. WELLS died in a hotel at Marshalltown Wednesday about midnight, after an hours' illness from a disease of the heart. He had gone to that city two days previous as a delegate to the state meeting of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and was in apparent good health when he left home.
Mr. WELLS had spent several hours immediately preceding his death with James J. ROE, formerly superintendent of the Fairfield Gas and Electric works and now holding a similar position at Marshalltown. They had visited the electric light and water works together, and had spent some time on the street railway and at the rooms of the Commercial club. It was shortly after 9 o'clock when they separated, with an agreement to meet next morning and visit other portions of the city together, and Mr. WELLS was shown to his room perhaps half an hour later. He seemed in excellent health and spirits, and said good night in cheery manner to Mr. ROE and chatted pleasantly with some of his lodge brethren before going to his room.
About 11 o'clock a young man who occupied an apartment adjoining was awakend by a rapping on the wall of Mr. WELLS' room, and when he went to the door Mr. W. told him that he was very ill and wanted a physician immediately. A messenger was at once despatched (sic. dispatched) for Dr. PAYNE, and he arrived not more than ten minutes later. In the meantime Mr. WELLS had partially dressed himself and attempted to rise from his bed, but was compelled to lie down again. The physician saw that his condition was alarming, and before administering any medicine asked a question or two regarding his condition. He received an audible reply to his first interrogatory, but when asked where he suffered greatest pain, the unfortunate man was able to give no other answer than the placing of his hand on his heart. His breathing then became more difficult and stentorious, and in five minutes he was dead. A telegram from Dr. C.C. COTTLE gives the cause of death as angina pectoris, or neuralgia of the heart, and friends here remember that Mr. WELLS had frequently of late complained of a shortness of breath and other symptoms attending his disease, although his condition was not condsidered serious.
Mr. ROE was summoned to the hotel as soon as possible and at once took charge of the body and opened up communication with friends here, for, with the exception of one daughter, all members of Mr. WELLs' family were absent from home. Mrs. WELLS and the eldest daughter having been in Salt Lake City for several months. The body was prepared for burial at Marshalltown, and was escorted to the train by the local lodge of the Legion of Honor and members of the Masonic lodges. It arrived here at 12:40 Friday morning, in charge of J.F. Abernathy of Sigourney, who had been appointed by the grand lodge to represent the order, and C.W. MAJOR of Ottumwa, a soninlaw.
The remains were kept until Sunday to await the arrival of Mrs. WELLS from Salt Lake. Funeral services were held at the family residence at 2:30 p.m. Rev. J.F. Magill, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. A. F. Marsh, pastor of the Congregational church, had charge of the exercises, while President SMITH of Parsons College paid a warm tribute to the excellences and worth of Mr. WELLS. The music was rendered by the Congregational church choir. Members of the city government attended the funeral in a body, and there was a large attendances of old friends and neighbors. A number of handsome floral offerings adorned the casket, among which was an appropriate piece from Jerusalem Commandery Knight Templar of Mt. Pleasant, of which Mr. WELLS had long been a member.
Geo. A. WELLS was born at New Albany, Ind., June 21st, 1831, and was a son of Rev. A.S. and Sophia H. WELLS. His early life was spent in that state and in Michigan, and he received an academical education at Lodi in the latter state. He began the study of pharmacy in 1849 at Lima, Ind. where he remained six years. In 1855 he came to this city, where other members of the family had preceded him and where his parents also came later. He at once engaged in the sale of drugs and books, and in 1862 opened a private bank. This business he conducted alone until 1877, when a partnership was formed with G.A. GARRETTSON of Muscatine, under the style of WELLS & GARRETTSON, and which ceased in 1893 with the dissolution of the firm.
Mr. WELLS was married to Priscilla D. HOLMES in Indiana in 1855, and seven children were born to them, three of whom are now living - Mrs. C. W. MAJOR of Ottumwa and Misses Fannie and Grace H. WELLS in this city.
