WELLS, Arthur G. c1864-1949

WELLS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 11/10/2011 at 23:58:04

ELDERLY RICEVILLE
MAN FOUND FROZEN
TO DEATH IN YARD

Arthur Wells Dies in
Sub-Zero Temperature
After Fall on Ice

Arthur G. Wells, 84, Riceville bachelor, froze to death Sunday night in the sub-zero cold within a few feet of the back door of his home on the outskirts of Riceville. The frozen body was discovered Monday morning by a neighbor.

L. J. Pechosh, Howard County Coroner, stated that from appearances the old man had fallen on the ice and was unable to reach shelter. He had been carrying in fire wood for his heating stove and had an armful of fuel when he fell. The kitchen door was open. His body was found only eight feet from the kitchen door and there was evidence that the old man had threshed around on the ice in a vain effort to help himself. His nearest neighbor lived about two blocks away and no one heard the old man cry for help.

Mr. Wells was born on a farm north of Riceville and farmed for many years before moving to town some 20 yers ago. He had been active in spite of his advanced age and served on election boards until his death.

He is survived by two brothers, A. B., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Denton, of South Dakota.

[Mitchell County Press, January 27, 1949]