Gleanings about the Wells Family
By Mrs. J.S. Flaglor
In preparing this family sketch I am indebted to writers of the early days, especially those who wrote the history of Methodist; also, my thanks are due to all who have sent data to me.
In some cases, this history is not as complete as I would desire, but I have done the best I could with the material sent.
I am calling my little sketch “Gleanings about the Wells Family” as it is not claimed to be a complete history.
Because of the difficulty in obtaining material, I have been compelled to confine myself largely to the family of George, son of William Wells and descendants.
As someone has written, the descendants of William and Margaret Dobson Wells bear many names and are widely scattered. Charles H., John, James, and Joseph, in 1926, represented the name in Point de Bute and Jolicure. The late Woodbury Wells, M.P.P. and Judge W.W. Wells are descendants, as are Rev. H. A. Goodwin, W. B. Snowball, late Lieut. Governor Snowball, Senator C. W. Robinson, J. Snowball Rayworth, Dr. F. Wright, late J. A. Marven, Dr. W. Black, F. E. Copp, Colonel B. Harper, Col. Carey, Avard Dobson, Dr. Joseph Wells, Conductor Trueman, Dr. Frank Reade, Judge George Wells (Nebraska), Hon. Senator (Colonel) F. B. Black, Judge Alder Trueman, C. C, Avard, M. A. Priestly Wells, Howard Chapman, Morris Wells, William and Joseph Hickman and such other names as Chandlers, Godfrey, Goodwin, Chapman, Tingley, Palmer.
The name Wells is thought to have originated in wells or springs of water, called St. Andrews Wells in Somerset, England 20 miles south of Bristol. During the middle ages, these wells were believed to possess healing properties, given by St. Andrew himself. The town of Wells is very old. In the seventh century it was a Roman settlement; and a Roman road passed through it. King Ine founded a house there in in 704 A. D. In Wells, is situated one of the most magnificent Cathedrals in all England (Wells Cathedral).
The history of the Wells Family in Canada is believed to have had its beginning in the coming to our shores of William Wells, who with a group of Yorkshire men landed at Fort Cumberland in 1773. As unbroken stillness had reigned for several years over the ruins which showed the sites of the former dwellings of the Acadians, who has vacated in 1755. To this part of the County came these Yorkshire men.
The expulsion of the Acadians so graphically described by Longfellow in his “Evangeline” left vacant some of the richest lands in the Maritime Provinces and the problem was how to obtain population for this territory. In 1758 Governor Lawrence issued a proclamation inviting the New Englanders, descendants of the Puritans, who a hundred years before had left England in search of liberty, did not respond very heartily until they had obtained from the Governor in a second proclamation, a guarantee of full religious liberty. From 1759 to 1770 various influxes from New England took place. Many of these became permanent residents, and their descendants are with us today.
As the outbreak of the American war of independence in 1776, and after its close, quite a number of these returned to their own country. Of this New England Puritan stock remaining, Canada and the Maritimes might justly be proud.
Permit me as a prelude, to say something about Yorkshire and its people. We are told by some, that the little slave boys whom Gregory saw in the slave market at Rome were Yorkshire boys from the kingdom of Deira the land of Ella.
Yorkshire is the largest county in England situated in the North. Its scenery is varied ranging from wild lonely moors, heather clad, to hills and dales of quiet pastoral beauty. On its coasts are to be seen the largest cliffs in England, some of them rising to a height of 666 feet. Its people are unique amongst Englishmen. In temperament the Yorkshire man may in some ways be regarded as conservative, retaining his ancient dialect and old customs. Yet it was here that the first railway in England was opened. Here also, as early as 1793 Co-operative flour mills and co-operative trading and profit sharing took place. Readers of Mrs. Gaskell’s “Life of Charlotte Bronte” will see there a description of Yorkshire people seemingly not very complimentary. But Mrs. Gaskell was a Southerner and was perhaps drawing too sharp a contrast between the temperament of the Celt and the Teuton; Charlotte Bronte herself, who lived among them and wrote from better knowledge, admired them, and defends them in her writings. Fitchett in describing John Nelson, one of Wesley’s preachers, says “He was a typical Yorkshire man, strong bodied, stubborn, rich in quaint humor and in homely common sense, rich too in the capacity for profound religious feeling.” This then is the temperament of Yorkshire men, the result no doubt of their Scandinavian ancestry, and the physical features of the country in which they lived. Hull, Scarboro and Sheffield are principal cities of Yorkshire.
Upon this stock was grafted the spirit of Methodism and of this type were the first settlers to this locality. Wesley speaks in warm-hearted terms of Yorkshire and in no place in England did Methodism take so well.
The coming of the Yorkshire men to Nova Scotia happened in this way; Governor Franklin at the invitation of the Duke of Rutland, went down to Yorkshire in 1771 to seek settlers for Nova Scotia. Mr. Wells and a party from the same place in Yorkshire responded, and sailed from Liverpool in 1773, and landed at Boston, where they remained a few months. In the family record we find that Mr. Wells’ little daughter, Jane, died and was buried in Boston in 1773. From there they came by sailing vessel to Halifax and by schooner from there to Fort Cumberland, arriving in 1773.
There were further influxes from Yorkshire in 1774 and 1775, the largest number coming in 1774, when the Truemans and Blacks came.
From a political point of view, these settlers were a great acquisition to these Provinces. They were a superior class of men, and a great asset to the country; coming as they did direct from England, they brought an attachment to British institutions which in view of the State of American politics, was of particular value. Some go so far as to say that their coming saved the Maritimes to the Empire. When we consider the Eddy Rebellion that took place in Cumberland not long after their arrival, this statement does not seem exaggerated.
Had the residents of Nova Scotia (which then included New Brunswick), given support to Eddy, then today the Maritimes might have been a continuation of the New England states.
Among those who accompanied Mr. Wells or came soon after were the families of Dixon, John and William Fawcett, Newton, Scurr, Chapman, Oxley, Donkin, Dobson, Faulkner and Welson. William Wells, two Dobsons and William Trueman settled on farms adjoining, in Upper Point de Bute, then called Prospect. The Wells farm has ever since been in the possession of the Wells family. In more recent years owned by Samuel and Joseph Wells grandsons, and by Charles (who died recently) and John Wells, great grandsons.
A word about the new country to which they came might be of interest.
In the year 1763, Lord Amherst established three townships in the County of Cumberland, which then embraced all that is now Westmorland and Albert Counties. All that remained of what is now New Brunswick was the County of Sunbury.
The Townships established by Lord Amherst were Cumberland, Amherst and Sackville. The township of Cumberland embraced all the land between La Planch and au Lac, extending east to Bay Verte and west to Bay of Fundy.
At Bay Verte a number of New Englanders had settled, among them Daniel Goodwin and his family (a soldier under Winslow at the taking of Fort Cumberland) also Chappells, Allens and others. Bay Verte must have been used as a port quite largely, for about this time, we read of persons starting for Upper Canada (as it was then called) going to Bay Verte and embarking on a vessel from that place.
