Wells, Harry A. 1858 - 19??

WELLS, GERKE, FRIETHER

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 12/4/2006 at 14:15:20

From the Scrapbook of Newspaper Articles by Mrs. Lilliam Wheeler

OBITUARY OF HARRY A. WELLS

Harry A. Wells was born in Stubenville, Ohio, March 17th, 1858.

While still a boy, the age of 14, he moved with his parents to Sullivan.

Following the trend of immigration westward he with his wife came to Iowa in the Fall of 1883. He purchased a farm at Round Grove in Jamestown township which he operated continuously until 1920 when he and his wife moved to Riceville.

By nature a farmer he continued in later years in a minor capacity as co-partner with his son Aaron in the operation of the property.

He was one of a colony of serious minded, hard working men who settled in and about Round Grove and who through their perseverance, industry and courage developed these prairies into a fertile productive section that became a credit to Howard County and the State of Iowa.

As a participant in the building of this permanent community structure he was loyal and unselfish. He met his reverses stoically and accepted the fruits of his labors as a full compensation for his effort.

He was a good citizen, a man of stable character and sound ideas. He kept well informed on current topics and took an interest in local and state affairs.

He was congenial, sympathetic and held the respect of all who knew him. He enjoyed a broad acquaintanceship throughout the county in which he resided so long.

He was a devoted husband and a kindly father.

Since the death of his wife in September 1935 he had lived in his home in Riceville with his daughter Fannie Gerke who faithfully cared for him in his decline which resulted in his death Sunday morning May 17th.

He leaves two sons, Howard of Aberdeen, South Dakota and Aaron of Riceville, two daughters, Fannie Gerke of Riceville and Mozelle Friether of Osage, three grandsons, two sisters and one brother also survive him.

The town feels the loss of a valued and respected citizen.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 19th, from the house conducted by the Rev. E. Bodenham. Burial was made in Riverside cemetery beside the body of his beloved wife.