Untitled Document

AIbert Wells, deceased, formerly a prominent farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 30, Zuma Township , and the owner of nearly r,ooo acres of land, was an early pioneer of this county. He came here in 1830 and participated in the Black Hawk War. His brother, Samuel, was killed by the Indians during an engagement. He finally settled in Zuma Township , locating there as early as 1836. He was a native of the Green Mountain State , having been born there June 15, 1810 .

Mr. Wells remained under the parental roof-tree, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools of his native country, and assisting in the maintenance of the family until he arrived at the age of majority. On becoming his own man he left home, and was engaged in buying and selling cattle. He afterwards kept a trading post at Portage, Columbia Co., Wis. In 1838 he settled down to an active business life, and was chiefly occupied in buying cattle and farms, and speculating on them. He was a stirring, active business man all his life long, and died July 16, 1847 , leaving a wife, four daughters and a very large circle of friends to mourn his loss.

Mr. Wells formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Jane M. McNeal June 14, 1838 . She was a native of Detroit , Mich. , where she was born Nov. 3, 1824. The issue of their union were four children, all girls: Eliza was born Dec. 24, 1839 ; Eunice L. Aug. 8, 1841; Antonett M., Nov. 16, 1843 ; aad Louise Dec. 3d, 1847. Eliza A. married John E. Babcock, and they have six children, namely: Ralph, John, George, Louise L., Maud and Drury. Eunice married Frank Merrill, and they had one son,— George S. Mr. Merrill died in the army, holding the office of Orderly Sergeant at the date of his death. Mrs. Merrill was again married, her second husband being James Mills, and they have one daughter, — Jennie. Antonett M. married George W. Henry, and the issue of their union was four children, — three sons and one daughter, namely: George W., Edward, Willie J. and Albert VV. Louise J. married Nelson Perry, who died March 24, 1879, and she was again married to John Bryan.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock Island, Ill

Submitted by the Webmaster

Illinois Ancestors

111006BMKF