Mr. WELLS had had a long business career in Fairfield, and few men there are who can form more or warmer friendships. He was a man of few words, reticent in his manner and retiring in his disposition, but he was generous with his friends almost to a fault, and could the history of his fault, and could the history of his career in Fairfield be an open book it would disclose a multitude of kindness to young and struggling business men. He had a strong hold on the business life of Fairfield for more years than many men can ever hope to retain it, and he was justly entitled to all that honest, loyal friendship. Mr. WELLS was a man of public spirit, was early and easily enlisted in any enterprise which had for its purpose the building of town or country and was generous in his gifts toward all good ends. He had held numerous positions of honor and trust in the community in these years, though seldom an aspirant for public office and never a politician. He was a member of the board of trustees of Parsons College from its organization, one of the projectors of the Evergreen Cemetery association and had served the public in various like capacities. Mr. WELLS was also a member of the city council for several terms, and had just completed two years' service as mayor. He was an earnest and active Mason and had always manifested great interest in the work of this order.
The sudden death of Mr. WELLS came as a great shock to the community to which he had given the better years of his life, and he wll be sincerely mourned and his excellences of character deeply cherished by others than those within the family circle.
**End of Obituary**
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 370-371
George A. WELLS, resident and managing partner of the private banking house of WELLS & Garrettson, has been engaged in that line of business in Fairfield, Iowa, since 1862. Long experience has familiarized him with that vocation in all its details, and he is now at the head of what is considered to be one of the safe and important moneyed institutions of Jefferson County.
Mr. WELLS was born in New Albany, Ind., on the 21st of June, 1831, and is of English descent, the family having been founded in America by Thomas WELLS, of England, who became one of the early settlers of the New England Colonies. His father, the Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, was a native of Chittenden County, Vt., born in Jericho, and having arrived at mature years, wedded Sophia H. HASTINGS, a native of Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., and a daughter of Seth HASTINGS, of the same place. They resided in the East until 1854, when, leaving their old home, they emigrated to the West and made a settlement in Fairfield, Iowa, where the deaths of both parents occurred. The mother departed this life in 1876, at the age of seventy-six years, and the father, who was a most exemplary man and was employed in missionary work in this State, was called to his reward in 1882, being eighty-four years of age at the time of his death.
We now take up the personal history of our subject, and it is with pleasure we present this sketch to the readers of the 'Album', who, we feel, will gladly receive this brief account of the life work of one of their most illustrious townsmen. His boyhood days were spent in his native city, where he attended the common schools, after which he prepared himself at the Academy at Lodi, Mich., for the sophomore year in college. He then took up the study of pharmacy, spending six years as a clerk in a drug store in Lima, Ind. Thinking to better his financial condition, he came West in 1856, and choosing Fairfield as a location, he embarked in the drug business in this city. His efforts were successful, and he continued operations in that line until 1862, when, having acquired some capital, he began banking, which business he has followed almost exclusively since. He established a private bank and continued operations under the name of the G. A. WELLS Bank until 1877, when he admitted to partnership Garrett A. Garettson, and the firm name was changed to its present form of WELLS & Garrettson, Mr. WELLS continuing the resident and managing partner. The working capital of the bank is $30,000, including surplus.
In October, 1855, in Indiana, Mr. WELLS was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla D. HOLMES, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a daughter of William HOLMES. Unto them were born six children, three sons and three daughters, but the former are now all deceased. Harry died at the age of ten years and Charles H. when two and a half years of age; then followed Fannie, Kate E. and Grace H., while Fred, who died at the age of one year, was the youngest. (sic. some of the given names and dates differ in this account from other genealogy sources. Harry may be the Henry, for instances, but not aged ten years. It could be that the headstone readings are in error, too, so use the names and dates with some caution.)
