STANDARD ATLAS
OF
SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
1903
Geo. A. Ogle & Co.Publishers & Engravers
134 Van Buren St.
Chicago
Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 122
In 1822, when Illinois was yet a very young state, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Wells, grandparents of William A. Wells, came to this state and were among the first settlers in what is now Scott county. The son, Thomas J. Wells, and his wife, Julia Ann (York) Wells, were among the pioneers who began housekeeping in a very moderate way in the early days of Scott county. Mrs. Wells carded and spun and wove all the cloth used by the family. Mr. Wells at first farmed eighty acres of land, but later purchased an additional 120 acres of land off his father's homestead. In that day they were reckoned very hospitable and that meant a good deal. William A. Wells was born in Scott county, on the farm his grandfather entered from the government, September 15, 1847. He was reared in that neighborhood, and, at the outbreak of the civil war, when he was but fourteen years old, he offered his services to his country, but was declined, on account of his age. However, when he reached the age of sixteen he succeeded in enlisting in Company E., 137 Illinois Volunteer infantry, and now holds a certificate of thanks, for honorable and meritorious service, signed by Abraham Lincoln and Richard Yates, Sr., (war governor of Illinois).
September 19, 1867, William A. Wells and Margaret Woodall were married. To them three daughters - Mae, Olive and Daisy - were born. Miss Olive has, for the past eight years, been a teacher in the Winchester public schools. Mrs. Wells died and Mr. Wells broke up farming and moved into Winchester, where he has since been engaged in the stock business.
Mr. Wells was again married, Miss Adah V. Waters, being his companion. Two children were born to them. Arthur died in infancy, and Francis Allen, who is now a student at the Rose Polytechnic Institute, Terre Haute, Indiana. Mr. Wells has been a member of the Winchester board of education, and of the city council, and was commander of Hesse Post, G. A. R., for a number of years. He is one of the well known citizens of Winchester.