Rinnah Wells
Deceased; late of Andalusia; died April 15, 1877; was a farmer; Sec. 23; was born near Fairfield,Wayne Co.,Ill., on May 14,1821; Rep; owned 520 acres of land, valued at $25,000; at the age of seven years lie came with his parents to this Co., in the spring of 182S; his older brothers built a cabin the preceding fall near what was the old county poor-house, on the Milan and Rock Island road, about two miles from the latter city; the family lived in this cabin one year, then in a more commodious log house; in 1837, they built and lived in the two story frame building known as the Old Poor-House; Mr. Wells was brought up in this locality, and was educated in the public schools.
He was Deputy Sheriff, for his brother Lucius, one term; in company with his father, he established a ferry across Rock River, below Yandruff's Island; in 1847, he was again Deputy Sheriff for S. S. Guyer, now County Judge; this year.
On Feb. 25, he married Miss Hannah Buffum, of Andalusia, formerly of Fulton Co., her native place; at an early age she came with her parents to Stephenson—now Rock Island city—where she was educated; in 1844, she moved to this Township, and taught school one terni; Mr. Wells moved to Fremont—now Zuma—in 1848; was the first Supervisor of that Township, and one of the first in the Co.; held the office for three years; came here in 1865; was elected Supervisor in 1866-67, and 1877; although agriculture was his principal occupation here, he was also engaged in the grain, agricultural implement and hardware business.
Mr.Wells was a man of considerable prominence, highly appreciated, and a member of the Wells family who in County, State and National affairs, have acquired a celebrity much esteemed by the people; Mrs. Wells sur vives her husband, with five daughters: Mrs. Mary L. Atwood, widow; Mrs. Clara Kenworthy, wife of J.T. Kenworthy, of Rock Island; Ella, Lucy, and Amanda, now at home.
Historic Rock Island
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Illinois Ancestors