Mr. WELLS was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, his father and grandfather having both been ministers in that denomination. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and has served as a member of the City Council, but has never been a politician in the commonly accepted significance of the term, caring nothing for official distinction. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Clinton Lodge, No, 15, A. F. & A. M.; McCord Chapter, No. 5, K. T. Mr. WELLS has every reason to be proud of his success in life, having by earnest effort, the exercise of correct business principles and fair dealing with all men, won the prosperity which is but the just reward of the labors which he has put forth. He is highly regarded by those who know him, and the confidence placed in his bank is attested by a liberal patronage.
---------
Note: Regarding daughter Grace Wells Hoppaugh, the following was found in a search of Ancestry newspaper archives. Additional information in Google searches show that Andrew L Hoppaugh was an attorney of note in Utah. They are buried in Salt Lake City, Utah.
From The Salt Lake Herald, Salt Lake City, Utah. December 11, 1898, Page 13:
"Wells-Hoppaugh Wedding
The marriage of Miss Grace Wells and Mr. Andrew L. Hoppaugh was quietly celebrated on Thursday afternoon at the home of the bride, 483 First street. Rev. Clarence T. Brown performed the ceremony at 5 o'clock. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Frances H. Wells, Mr. F.E. Wilkinson was best man. Mr. and Mrs. Hoppaugh will spend the next six weeks on the coast."
Fairfield Ledger
Fairfield, Iowa
April 3, 1895
DIED AMONG STRANGERS
Hon. GEO. A. WELLS SUCCUMBS TO AN ATTACK OF HEART DISEASE AT MARSHALLTOWN
Ex-Mayor Geo. A. WELLS died in a hotel at Marshalltown Wednesday about midnight, after an hours' illness from a disease of the heart. He had gone to that city two days previous as a delegate to the state meeting of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and was in apparent good health when he left home.
Mr. WELLS had spent several hours immediately preceding his death with James J. ROE, formerly superintendent of the Fairfield Gas and Electric works and now holding a similar position at Marshalltown. They had visited the electric light and water works together, and had spent some time on the street railway and at the rooms of the Commercial club. It was shortly after 9 o'clock when they separated, with an agreement to meet next morning and visit other portions of the city together, and Mr. WELLS was shown to his room perhaps half an hour later. He seemed in excellent health and spirits, and said good night in cheery manner to Mr. ROE and chatted pleasantly with some of his lodge brethren before going to his room.
About 11 o'clock a young man who occupied an apartment adjoining was awakend by a rapping on the wall of Mr. WELLS' room, and when he went to the door Mr. W. told him that he was very ill and wanted a physician immediately. A messenger was at once despatched (sic. dispatched) for Dr. PAYNE, and he arrived not more than ten minutes later. In the meantime Mr. WELLS had partially dressed himself and attempted to rise from his bed, but was compelled to lie down again. The physician saw that his condition was alarming, and before administering any medicine asked a question or two regarding his condition. He received an audible reply to his first interrogatory, but when asked where he suffered greatest pain, the unfortunate man was able to give no other answer than the placing of his hand on his heart. His breathing then became more difficult and stentorious, and in five minutes he was dead. A telegram from Dr. C.C. COTTLE gives the cause of death as angina pectoris, or neuralgia of the heart, and friends here remember that Mr. WELLS had frequently of late complained of a shortness of breath and other symptoms attending his disease, although his condition was not condsidered serious.
Mr. ROE was summoned to the hotel as soon as possible and at once took charge of the body and opened up communication with friends here, for, with the exception of one daughter, all members of Mr. WELLs' family were absent from home. Mrs. WELLS and the eldest daughter having been in Salt Lake City for several months. The body was prepared for burial at Marshalltown, and was escorted to the train by the local lodge of the Legion of Honor and members of the Masonic lodges. It arrived here at 12:40 Friday morning, in charge of J.F. Abernathy of Sigourney, who had been appointed by the grand lodge to represent the order, and C.W. MAJOR of Ottumwa, a soninlaw.