Fort Cumberland, where the Yorkshire men landed, is three miles from Point de Bute. Fort Lawrence is one mile farther. Fort Cumberland then “Beause Jour” was captured by the British from the French in 1755 by Colonel Monckton. He and Capt. Winslow renamed it. A monument marks the spot, with a bronze tablet, telling of the capture. There are still some ruins left, and a few cannons. Fort Lawrence also has a monument and a bronze tablet; but the ruins have all disappeared. Some British officers were then settled around the fort.
What was later called the Cumberland district included parts of what is now New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It consisted of a chain of settlements from the Napan River on the east to the Petitcodiac on the west, a distance of 40 miles. The principal places being Sackville, Point de Bute, Dorchester, Amherst, Fort Lawrence, Fort Cumberland, Bay Verte, Wallace and Napan. In all of these places there were small settlements.
When William Wells and his companions arrived in this country there were no roads and few of the comforts of life; certainly, none of the luxuries. Travelling was largely by water, by bridle paths and Indian trails, though dense woods in many places; there were a good many friendly Indians still in the country.
A settlement had been started at Halifax about 25 years before, and the populations at this time was estimated at about 3000. There was also a settlement at Windsor.
It must have been hard indeed for these people, coming as they did from a land like England where every foot of ground seems so highly cultivated, till it appears like an immense garden, to plunge into this virgin forest and there carve out new homes.
A few of the more timorous souls did return to the old land, giving as their reason the severity of the Canadian winters and the many pests for man and beast in summer. But the brave-hearted stayed on.
One historian tells us that various and numerous were the difficulties and hardships which these people endured in this new country, but they were men and women of indomitable courage: Godfearing, Industrious and resourceful.
They had come here to make homes, and they did so. Gradually step by step they pushed back the forests, and in their stead were cultivated smiling fields and comfortable happy homesteads. One of the first things they did in this new land was to build altars to worship God. They made roads, and more roads; at first if the distance was too great to walk, they went to visit their friends or to church, on horseback, sometimes the mother with one or two little ones on one horse, and the father with two or three older ones on another.
Let us now take a glance at the England of that day.
A little previous to this, Rev. John Wesley had started a Revival which swept over all England. Yorkshire especially came under its power, for one fourth of all converts were said to be from there.
Mr. Wells and the Dobson families were members of this new Society. Mrs. Wells’ home in Sowbery was the headquarters of Rev. John Wesley, and John Nelson, when in that part of England, on their evangelistic tours.
Mr. Wells had a few years before, married Margaret Dobson, a strong fine type of woman, who was ever a source of inspiration and help. Mr. Wesley tells us something about Mr. Wells and his work at that time in his Journal. He says that in 1764 he preached in a place called Yarm, and had a chapel built there. He engaged Mr. Wells, who was a mason and builder, to build a similar chapel at Thirsk, near his own home. Mr. Wesley says of this chapel at Yarm, that it was by far the most elegant chapel in England, still he wished Mr. Wells to improve on it, in the chapel he was to build at Thirsk. The new building evidently did not come up to Mr. Wesley’s expectations, for later on he wrote in his Journal, a criticism of it, closing with these words – “Instead of being an improvement the second chapel is in my opinion scarce equal to the first.” But this did not affect their cordial relations, or Mr. Wells admiration for the great man, his beloved teacher.
Religious toleration was little known in those days, and often Mr. Wesley and John Nelson had to endure many indignities. Mr. and Mrs. Wells often heard them preach at Thirsk Cross, when hard names, stones, and every offensive missiles were hurled at them; so fierce and cruel were the persecutions against those that dared to worship in other than established ways, that members of the new society were often mobbed and beaten and compelled to hide in cellars and barns from their persecutors. It is said that at this period one could pick out, in town or village, the homes of Methodists, by their dilapidated appearance. Windows and doors being often broken in, while the occupant escaped to safety.
About this time, 1766, many in England were hearing the call of America, - Mr. Wells among the number. They looked to this land as a sort of “Land of Promise.” The unrest, the hardships of living conditions, besides the religious persecutions, made many fathers and mothers willing to brave the ocean, the trials and hardships of pioneer life in a strange land, for the sake of the future of their children.
To the England of the Eighteenth Century, America looked very attractive, especially to the farmer. At home he could never hope to own his own land, however hard or long he might work, while in America a whole continent was waiting for stout hearts and willing hands to make it into happy homes.
But it was not that easy, this breaking of the old ties in the Homeland. There were close friends, and many with whom they had taken sweet counsel; also, their humble places of worship were dear. Their beloved teachers and leaders, John and Charles Wesley, they would hear and see no more.
It is recorded that when the time for leaving came, Mr. Wesley knelt with Mr. and Mrs. Wells in prayer and placing a hand on each head, commended them to God, asking His blessing and benediction to rest upon them, that they might have His guidance and protection for the journey and might be a blessing in the New Land. Thus, they left the land of their birth to face the rigors of the Canadian winters and the hardships of pioneer life.
The spiritual destitution, when these people came this country was very great, Rev. John Eagleson was earlier sent out by the society for the propagation of the gospel. There were a few scattered Congregationalists, Anglicans, and Presbyterians. There was also a Baptist church in Sackville, the congregation of which had come from New England, en masse, bringing their pastor with then. This was closed at the time of the Revolution.
There were no places of worship near the people who settled at Point de Bute; there were no religious leaders or teachers, not an ordained Methodist minister nearer than New York City. It might be interesting to note that the whole Continent of America was put upon the English minutes in 1760, as one circuit, and the following year a membership of only 316 was reported.
The first Methodist sermon in America was preached in New York by Phillip Embury, 1766, the congregation numbering five. It was the day of beginnings.
Bishop Asbury was the first M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Bishop in U.S.A.
It was but natural that these Yorkshire men who had been in close contact with the Wesleyan movement at home, had seen and known such men as the Wesleys and John Nelson, should be ardent Methodists, and bring to this land embers of revival fires.
Meetings were soon started in their homes. Mr. Wells’ home being one of the first opened. Mention is also made of Mr. William Trueman’s and Mr. Oxley’s homes in Amherst. Services were also started at Fort Lawrence.
In 1779, the spark which they had brought over, quickened into a flame, and a revival began and continued for several weeks.
William Black, who had come from Yorkshire with his father in 1775, was then a young man of 198. He says he was gay and thoughtless, often spending whole nights at cards, etc. In a letter, now become famous, written to John Wesley and published in his Journal, William Black tells how the course of his life was changed. He Says: “One Sunday, Mr. Wells a class leader, came to a meeting at Amherst, and gave a very strong exhortation in which he said – ‘Sin and repent, sin and repent till you repent in the bottomless pit.’ Those words went like a dagger to my heart.” It is recorded that after this, Mr. Wells and others were conducting a meeting at Fort Lawrence, when William Black was present. Mr. Wells offered a prayer of such fervency and power that he (Black) was deeply moved and that same evening at a Mr. Oxley’s home, near Amherst, he surrendered his life to God. The conversion of William Black meant everything to the cause at that time. It was the beginning of a wonderful missionary career. His whole life being devoted to the spread of the gospel in this new land. He had marked ability, and a burning zeal. Assisted by his local preachers and class leaders, he began the work of the ministry. He made his first attempt at preaching at Fort Lawrence, and it is recorded that through his knees trembled, his tongue was loosed. William Black’s fourth sermon was preached in Mr. Wells’ home. The following day he travelled by horseback through the woods to Windsor, to preach. No house being large enough, he preached in the orchard of a Mr. Chandler. In the evening a love fest was held, the first in Canada.
