George Clark Wells, son of Peter C. and Eliza (Stillman) Wells, was born near Ashaway, R. I., January 20, 1844, and died at his home in Farina, Ill., October 5, 1918, aged 74 years, 8 months, and 15 days.
He grew to manhood in the New England home, receiving his training in the public schools and at Alfred University, N. Y. In July, 1862, he enlisted for three years in Co. A, 7th R. I. V. I. He was in the great battle of Fredericksburg and was shot in the right hip December 13, 1862. He suffered from this wound the remainder of his life. After his discharge he was engaged as a mechanic in the Cottrell Press Works, Westerly, R. I., until he came west, December 10, 1862 (sic).
Deciding to locate at Farina, he purchased the 40-acre tract that formed the nucleus of his farm. To this home he brought his young bride, Emma L. Brown, of Niagara Co., N. Y., with whom he was united in marriage, February 16, 1868. Here their children who are living, Oscar, Hattie and Lena, grew to manhood and womanhood. Here they shared in the development of this country, teaching in winter, farming in summer at first, till the farm grew in dimensions that required his whole attention. He was ever interested in the social and economic relations of our community; of strong convictions, he yet was large in his sympathy and respect for others. He was a constituent member of the Farina Seventh Day Baptist Church and was ever a loyal supporter of all its religious interests. He was a member of the Lucian Greathouse Post 426 G. A. R.
The many friends who gathered at his home to pay the tribute of respect in the last sad rites spoke of the high esteem in which he was held for his moral and uplifting influence in the community.