The remains were kept until Sunday to await the arrival of Mrs. WELLS from Salt Lake. Funeral services were held at the family residence at 2:30 p.m. Rev. J.F. Magill, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. A. F. Marsh, pastor of the Congregational church, had charge of the exercises, while President SMITH of Parsons College paid a warm tribute to the excellences and worth of Mr. WELLS. The music was rendered by the Congregational church choir. Members of the city government attended the funeral in a body, and there was a large attendances of old friends and neighbors. A number of handsome floral offerings adorned the casket, among which was an appropriate piece from Jerusalem Commandery Knight Templar of Mt. Pleasant, of which Mr. WELLS had long been a member.
Geo. A. WELLS was born at New Albany, Ind., June 21st, 1831, and was a son of Rev. A.S. and Sophia H. WELLS. His early life was spent in that state and in Michigan, and he received an academical education at Lodi in the latter state. He began the study of pharmacy in 1849 at Lima, Ind. where he remained six years. In 1855 he came to this city, where other members of the family had preceded him and where his parents also came later. He at once engaged in the sale of drugs and books, and in 1862 opened a private bank. This business he conducted alone until 1877, when a partnership was formed with G.A. GARRETTSON of Muscatine, under the style of WELLS & GARRETTSON, and which ceased in 1893 with the dissolution of the firm.
Mr. WELLS was married to Priscilla D. HOLMES in Indiana in 1855, and seven children were born to them, three of whom are now living - Mrs. C. W. MAJOR of Ottumwa and Misses Fannie and Grace H. WELLS in this city.
Mr. WELLS had had a long business career in Fairfield, and few men there are who can form more or warmer friendships. He was a man of few words, reticent in his manner and retiring in his disposition, but he was generous with his friends almost to a fault, and could the history of his fault, and could the history of his career in Fairfield be an open book it would disclose a multitude of kindness to young and struggling business men. He had a strong hold on the business life of Fairfield for more years than many men can ever hope to retain it, and he was justly entitled to all that honest, loyal friendship. Mr. WELLS was a man of public spirit, was early and easily enlisted in any enterprise which had for its purpose the building of town or country and was generous in his gifts toward all good ends. He had held numerous positions of honor and trust in the community in these years, though seldom an aspirant for public office and never a politician. He was a member of the board of trustees of Parsons College from its organization, one of the projectors of the Evergreen Cemetery association and had served the public in various like capacities. Mr. WELLS was also a member of the city council for several terms, and had just completed two years' service as mayor. He was an earnest and active Mason and had always manifested great interest in the work of this order.
The sudden death of Mr. WELLS came as a great shock to the community to which he had given the better years of his life, and he wll be sincerely mourned and his excellences of character deeply cherished by others than those within the family circle.
**End of Obituary**
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 370-371
George A. WELLS, resident and managing partner of the private banking house of WELLS & Garrettson, has been engaged in that line of business in Fairfield, Iowa, since 1862. Long experience has familiarized him with that vocation in all its details, and he is now at the head of what is considered to be one of the safe and important moneyed institutions of Jefferson County.
Mr. WELLS was born in New Albany, Ind., on the 21st of June, 1831, and is of English descent, the family having been founded in America by Thomas WELLS, of England, who became one of the early settlers of the New England Colonies. His father, the Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, was a native of Chittenden County, Vt., born in Jericho, and having arrived at mature years, wedded Sophia H. HASTINGS, a native of Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., and a daughter of Seth HASTINGS, of the same place. They resided in the East until 1854, when, leaving their old home, they emigrated to the West and made a settlement in Fairfield, Iowa, where the deaths of both parents occurred. The mother departed this life in 1876, at the age of seventy-six years, and the father, who was a most exemplary man and was employed in missionary work in this State, was called to his reward in 1882, being eighty-four years of age at the time of his death.