The following Friday, Mr. Black again preached in the home of Mr. Wells. Some had come to mock, as they often did in those days; sometimes bringing with them bags of flour, or powdered crackers, which they threw upon the congregation. At other times they tried to break up the meetings by threats of the press-gang, etc. So these members of the new society found that they had not left all persecutions behind in the old land.
William Black, afterward called Bishop Black, was a very successful preacher, and after a time was given as his circuit the whole of what is now the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland.
The prayer and class meetings of the early days had held within them the germ of the church to be, and William Black was called to unite the scattered groups, thus giving birth to an organization called the Methodist Church in Canada, at Windsor in 1782.
William Black started out to preach in 1781. He tells us that he first directed his steps to the Petitcodiac River, stopping on his way at Fort Lawrence, Sackville, Dorchester, and Hillsboro. The next winter he made the same trip, going a greater part of the way on snowshoes. He tells also of visiting Upper Coverdale, where he built the first Methodist Church between St. John and Dorchester.
Sackville was next after Point de Bute to have a church, 1790. This was called the Brick Church. The only one in Sackville at the time. It was opened by James Mann.
In 1791, William Early spent the winter at Hillsboro and Hopewell preaching. He travelled wholly on foot, with his saddlebags over his shoulder. He had frequently to lie down to rest on the snow, being so weary, and he would find his hair frozen to his coat collar. In 1792, he preached around St. John, Sussex Vale, and Oromocto, where he had some severe experiences. In 1806, Stephen Bamford preached in Cumberland district; other names we meet are Burnett, Smithson, and Joshua Marsden. Joseph Ray was the first missionary ordained and sent to Cumberland by John Wesley in 1788, later Joseph Arvard preached at different places.
At Bay Verte, Gustavus Hamilton, a local preacher arrived from Ireland in 1824 and began work. Later still Edward Wood … farm and preached in that district. It was through his labours that the Methodist Church of Bayfield was started, 1830. It was jokingly said that he would run down to Cape Tormentine before breakfast. After working hard on his farm all week, he would walk to Bayfield on Sunday morning, preach all day, and walk back the 20 miles Sunday evening. He was a good man and did a good work.
From 1773 to 1775, there were other groups of Yorkshire men came, with the same ideas, and the same fixity of purpose. Among these were the families of Bowser, Freeze, Ripley, Kellior, Shipley, Trenholm, Reed, Smith, Atkinson, Pipes, Anderson, Harrison, Johnson, Robinson, Lusby, Foster, and others.
Charles Dixon, the father of the Dixons around Sackville had purchased 2,000 acres of land at Sackville where he settled. William Wells, William Trueman and two (2) families of Dobsons bought at Point de Bute. Ripley and Shipley at Napan. Bowser and Fawcett at Sackville. Kellior at Amherst. Freeze at Penobsquis, William Doncan at River Phillip, Oxley at Amherst, Weldon at Dorchester. Reed at Nappin. Lusby and Robinson at Amherst.
The descendants of these men are household names and are esteemed for their industry stability and firm religious principles.
In 1776 came the revolutionary war, and the secular and religious interest suffered greatly in Cumberland. Some of the New England settlers sympathized with their friends who had revolted.
By the influence of disaffected persons in the Country, the garrison at Fort Cumberland was besieged by a force from Macias, Maine. They disarmed those who were friendly to the Government and forbade them stirring from their farms under penalty of death.
It has been said by a writer that the Yorkshire men did three great things. They made the Country, preserved the flag, and through such men as Black, Wells, Newton, Scurr, Trueman, Faulkner, Early, Fawcett, Dixon, John and James Mann, Wrys and other founded the principle of Methodism.
An earlier writer also says “Mr. William Wells was a notable man of his day. He was a devoted Methodist and had brought with him to this country all the passionate zeal, fire, and enthusiasm which characterized that movement in the Old Land. He was class leader; and often performed the last rites at the grave. He was a very useful member of the Community.”
Another has said: “Bishop Black after his conversation in correspondence with Mr. Wesley, always spoke very gratefully of Mr. Wells saying that he was the instrument used of God at that time, and that as long as Methodism stands in this Country, the name of Wells must be closely associated with it”.
In 1788, after meeting in homes for 15 years, the Methodist of Point de Bute erected a house of worship. It is historic, being the first Methodist Church in all of Canada. It was a stone structure, with a roof of thatch, and was known as the Stone Church. The following may be of interest, telling as it does of the purchasing of the site on which later the church was erected and giving names of trustees.
On the 18th September, 1788, a deed was given by William Chapman of Point de Bute, to “Rev. Mr. John Wesley of London” in consideration of 5s. currency, paid by said John Wesley, to the said William Chapman, we doth bargain and sell to the said “John Wesley and his successors forever, one acre of land, situated in the County of Westmoreland and Province of New Brunswick, bounded on the west by land belonging to James Law, Esq., and on the south by the main road leading from Fort Cumberland to Baie Verte, together with all privileges, to be appropriated for a preaching house and burying ground and other conveniences that shall be judged necessary to accommodate the same under the inspection and direction of the General Assistant or the Preacher by the Conference stationed on this Circuit, together with William Wells, Thomas Watson, Esq., Richard Lowerison, George Falkinther, William Trueman, Jr., Stephen Reid, and James Metcalfe, to be Trustees to act in concert, and those only to be trustees as long as they adhere to the doctrine and disciplines of said John Wesley and his connection.” This was signed by William Chapman, his wife Jane Chapman, and witnessed by James Law and Sally Law, and was also signed by James Wray, Missionary. Mr. Wray was an Englishman ordained and sent out by Wesley in 1788. He was the first ordained Methodist Missionary in Cumberland. Three other young men, the same year, to wit: Mr. Black, later known as Bishop Black, Mr. John Mann and Mr. James Mann, went to Philadelphia and were ordained.
As Mr. Wells was very deeply interested in the first churches in Point de Bute, I believe it will be of interest to state that in 1925 Memorial Gates were erected on the site of the old Stone Church which by now had crumbled away – a bronze tablet to the memory of Bishop Black was unveiled by Mrs. Howard Trueman, mother of Dr. George J. Trueman, of Mount Allison University; another tablet contained an historical sketch, very full and complete, was unveiled by the late ex-Gov Josiah Wood.
Mr. Wells was for many years a very useful and busy man. Besides his farm, he was a merchant, conducting the only store for many miles around. The people from Baie Verte, Cape Tormentine and others at great distances came for supplies to him. Some of the descendants now living, remember the old store and the house, with its well and well sweep at Point de Bute.
He also carried on to some extent his building operations. He was one of the men who constructed the Church at Point de Bute, the first Methodist Church in Canada.
Mr. Wray in the narrative of his own conversation spoke of Mr. Wells, his usefulness, his earnestness, and zeal, tells of the power of his exhortations, and the fervency of his prayers.
