Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 500
WELL DEWELL, D.D.S.

Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character have gained for them a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, is the subject of this brief sketch. In the conscientious practice of his chosen profession, Doctor DEWELL has come to be one of the most prominent dentists in this section of the state and being a man of decided views and laudable ambitions, his influence has ever been exerted for the advancement of his kind. He also is prominent in political circles and is at present most efficiently filling the office of mayor of Woodbine, Harrison county.

Some special interest attaches to the brief study of Mayor DEWELL's career from the fact that he is a native son of this county, having been born at Magnolia on July 8, 1877, a son of John and Emma (McGINNIS) DEWELL, the latter of whom was born and reared in Shelby county, this state. John DEWELL, however, was born in Indiana and come to this county in 1858. He located at Magnolia, which was then but a very small village and became proprietor of one of the first general merchandise stores in that region. He also served as postmaster for a considerable time, and after devoting a goodly number of years to managing his mercantile business, he retired from active life and is now living in quiet retirement in Magnolia. He was twice married, his first wife dying on August 25, 1879. She bore him six children, William C., E. S., Wells, Robert J. and two daughters who died in earliest infancy. The elder DEWELL chose for his second wife Bessie COOPER, of Magnolia, Iowa, by whom he had five children, James O., Kate, B. O., Ada M. and an infant who died at two years of age.

Wells DEWELL received his elementary training in the common schools of Harrison county, later attending the high school at Magnolia. After he was graduated from the latter institution he attended the dental department of the Iowa State University for one year and then matriculated in Northwestern University at Chicago, being graduated therefrom in 1899. He immediately returned to this state and began the practice of his profession at Logan, remaining there, however, but one year, at the end of which he moved to Woodbine, which has since been his home. Since taking up his residence in Woodbine he has become quite prominently identified with the public life of the place. He served as councilman for some time and is at present filling his second term as mayor of that city. He is a stanch adherent of the Republican party and is anxious for the advancement along all lines of the city, which he has the honor to serve as chief executive.

Dr. DEWELL holds his church membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, to the support of which he gives liberally of time and means. His fraternal affiliation is held with the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons through Lodge No. 126 at Magnolia, and with the chapter at Dunlap. He also is a member of the Knights of Pythias in Lodge No. 92 at Woodbine and in Lodge No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at the same place.

On September 26, 1900, Doctor DEWELL was united in marriage with Pearl G. HESTER, daughter of William R. and Margaret (STRODE) HESTER, both of whom were natives of Indiana and who made the trip overland in a "prairie schooner" to this county at an early date in the settlement of this section of the state. To Doctor and Mrs. DEWELL was born one child, a son, Gerald Arthur, whom they had the misfortune to lose by death. Doctor DEWELL is a man of sound and practical intelligence, keenly alert to everything relating to his interests and in fact, with all that concerns the prosperity and advancement of the community. Because of his splendid personal characteristics and his genuine worth, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him and is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.

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