We now take up the personal history of our subject, and it is with pleasure we present this sketch to the readers of the 'Album', who, we feel, will gladly receive this brief account of the life work of one of their most illustrious townsmen. His boyhood days were spent in his native city, where he attended the common schools, after which he prepared himself at the Academy at Lodi, Mich., for the sophomore year in college. He then took up the study of pharmacy, spending six years as a clerk in a drug store in Lima, Ind. Thinking to better his financial condition, he came West in 1856, and choosing Fairfield as a location, he embarked in the drug business in this city. His efforts were successful, and he continued operations in that line until 1862, when, having acquired some capital, he began banking, which business he has followed almost exclusively since. He established a private bank and continued operations under the name of the G. A. WELLS Bank until 1877, when he admitted to partnership Garrett A. Garettson, and the firm name was changed to its present form of WELLS & Garrettson, Mr. WELLS continuing the resident and managing partner. The working capital of the bank is $30,000, including surplus.
In October, 1855, in Indiana, Mr. WELLS was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla D. HOLMES, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a daughter of William HOLMES. Unto them were born six children, three sons and three daughters, but the former are now all deceased. Harry died at the age of ten years and Charles H. when two and a half years of age; then followed Fannie, Kate E. and Grace H., while Fred, who died at the age of one year, was the youngest. (sic. some of the given names and dates differ in this account from other genealogy sources. Harry may be the Henry, for instances, but not aged ten years. It could be that the headstone readings are in error, too, so use the names and dates with some caution.)
Mr. WELLS was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, his father and grandfather having both been ministers in that denomination. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and has served as a member of the City Council, but has never been a politician in the commonly accepted significance of the term, caring nothing for official distinction. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Clinton Lodge, No, 15, A. F. & A. M.; McCord Chapter, No. 5, K. T. Mr. WELLS has every reason to be proud of his success in life, having by earnest effort, the exercise of correct business principles and fair dealing with all men, won the prosperity which is but the just reward of the labors which he has put forth. He is highly regarded by those who know him, and the confidence placed in his bank is attested by a liberal patronage.
---------
Note: Regarding daughter Grace Wells Hoppaugh, the following was found in a search of Ancestry newspaper archives. Additional information in Google searches show that Andrew L Hoppaugh was an attorney of note in Utah. They are buried in Salt Lake City, Utah.
From The Salt Lake Herald, Salt Lake City, Utah. December 11, 1898, Page 13:
"Wells-Hoppaugh Wedding
The marriage of Miss Grace Wells and Mr. Andrew L. Hoppaugh was quietly celebrated on Thursday afternoon at the home of the bride, 483 First street. Rev. Clarence T. Brown performed the ceremony at 5 o'clock. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Frances H. Wells, Mr. F.E. Wilkinson was best man. Mr. and Mrs. Hoppaugh will spend the next six weeks on the coast."
Fairfield, Iowa
April 3, 1895
DIED AMONG STRANGERS
Hon. GEO. A. WELLS SUCCUMBS TO AN ATTACK OF HEART DISEASE AT MARSHALLTOWN
Ex-Mayor Geo. A. WELLS died in a hotel at Marshalltown Wednesday about midnight, after an hours' illness from a disease of the heart. He had gone to that city two days previous as a delegate to the state meeting of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and was in apparent good health when he left home.
Mr. WELLS had spent several hours immediately preceding his death with James J. ROE, formerly superintendent of the Fairfield Gas and Electric works and now holding a similar position at Marshalltown. They had visited the electric light and water works together, and had spent some time on the street railway and at the rooms of the Commercial club. It was shortly after 9 o'clock when they separated, with an agreement to meet next morning and visit other portions of the city together, and Mr. WELLS was shown to his room perhaps half an hour later. He seemed in excellent health and spirits, and said good night in cheery manner to Mr. ROE and chatted pleasantly with some of his lodge brethren before going to his room.