He writes that “In 1880, three zealous, brethren, Scurr, Wells and Faulkner, agreed with him, to visit each Sunday in turn, the settlements of Prospect and Fort Lawrence. They had splendid meetings and had cheering results. Hard names were plentiful, but in only one instance did the hostility assume open and practical form. On this occasion, the officer-in-charge at Fort Cumberland, because of representations made to him deemed it his duty to suppress the meetings, and send a priority of soldiers, who made prisoners of more than 20, carrying them to the Fort where they were detained about two (2) hours. When the Officer was made to realize that he was interfering with peaceful subjects of his Majesty, at their worship, he was glad to dismiss them”.
Mr. Wells must have enjoyed educational advantages of rather a high order, as is shown by his letters and other writings. The following, written over a century ago, gives a personal touch, and glimpse into the heart of this man, and will be of interest to his descendants.
“Saturday morning, November 18, 1802.
My Dear Brother:
I am very sorry to hear of the indisposition of Mr. Bennett, but glad to know that his case is hopeful.
I trust that the Lord has much work yet for him to do.
Respecting myself, I should be glad indeed to go to see you, my friends, and the journey appears to be too much for me, for I was exceedingly bad yesterday, and today although I am a little freer from pain, yet my weakness is still great. If I should be better towards the latter part of the day, I will try to come, but I have hither to felt worse towards night. I pray God, this light affliction, which is but for the moment, shall work out for us afar more, even and exceeding weight of glory.”
Yours affectionately,
William B. Wells
(Mr. Bennett referred to in the above letter was the Minister of the Methodist Church, which was called the Stone Chapel.)
The following are names of persons locating at Point de Bute, Sackville, and Amherst, 1772 to 1774.
Point de Bute, Kellior, Siddall, Wells, Chapman, Lowerson, Trueman, Donkin, Read, Carter, Trenholm, Dobson, King; Sackville, Dixon, Bowser, Atkinson, Anderson, Bulmer, Harper, Patterson, Fawcett, Richardson, Humphrey, Cornforth, Wry, Brown, Lodge, Ripley, Shipley, Pipes, Coats, Fenwick, Harrison; Amherst and Amherst Point, Black, Robinson, Lusby, Oxley, Forster.
Mr. and Mrs. Wells during their lifetime must have experienced many sorrows, as well as joys, for of their thirteen children, six were called away in early youth, and one, Margaret, at the age of 31 years.
George Wells – Born November 14th Anno Domini 1768.
Mary Wells – Born October 14th Anno Domini 1770.
Jane Wells – Born November 4th Anno Domini 1772. Died in Boston April 15th 1773.
Jane Wells – Born February 28th Anno Domini 1774.
William Wells – Born July 22nd Anno Domini 1775.
Richard Wells – Born April 14th Anno Domini 1777. Died September 14th 1778.
Thomas Wells – Born April 3rd Anno Domini 1778. Died April 14th 1778.
Margaret Wells – Born July 20th Anno Domini 1779. Died January 15th 1810.
Ann Wells – Born September 14th Anno Domini 1781. Died September 30th 1781.
Elizabeth Wells – Born October 10th Anno Domini 1783. Died December 15th 1783.
Elizabeth Wells – Born November 6th Anno Domini 1785.
John Wells – Born March 12th Anno Domini 1787. Died May 7th 1787.
Joseph Dobson Wells – Born June 4th Anno Domini 1789.
The children of George and Elizabeth Freeman Wells:
William Freeman married Annie M. Allen, first, and Isobelle Hooper, second. Cape Tormentine, N.B.
George married Annie Tuttle, Wallace, N.S.
Lewis married Susan Freeze, Sussex, N.B.
Samuel married Charlotte Chapman, first, and Mary Chapman, second, Coverdale, N.B.
James married Emily King, Belleisle, N.B.
Joseph [son of George Wells 1768] married Elizabeth Smith, Jolicure, N.B.
Margaret married Joseph Avard, Esq., Bristol, N.B.
Sarah, married Rev. John Snowball, England.
Permelia married William Trenholm, Point de Bute, N.B.
Jane married Cyrus Oulton, Mt. Whatley, N.B.
Eliza married Stephen Trueman, Point de Bute, N.B.
William Freeman Wells was born at Point de Bute, March 5, 1796, where he lived for several years. He removed to Bayside, later to Bayfield, N.B. In his boyhood he showed many sterling qualities, and in early manhood, he united with the church, his after life was marked with great devotion and earnestness.
He married Annie M. Allen of Bayfield, and removed to that place, where he spent the remainder of his life.
In those early days the church services were very few, but he opened his own home for worship. He gave a home to the minister who came, and often himself conducted the worship; he ever sought to keep alive the holy flame in his own heart in his family’s, and in his community.
Although of a quiet, unassuming disposition, he was remarkable for his activity in every good work.
By his first marriage he had twelve children. Before they were grown, they were called to mourn a very devoted mother, who had sown such seeds in the hearts of her children that they are still bearing fruit in the lives of those who follow. His second wife was Miss Isobel Hooper of P.E.I., who had one daughter, Permelia.
After a long life, filled with good work and blessing for others, he fell calmly asleep in the ninetieth year of his age.
His sons George and Joseph with their families, were at home (from the West) visiting him at the time of his passing and great had been his delight in their companionship.
George Dobson Wells was born in Point de Bute in 1800. Died 1883. When a young man he went to Wallace Bay, N.S. Bought and cleared a farm. Put up buildings, etc. He was married three times. His first wife was Anna Tuttle of Wallace Bay, N.S. His second wife, Mrs. Allen of Woodstock, N.B.; his third wife, Mrs. Debbie Tuttle Tingley of Point de Bute. In religion he was a Methodist and a very godly man. On prayer meeting night he always requested the family and help to have the work done early, so they could attend the services.
To his first wife, there were born five children: John Graham, George William, Elizabeth Freeman, Samuel Lewis and Helena Ann. Samuel was killed at two years old, and Helena died when young.
John Graham born 1823, died 1906. He was married twice. His first wife being Ellen, daughter of Richard Thompson of River Philip. They were married in this church one Sunday afternoon, during preaching service. They settled in Wallace Bay, where five children were born. Later he moved to Oxford where he was bereft of wife and children. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret Read DeWolf of Pugwash, N.S.
Elizabeth Freeman, daughter of George Dobson Wells, was born 1834. Died 1888. She married Rev. Douglas Chapman of Amherst, a Methodist minister. No family.
George William, son of George Dobson Wells, born 1829, died 1887. He was married in 1862 to Julie Ann, daughter of Stephen Oxley of River Philip. They settled in Wallace Bay. Had a family of seven children: Anna Elizabeth, Clara, Howard, Trueman, Amos, (Stephen Russell and Mary Reta Maud) twins, and Douglas. Twins and Amos died when young. Anna now deceased, and Douglas never married. Clara married R. Byron Atkinson of Amherst. They had three children: Myrtle, Nellie, and Kathleen, Nellie died when young, Myrtle married Dr W.T. Purdy of Amherst, and have three children.
Howard Trueman Wells living on the old Wells’ farm, Wallace, married Hattie Tuttle of Wallace Bay, and from this union, eighty children were born: Ava, Russell, Clara, Marie, Ella, Leslie, Mervyn and Marion. Ava married Horace Brown, and lives in Montreal, they have one child. Russell married Janet Gould, four children. Clara married D.D. Ross of Moncton, and have one daughter.
