WELLS, GUY

WELLS, HAWKHURST, ROSSELL

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 8/23/2019 at 19:31:18

Keokuk City
(P.O. Keokuk)

WELLS, GUY, Vice President of the State National Bank; born in Wyalusing, Bradford Co., Penn., July 21, 1813. In the spring of 1838, he came to La Salle, Ill. ; for two years, he was connected with the construction of the Illinois Railroad ; he then came to Fort Madison, Iowa, via. Galena and thence down the Mississippi River. He immediately entered into a contract for the construction of a portion of the Penitentiary at Fort Madison; for about three years, he also carried on mercantile business there, and for about five years, operated the ferry at that point, James Wilson being associated with him as a partner ; served two years as Deputy Sheriff. In the spring of 1847, Mr. Wells removed to Keokuk. For eleven years, Mr. Wells was Chief Engineer of the Des Moines River Improvement; surveyed and superintended the construction of the railroad between here and Clayton, Ill. He was Superintendent of the company several years, the road being owned by Sample, Hornish & Wells, afterward sold to the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railway Co. ; then, for two years, Mr. Wells continued as Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Wells owns one-third interest in the Sonora Stone Quarries ; is one of the owners of the saw-mill at Montrose ; also stock holder and Director in the Iowa State Insurance Co. For seventeen years he was a member of the School Board of Keokuk; several years President of the Board. He is now serving a three years term as member of the Board. Nearly all the present school edifices were constructed under his supervision. He served a long time as City Engineer. Mr. Wells has always taken an active interest in all public improvements, and is one of the foremost men of the community. He married Ellen Hawkhurst Oct. 1, 1850; she was born in Vermont Feb. 15, 1827. They have had four children, one deceased. The living are Carrie (now Mrs. James Rossell), Kate and Robert Ross.

Source: BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY IOWA
CHICAGO: WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY, 1879

Transcription typed/proofed as article was originally published in 1879