About 11 o'clock a young man who occupied an apartment adjoining was awakend by a rapping on the wall of Mr. WELLS' room, and when he went to the door Mr. W. told him that he was very ill and wanted a physician immediately. A messenger was at once despatched (sic. dispatched) for Dr. PAYNE, and he arrived not more than ten minutes later. In the meantime Mr. WELLS had partially dressed himself and attempted to rise from his bed, but was compelled to lie down again. The physician saw that his condition was alarming, and before administering any medicine asked a question or two regarding his condition. He received an audible reply to his first interrogatory, but when asked where he suffered greatest pain, the unfortunate man was able to give no other answer than the placing of his hand on his heart. His breathing then became more difficult and stentorious, and in five minutes he was dead. A telegram from Dr. C.C. COTTLE gives the cause of death as angina pectoris, or neuralgia of the heart, and friends here remember that Mr. WELLS had frequently of late complained of a shortness of breath and other symptoms attending his disease, although his condition was not condsidered serious.
Mr. ROE was summoned to the hotel as soon as possible and at once took charge of the body and opened up communication with friends here, for, with the exception of one daughter, all members of Mr. WELLs' family were absent from home. Mrs. WELLS and the eldest daughter having been in Salt Lake City for several months. The body was prepared for burial at Marshalltown, and was escorted to the train by the local lodge of the Legion of Honor and members of the Masonic lodges. It arrived here at 12:40 Friday morning, in charge of J.F. Abernathy of Sigourney, who had been appointed by the grand lodge to represent the order, and C.W. MAJOR of Ottumwa, a soninlaw.
The remains were kept until Sunday to await the arrival of Mrs. WELLS from Salt Lake. Funeral services were held at the family residence at 2:30 p.m. Rev. J.F. Magill, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. A. F. Marsh, pastor of the Congregational church, had charge of the exercises, while President SMITH of Parsons College paid a warm tribute to the excellences and worth of Mr. WELLS. The music was rendered by the Congregational church choir. Members of the city government attended the funeral in a body, and there was a large attendances of old friends and neighbors. A number of handsome floral offerings adorned the casket, among which was an appropriate piece from Jerusalem Commandery Knight Templar of Mt. Pleasant, of which Mr. WELLS had long been a member.
Geo. A. WELLS was born at New Albany, Ind., June 21st, 1831, and was a son of Rev. A.S. and Sophia H. WELLS. His early life was spent in that state and in Michigan, and he received an academical education at Lodi in the latter state. He began the study of pharmacy in 1849 at Lima, Ind. where he remained six years. In 1855 he came to this city, where other members of the family had preceded him and where his parents also came later. He at once engaged in the sale of drugs and books, and in 1862 opened a private bank. This business he conducted alone until 1877, when a partnership was formed with G.A. GARRETTSON of Muscatine, under the style of WELLS & GARRETTSON, and which ceased in 1893 with the dissolution of the firm.
Mr. WELLS was married to Priscilla D. HOLMES in Indiana in 1855, and seven children were born to them, three of whom are now living - Mrs. C. W. MAJOR of Ottumwa and Misses Fannie and Grace H. WELLS in this city.
Mr. WELLS had had a long business career in Fairfield, and few men there are who can form more or warmer friendships. He was a man of few words, reticent in his manner and retiring in his disposition, but he was generous with his friends almost to a fault, and could the history of his fault, and could the history of his career in Fairfield be an open book it would disclose a multitude of kindness to young and struggling business men. He had a strong hold on the business life of Fairfield for more years than many men can ever hope to retain it, and he was justly entitled to all that honest, loyal friendship. Mr. WELLS was a man of public spirit, was early and easily enlisted in any enterprise which had for its purpose the building of town or country and was generous in his gifts toward all good ends. He had held numerous positions of honor and trust in the community in these years, though seldom an aspirant for public office and never a politician. He was a member of the board of trustees of Parsons College from its organization, one of the projectors of the Evergreen Cemetery association and had served the public in various like capacities. Mr. WELLS was also a member of the city council for several terms, and had just completed two years' service as mayor. He was an earnest and active Mason and had always manifested great interest in the work of this order.
The sudden death of Mr. WELLS came as a great shock to the community to which he had given the better years of his life, and he wll be sincerely mourned and his excellences of character deeply cherished by others than those within the family circle.