After George William married, his father George Dobson Wells, went back to Point de Bute to spend the remainder of his days.
George Dobson Wells was a son of the first George Wells, and like his brothers, was a strong fine type of man. He was deeply interested in the church, in all her activities. For some years he lived in Oxford, N.S. where he was very prosperous. The family were interested in woolen mills there, and are said to have left a large sum of money to the cause of Methodism. His sons also were men of sterling worth, following in the footsteps of their father.
[Owing to a slight confusion in the arrangement of the
MSS, the sketch of George Wells, son of the first William Wells, was omitted
from the sixth instalment. This is being
rectified in this issue. – ED (pg. 7)]
Having learned something of the original William Wells, his times, and the country to which he came, let us endeavour to trace his descendants, as best we may. None of his seven surviving children settled far from the old home.
George, who was born in England, was five years of age at the time of their arrival in this land; he with his sister Mary, were the only children then living. He grew up in Point de Bute, and married Elizabeth Freeman f Amherst and remained on the homestead. (The farm that had been cleared and owned at one time by one of the Acadians).
William married Catherine Allen and made his home just across from the old home. Many of their descendants married and settled in that vicinity. Mary married George Chappell and Jane, William Chappell, of Bay Verte, and their descendants have always been among the most respected citizens of that place. The Harpers, Careys, Goodwins, Chappells and others.
Elizabeth married Jonas Allen, and made her home at Cape Tormentine, and some of her descendants are to be found in that locality today.
Margaret married S. Freeze of Amherst Point, where she died at the age of 31 years.
Joseph Dobson Wells was the youngest son of William Wells, a man of fine personality and endowments. He married Nellie Trenholm of Point de Bute and together they brought up a fine family, the daughters being noted for their charm and beauty, they married into some of the best families in our Province among their descendants are Joseph and William Hickman, Howard Chapman, Priestley and Morris Wells and such other names as Chandler, Goodwin, Godfrey, Tingley and Palmer.
George Wells, son of William Wells, Sr., was born Nov 14th 1768. He was a man of much ability and was highly respected in the community. He was an upright man. Like his father’s, his home was ever open for religious services, prayer and class meetings, and the ministers given a welcome. That home must have been hallowed by prayer, for it was a place where prayer meetings were held for many years. He lived on the farm bought by his father in 1774 in Point de Bute, which included both the one where his son Samuel Wells lived for so many years, and the one where his other son Joseph lived.
He married a very fine woman, Miss Elizabeth Freeman, of Amherst. She belonged to a splendid family, her mother being a sister of Rev. George Dimock and Rev. Joseph Dimock.
That the home influences were of the best, is shown by the very exemplary family that came forth from it, to fill places of trust in the community life, and pass on to posterity, a heritage of honesty and integrity of life.
Some of the descendants now living remember the old house, the household also the old store, at the end of the lane where William Wells, (his father), did business in the early days.
The children of George and Elizabeth Freeman Wells:
William Freeman married Annie M. Allen, first, and Isobelle Hooper, second. Cape Tormentine, N.B.
George married Annie Tuttle, Wallace, N.S.
Lewis married Susan Freeze, Sussex, N.B.
Samuel married Charlotte Chapman, first, and Mary Chapman, second, Coverdale, N.B.
James married Emily King, Belleisle, N.B.
Joseph [son of George Wells 1768] married Elizabeth Smith, Jolicure, N.B.
Margaret married Joseph Avard, Esq., Bristol, N.B.
Sarah, married Rev. John Snowball, England.
Permelia married William Trenholm, Point de Bute, N.B.
Jane married Cyrus Oulton, Mt. Whatley, N.B.
Eliza married Stephen Trueman, Point de Bute, N.B.
William Freeman Wells was born at Point de Bute, March 5, 1796, where he lived for several years. He removed to Bayside, later to Bayfield, N.B. In his boyhood he showed many sterling qualities, and in early manhood, he united with the church, his afterlife was marked with great devotion and earnestness.
He married Annie M. Allen of Bayfield, and removed to that place, where he spent the remainder of his life.
In those early days the church services were very few, but he opened his own home for worship. He gave a home to the minister who came, and often himself conducted the worship; he ever sought to keep alive the holy flame in his own heart in his family’s, and in his community.
Although of a quiet, unassuming disposition, he was remarkable for his activity in every good work.
By his first marriage he had twelve children. Before they were grown, they were called to mourn a very devoted mother, who had sown such seeds in the hearts of her children that they are still bearing fruit in the lives of those who follow. His second wife was Miss Isobel Hooper of P.E.I., who had one daughter, Permelia.
After a long life, filled with good work and blessing for others, he fell calmly asleep in the ninetieth year of his age.
His sons George and Joseph with their families, were at home (from the West) visiting him at the time of his passing and great had been his delight in their companionship.
George Dobson Wells was born in Point de Bute in 1800. Died 1883. When a young man he went to Wallace Bay, N.S. Bought and cleared a farm. Put up buildings, etc. He was married three times. His first wife was Anna Tuttle of Wallace Bay, N.S. His second wife, Mrs. Allen of Woodstock, N.B.; his third wife, Mrs. Debbie Tuttle Tingley of Point de Bute. In religion he was a Methodist and a very godly man. On prayer meeting night he always requested the family and help to have the work done early, so they could attend the services.
To his first wife, there were born five children: John Graham, George William, Elizabeth Freeman, Samuel Lewis and Helena Ann. Samuel was killed at two years old, and Helena died when young.
John Graham born 1823, died 1906. He was married twice. His first wife being Ellen, daughter of Richard Thompson of River Philip. They were married in this church one Sunday afternoon, during preaching service. They settled in Wallace Bay, where five children were born. Later he moved to Oxford where he was bereft of wife and children. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret Read DeWolf of Pugwash, N.S.
Elizabeth Freeman, daughter of George Dobson Wells, was born 1834. Died 1888. She married Rev. Douglas Chapman of Amherst, a Methodist minister. No family.
George William, son of George Dobson Wells, born 1829, died 1887. He was married in 1862 to Julie Ann, daughter of Stephen Oxley of River Philip. They settled in Wallace Bay. Had a family of seven children: Anna Elizabeth, Clara, Howard, Trueman, Amos, (Stephen Russell and Mary Reta Maud) twins, and Douglas. Twins and Amos died when young. Anna now deceased, and Douglas never married. Clara married R. Byron Atkinson of Amherst. They had three children: Myrtle, Nellie, and Kathleen, Nellie died when young, Myrtle married Dr W.T. Purdy of Amherst, and have three children.
Howard Trueman Wells living on the old Wells’ farm, Wallace, married Hattie Tuttle of Wallace Bay, and from this union, eighty children were born: Ava, Russell, Clara, Marie, Ella, Leslie, Mervyn and Marion. Ava married Horace Brown, and lives in Montreal, they have one child. Russell married Janet Gould, four children. Clara married D.D. Ross of Moncton, and have one daughter.
After George William married, his father George Dobson Wells, went back to Point de Bute to spend the remainder of his days.
George Dobson Wells was a son of the first George Wells, and like his brothers, was a strong fine type of man. He was deeply interested in the church, in all her activities. For some years he lived in Oxford, N.S. where he was very prosperous. The family were interested in woolen mills there, and are said to have left a large sum of money to the cause of Methodism. His sons also were men of sterling worth, following in the footsteps of their father.
Lewis Wells was born and lived in Point de Bute till young manhood. He married his cousin, Susan Freeze, and removed to Wallce, N.S. where he resided for sixteen years. There he and his wife were highly esteemed and made themselves very useful in the church. They later removed to Shemogue, N.B., spending the later years of their lives there. He was for many years an official in the Methodist Church, exemplifying in his daily living the finest of the Christian graces. His wife also was ever his companion in labours, and together they brought up their family in a fine Christian atmosphere. They left three sons and one daughter.
Children of Lewis Wells: Thompson, who married Amey Carter, removed to Schuyler, Neb. He had four children: Herbert, unmarried; Hattie who married Dr. Daily of Lincoln, Neb. She has five children: Alonzo McCulley, married Nellie Stewart, they have four children; Nellie married Chester Somers and lives in California.
Sarah Elizabeth Wells Purdy stood for all that is best in the Wells family. She ever upheld its traditions, by living a useful Christian life. She married Woodford Purdy, August 21, 1862, and together they have given their lives to their church and community, and to the upbringing in their splendid family, all of whom are following in the footsteps of their parents, trying to make this old world a little better, as they pass through.
Mr. and Mrs. Purdy lived at Shemogue for a number of years, later resided in Amherst, near to their son Clarence, who was very devoted to them. They were nearing the century mark when called away just a few years ago.
They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in August 21, 1925, and received many congratulations, many friends and an abundance of good wishes. They both retained all their faculties and recalled many interesting changes. Their children are:
Mabel Adelia married Aubury Copp, removed to Vancouver, B.C. Her children: Edna Beatrice married John Dixon, one child; Sarah Blanche married Herbert Woodman, two children; Percy John married Vinnie Bagart, one son; Clarence Woodford Copp married, two children; Russell, married; Cecil Aubury, unmarried; Isobel, teaching in Calgary.
Clarence Samuel Purdy married Edith Inglis. Have two children: Frederick Russell and Dorothy Mabel, both in school. Mr. Purdy spent several years with his uncle in Nebraska, but returned and is living in Amherst, N.S. where he is conducting a successful business.
Frank Silas Purdy is a businessman of Saint John, N.B. He married Mude Chamberlain. Children are: George Hall, married; Muriel, married; Woodford, Albert, and William.
George Hiram Lewis Wells Purdy, married Margaret Trueman, is a prosperous farmer living at St. Lawrence. Has one daughter, Marion still in school.
Gen. Hiram Wells, son of Lewis Wells, when a young man removed to Schyler, Nebraska. He rose to a position of trust and was for many years Judge in that State. He married Anna Alberton, had three children: Clara married William Morse, had one child; Elizabeth died in childhood; Florence married Clarence Davis.
Albert Lewis married Eliza Copp. Had four children. He lived in Bay Verte much of his life and was a very highly respected citizen. His children are: Brogham married Jennie Goodwin, one child. Mother and child died. He has remarried. Annie, daughter of Albert Lewis Wells, married Burden Goodwin, died young, leaving three children. For who married Effie Allen; Kathleen deceased, and Harris who died young, and Eveline.
Edith Wells, daughter of Albert Wells, married George Somers, removed to British Columbia. Has two children: Albert Wells in later life married Mrs. Fenwick of Apohaqui, N.B. and removed to that place.
Samuel Freeman Wells was the fourth son of George Wells. He was born at Point de Bute, where he spent his entire life. He settled on the Wells’ homestead, where his father and grandfather had lived for many years. He was a member of the Methodist Church for 66 years, most of that time being an office bearer.
While Mr. Wells dearly loved his own church, yet he was much broader than his time, and was ever ready to give a hand clasp, or a prayer to other followers of the Great Teacher. In all work of the church and community, Mr. Wells was a power; possessed of a good voice, and vigorous manner, he strongly impressed all who came in contact with him, and he did not grow old. Life, all life, seemed to have as much zest for him at 87 as 27. Buoyant in spirits to the last. Few men have been permitted to round out so long and useful a life.
Mr. Wells married Charlotte Chapman of Coverdale, and had two children, Charles and Elizabeth.
Charles lived on the homestead where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather lived. He married Mary Dobson. Their children are: Lorne married Georgie Etter, they had one son, Harold. Elizabeth, Merville, Oulton, M.D., Kenneth, Annie, Kay, Everett, unmarried.
Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Wells, married Capt. George Wright. They had one daughter, Annie, who married Harry De Forest of Saint John, and later of Boston. They have three sons: George, Jack and Harry.
Mr. Wells losing his wife, married Mary Chapman. Their children are Edward, Chesley and Fannie.
Edward, son of Samuel Wells, was a sea captain, a man very highly esteemed by all who knew him. He married Mary Irvine of Point de Bute. Their children are: John, Mary, Russell and Walter. John died on reaching young manhood. Mary married Donald F. Trueman, son of Conductor Pickard Trueman. Their children are: Mary, Stephen, Beatrice, Marion, Keith, Helen, Louise and Donald.
Fannie, daughter of Samuel Wells, was a woman of ability, intelligence and refinement. She inherited in a large measure the best characteristics. She wielded an enduring influence upon her family, and those who called her friend. She was a most devoted wife and mother. She married Alexander Ford of Sackville. Their children are: Annie, married Harrison B. Titus, they have one son, Richard, and one daughter Frances. Helen married Raphael Galbraith Henderson. They have two sons, John Alexander Galbraith and James Raphael, and one daughter, Hazel Elizabeth. Ada Ford, unmarried, and Hazal Ford, who died a few years ago.
Chesley, son of Samuel Wells, married Annie Irvine. He was a fine young man of much promise, who died young, leaving his wife and one son, Douglas.
James Wells, son of George Wells, was born and lived in Point de Bute for some years, removing to Nebraska. He remained there for some time but returned to Point de Bute later. He married Emily King of Belleisle, N.B. They were good people and brought up a fine family. Their son, George, who is still living, is nearing the 90 mark. He is the father of Mrs. McLaughlin, wife of the Rev. Neil McLaughlin.
These are the names of the children of James Wells (son of George Wells, son of William Wells, who came from Yorkshire, England, in 1773).
George W. who married Elinor Fawcett of Upper Sackville and had four children: William (deceased) married Emma McGrath.
Alice E. married Rev. Neil McLauchlin, who is one of the strongest preachers in the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Conference, and has ably filled the best pulpits, and his wife, Alice Wells McLaughlin, is a true helpmeet and companion in his labors. They have two sons.
Clara A. married James G. Burgin of United States.
Walter W. married Amelia Trueman of Point de Bute.
John S. married Susan Chapman and had two children: Charles married an American and is now living in the United States. Minnie who married John Ogden of Sackville.
James E. who married Fannie Green of Portland, Maine (deceased), had five children: Charles, Frank, Burt, Ella and Ethel (deceased).
Joseph G. (deceased) married Gussie Fulton of Pugwash. No children.
Adam Clarke (deceased), married Emma Simmions of Maine, and had seven children: Arthur died young; Mabel, Louise, these both died after coming to womanhood; Lester, Walter, Alice, Marion married missionary, living with her husband in China.