**End of Obituary**
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 370-371
George A. WELLS, resident and managing partner of the private banking house of WELLS & Garrettson, has been engaged in that line of business in Fairfield, Iowa, since 1862. Long experience has familiarized him with that vocation in all its details, and he is now at the head of what is considered to be one of the safe and important moneyed institutions of Jefferson County.
Mr. WELLS was born in New Albany, Ind., on the 21st of June, 1831, and is of English descent, the family having been founded in America by Thomas WELLS, of England, who became one of the early settlers of the New England Colonies. His father, the Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, was a native of Chittenden County, Vt., born in Jericho, and having arrived at mature years, wedded Sophia H. HASTINGS, a native of Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., and a daughter of Seth HASTINGS, of the same place. They resided in the East until 1854, when, leaving their old home, they emigrated to the West and made a settlement in Fairfield, Iowa, where the deaths of both parents occurred. The mother departed this life in 1876, at the age of seventy-six years, and the father, who was a most exemplary man and was employed in missionary work in this State, was called to his reward in 1882, being eighty-four years of age at the time of his death.
We now take up the personal history of our subject, and it is with pleasure we present this sketch to the readers of the 'Album', who, we feel, will gladly receive this brief account of the life work of one of their most illustrious townsmen. His boyhood days were spent in his native city, where he attended the common schools, after which he prepared himself at the Academy at Lodi, Mich., for the sophomore year in college. He then took up the study of pharmacy, spending six years as a clerk in a drug store in Lima, Ind. Thinking to better his financial condition, he came West in 1856, and choosing Fairfield as a location, he embarked in the drug business in this city. His efforts were successful, and he continued operations in that line until 1862, when, having acquired some capital, he began banking, which business he has followed almost exclusively since. He established a private bank and continued operations under the name of the G. A. WELLS Bank until 1877, when he admitted to partnership Garrett A. Garettson, and the firm name was changed to its present form of WELLS & Garrettson, Mr. WELLS continuing the resident and managing partner. The working capital of the bank is $30,000, including surplus.
In October, 1855, in Indiana, Mr. WELLS was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla D. HOLMES, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a daughter of William HOLMES. Unto them were born six children, three sons and three daughters, but the former are now all deceased. Harry died at the age of ten years and Charles H. when two and a half years of age; then followed Fannie, Kate E. and Grace H., while Fred, who died at the age of one year, was the youngest. (sic. some of the given names and dates differ in this account from other genealogy sources. Harry may be the Henry, for instances, but not aged ten years. It could be that the headstone readings are in error, too, so use the names and dates with some caution.)
Mr. WELLS was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, his father and grandfather having both been ministers in that denomination. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party and has served as a member of the City Council, but has never been a politician in the commonly accepted significance of the term, caring nothing for official distinction. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Clinton Lodge, No, 15, A. F. & A. M.; McCord Chapter, No. 5, K. T. Mr. WELLS has every reason to be proud of his success in life, having by earnest effort, the exercise of correct business principles and fair dealing with all men, won the prosperity which is but the just reward of the labors which he has put forth. He is highly regarded by those who know him, and the confidence placed in his bank is attested by a liberal patronage.
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Note: Regarding daughter Grace Wells Hoppaugh, the following was found in a search of Ancestry newspaper archives. Additional information in Google searches show that Andrew L Hoppaugh was an attorney of note in Utah. They are buried in Salt Lake City, Utah.
From The Salt Lake Herald, Salt Lake City, Utah. December 11, 1898, Page 13:
"Wells-Hoppaugh Wedding
The marriage of Miss Grace Wells and Mr. Andrew L. Hoppaugh was quietly celebrated on Thursday afternoon at the home of the bride, 483 First street. Rev. Clarence T. Brown performed the ceremony at 5 o'clock. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Frances H. Wells, Mr. F.E. Wilkinson was best man. Mr. and Mrs. Hoppaugh will spend the next six weeks on the coast."
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