Rev. Samuel Cyrus, married Louise Fulton and has five children living; also married the second time to Ethel Tuttle of Pugwash and had one child. Rev. Samuel Cyrus, deceased. His children by first wife are: Gussie, Harry, Nita, Percy and Freddie. His children by second wife: Muriel.
Annie (deceased), married George Wry and had four children: Walter, Harry, Frank and Freddie who died when a child.
Emma never married.
Maggie died when a baby.
Adam, and Gillis lived in United States.
Joseph Wells married Elizabeth Smith, Jolicure, and remained in Point de Bute on the farm settled by his ancestor, William Wells, when arriving here from England in 1773. He was a good citizen and with his wife and family, upheld the traditions of the Wells family, in the community in which they lived. His children are:
Charles (#6-1), who married Victoria Chapman, one daughter Dormer. Dormer married John Lingley.
George (#6-2), married Margaret Dobson, one child: Mable.
Patience (#6-3) married H. Seaman, one son: Joseph.
James (#6-4) married Jane Avard, first wife, and Laura Anderson, second. Three children: John, Emma and Elizabeth of last marriage.
Jane (#6-5) married Frank Dobson, three children: Robert W., Dormer and Russell.
Other descendants of Joseph and Elizabeth Smith Wells are: Lyall, son of Joseph Seaman, Blanche Lingley **Tingley**, Gordon Wells, son of John, Pearl Tingley, Roy, Cecil and Frank, Islar and Ora, children of Robert Dobson and Oren A. Copp. Helen and Ronald, Oulton, children of Dormer Dobson and Allen Oulton: Muriel, daughter of Russell Dobson and Jean Smith Dobson, Albert Carter and Mary Carter, children of Emma Wells Carter and Alex Carter.
Margaret Rebecca Wells was born January 2nd 1796 and lived with her family in Upper Point de Bute until her marriage to Joseph Avard, Esq. of England, after which they made their home in Bristol, N.B. They reared twelve children, a very fine type of men and women, who reflect through their children and grandchildren the training received in a refined, Christian home. Mrs. Avard was a woman of fine mind and intelligence, training her large family for usefulness and efficiency. She died December 14th 1852, aged fifty-six years.
Joseph Avard, Esq. was the son of Joseph Avard and Frances Ivey Avard, who emigrated from the Island of Guernsey, and landed at Charlottetown, P.E.I. in May 1806. Squire Avard (as he was called), was Justice of the Peace, ship-builder, and a man of prominence in the Province. He wielded a wide influence for good during his entire life. He died in 1871; aged seventy-eight.
They left eight sons and four daughters:
1. Frances Eliza Avard, married Robert Copp. Their children:
1.1. Libby Copp; deceased.
1.2. Martha Jane Copp; deceased.
1.3. Rebecca Copp; married J.G. Davis, now deceased.
1.4. Celia Copp; deceased.
1.5. Hazel Copp; deceased.
1.6. Adam Copp; married Sarah Jane Oulton, deceased. Left one son, Frank H. Copp, Port Elgin, N.B.
1.7. Henry Copp; married Eliza Allen, deceased. Left one daughter, Frances now deceased, who married Rev. W.J. Dean, and Courtney, who married Frances Peacock, living in Port Elgin; one son, Ralph.
1.8. Joseph Copp; married Maggie Clark, deceased.
2. Martha Jane Avard, married Dixon Chapman of Point de Bute; no children: both deceased.
Margaret Avard married Hon. Angus McQueen, who later became Sheriff McQueen of Point de Bute; children are:
2.1. Alice McQueen; married Dr. D.C. Allen. Mrs. Allen is living in Amherst.
2.2. Joseph McQueen, who later became Sheriff McQueen; married Odessa Chapman. Mr. McQueen now deceased.
2.3. Dr. Charles McQueen, practicing medicine in Amherst, N.S.
3. Elizabeth Sarah Avard married Josiah Broad Marven – their children are:
3.1. Alice Marven Melvin, deceased.
3.2. Maggie Marven, deceased.
3.3. Dr. Bliss Marven, living in Moncton.
3.4. Dr. Edgar Marven, living in Flynn, Mass.
3.5. Joseph Avard Marven, deceased.
3.6. John Marven, living near Boston.
3.7. Dr. George Marven, living in Nevada.
4. Joseph Hosea Avard married Thomasin Dobson, Bayfield, N.B. Their children are:
4.1. Rebecca Avard married C.A.D. Siddall, both deceased. One daughter, Elizabeth, Mrs. E.J. Strickler, Fort Riley, Kansas; one son, Thompson Avard Siddall, Sackville; married Alice Wry. Two daughters, Margaret and Helen.
4.2. Eliza Avard married W.W. Cushing, living in Jacksonville, Florida.
4.3. William Avard married Annie Tuttle, Mr. Avard deceased. Mrs. Avard living with her daughter, Mrs. Harold Tomkinson, in Yarmouth, N.S., a son Weldon lives in New York.
5. John Avard married Nancy Dobson, Bayfield, N.B. Their children are:
5.1. Jane Avard married James Wells, deceased.
5.2. Mary Avard married James Cadman, Moncton, N.B. Their children are: Lena, Georgie, Margaret, Elizabeth, Nellie, Roslyn, Avard and Harold.
5.2.1.Lena married Chester Woodbury and had one daughter, Ruth. They are now living in Pasadena, California.
5.2.2.Georgie married Ralph Chase, and had one son, Allen. Now living in North Brookfield, Mass.
5.2.3.Margaret, deceased.
5.2.4.Elizabeth married David Trenholm of Bayfield, N.B., had one daughter, Eleanor; Mr. Trenholm deceased; Elizabeth now married to William Steeves of Sunny Brae; have three sons.
5.2.5.Nellie married Harlow Judson, of Phoenix, Arizona; had one son, James Richard.
5.2.6.Roslyn married Austin A. Allen, Barrister, of Moncton, N.B.
5.2.7.Avard married Phyllis Kimball, now living in Boston, Mass.
5.2.8.Harold married Marion Jost; have one son, Sherman; now living in Augusta Maine.
5.3. Elizabeth Avard married Woodford Avard, both deceased.
5.4. Dr. Charles McQueen Avard, Amherst, N.S. married Dr. Anna Law.
5.5. Joseph Avard, deceased.
5.6. George Avard married Maud Anderson, living near Boston, Mass.
6. William Ivey Avard married Eliza Trueman, Point de Bute. Their children are:
6.1. Margaret Avard married Rev. J.J. Wheatley, Toronto, Ontario.
6.2. Howard Avard, deceased.
6.3. Arthur Avard married Tudor Brundage, Amherst, N.S.
6.4. Harold Avard, now deceased, married Rufena Smith. Mrs. Avard is living in Cambridge, Mass.
7. Samuel Freeze Avard married Sarah Purdy. They had one son:
7.1. Woodford Avard married Maggie Avard, both deceased. Second wife, Maud Copp, living in Shediac, N.B. Two daughters, Sadie, Mrs. Eric Rabidoux, and Anna, Shediac.
8. Gaius Lewis Avard married Elizabeth Carter, Point de Bute. Their children are:
8.1. Amelia Avard married Ivey F. Avard, Moncton, N.B.
8.2. Frances Avard married John Carter of Dalhousie, N.B. Mr. Carter now deceased. Two sons: Avard and Fred Carter.
8.3. Angus Avard married Mary Milner, living at West Sackville, N.B. One daughter, Helen, Mrs. Roth Dalmer, Gloucester, Mass, three sons: Lewis, and Angus, Jr., Boson, Gordon, Sackville.
8.4. James Avard, West Sackville, N.B.
8.5. Martha Avard, Gloucester, Mass.
8.6. Louise Avard married James Leaman Dixon, Sackville N.B. One daughter, Eunice, and two sons: Edgar and Carman.
9. Thomas Adam Avard married Celia Chapman. Their children are:
9.1. Joseph Avard, deceased.
9.2. George Avard, deceased.
9.3. Mary Avard married George Lowther, now deceased. Mrs. Lowther is living in Port Elgin, N.B.
10. George Wells Avard married Ruth Dobson, both deceased. Their children are:
10.1. C. Frederick Avard, deceased, married Lois Smith, now living in Cambridge, Mass.; one son, Clement Chandler Avard, M.A., President and Manager of the Sackville Tribune married Florence Sybil Menzies.
10.2. Alice Avard married Rufus Christie, living in River Hebert, N.S. Their children are Jean and Avard.
10.3. Albert Avard, deceased.
10.4. George Avard, deceased.
10.5. Margaret Avard married Bliss Bowser, both deceased. They had one daughter, Daisy, who married Walter Bateman and had one son, Morace Bowser, both of Point de Bute.
11. Charles Frederick Allison Avard married Mary Black, both deceased. Their children are:
11.1. Ivey Frances Avard married Amelia Avard, living in Moncton, NB. One daughter, Mrs. Gordon Miller; one son, Gaius, both of Moncton.
11.2. Josephine Avard married Dr. S.W. Burgess, Moncton, N.B. Mrs. Burgess deceased. One daughter, Mrs. Walter Colpitts, Moncton; one son, Dr. Carl Burgess, St. Stephen.
11.3. Norman Thompson Avard, B.A. married Dora Knight, deceased. Mr. Avard lives in Amherst. He is general manager of Canada Electric Co., Limited. One daughter, Margaret; one son, Walter.
Elizabeth Sarah Avard Marven was the eleventh child of Squire Joseph Avard and Margaret Rebecca Wells Avard. She was born June 25th 1837 and was married at the age of eighteen to Josiah Broad Marven. She was a woman of very amiable disposition and made many friends. She devoted her time and interests to her home and the training of her seven children, who still reflect the impress of her Godly life upon them. Their children are:
Alice A. Avard married Dr. George Melvin and had two daughters: Alice and Georgina. They were both talented young ladies, taking many honors in school life. Alice, after a brilliant career as student and teacher, died while still young. Georgina is now teaching in a college in U.S.A. Mrs. Melvin is now deceased.
Dr. Bliss Marven now resides in Moncton, N.B. He married Margaret Dobson of Stoney Creek, Albert County. He is a physician and surgeon, now retired. He has three daughters: Laura Elizabeth, deceased; Alice Dobson, and Marion Avard. Alice Dobson married John A. Creighan. Their children are: Marion Eileen, William Lawrence Marven, Donald Avard, Marven and Margaret Clare.
Margaret Sophia Marven married Chipman Keith of Moncton, N.B., both deceased.
Dr. Edgar Watt Marven practices dentistry in Lynn, Mass.
Joseph Avard Marven, now deceased, was a very successful manufacturer, well known throughout the Maritime Provinces. He was a man who was respected and loved by all; a man of sterling integrity and fine personality. He married Annie Murray of Saint Johnm N.B. He has two sons, Murray and Avard, still with their mother in Moncton. They are both very promising young men.
John Lewis Marven lives in Boston, Mass.
Dr. George H. Marven lives in Reno, Nevada. Has one son, Ralph.
Sarah Wells Snowball was a daughter of George, son of the First William and Elizabeth Wells. She was a woman of rare charm, and she with her sisters were spoken of as “the fine looking Wells women.” She was born at Point de Bute, in the Wells’ homestead. She married the Rev. John Snowball, who had come from England. It was at the period of Wesley’s revivals. Rev. Mr. Snowball was highly educated, being a graduate of Oxford, and was a convert. He left England on account of the persecutions and opposition to the new faith. He came to this land for religious freedom, but there was not so very much even here at that time. He was a noted preacher and together they brought up a very fine family of gifted sons and daughters.
1. Margaret Elizabeth married John Wilcox, J.P. of Brigus, Nfld., an Englishman. They had five children: Sarah Snowball Wilcox; married Dr. Anderson, surgeon. Margaret Jane Wilcox married Capt. Bartlett. Mary Woodly Wilco married James Borke. Kate Isobel Wilcox married F.J. Finlay. Woodly Wilcox married Miss Adams.
2. John W. Snowball married March 24th 1853 to Mrs. Kendall, a widow. He was in the practice of law for some years, and later a Judge of Supreme Court of California, where he made his home. His children are: Norman P. Snowball, deceased. Henry Havelock Snowball, also deceased – left four children. Alexander Leon, married, left no children. Milton Sterling, deceased, left two daughters. Lutie Carmel married Alex McCulloch of California, no children.
3. Mary Snowball married Hon. J.L. Black of Sackville, N.B. Their children are: Senator Frank Black; he has five children. Hattie Black Patterson, deceased. Jennie Black McDougal, deceased. John Walter Snowball Black, deceased; left two sons.
4. Sarah Snowball married Lucious Dickson of New York, had three children: Mary Dickson married Archibald Tibbits; Pauline Dickson married Manning Stires; Sadie Dickson, deceased.
5. Jabez Bunting Snowball of Chatham, N.B., an MP senator, and Lieut. Governor of N.B., married twice. His first wife was Miss McDougall. Their children were: William B. Snowball, who was a man of prominence and ability in his community and Province. He was married twice; his first wife was Mary, the daughter of Rev. Freatt Harrison; they had two children. Their first son, William Harrison Snowball married Mabel McGowan of Moncton, N.B. Their second son, Frederick Lawrence Snowball married Allison Bramley of Chatham, N.B. William B. Snowball’s second wife was Miss Bertha Harris, of Hamilton Ontario. Their children were: Walter Bevin Snowball, Bertha Mary Gerald Snowball, Mona Snowball, Jabez Snowball, and MacDougal Snowball – all unmarried.
Children of Jabez Bunting Snowball continued: McDougall Snowball had one daughter of Pasadena, California, Margaret Beatrice Snowball, deceased.
Jabez Bunting Snowball’s second wife was Margaret Archibald. Their children are: Frances Ellen married Earl Crocker, has two sons, of Newcastle, N.B. Laura Snowball married Henry Rawlings, one daughter and one son. Robert Archibald Snowball married Miss McIntyre, one son. Lillian May Snowball, unmarried. Annie Hutton, deceased.
6. Robert Y. Snowball, married, lived in California. No children.
7. Eliza P. Snowball married Frederick P. Thompson, Fredericton, N.B. Children: Nan Thompson married His Hon. Judge Frank B. Gregory of B.C. Two daughters, two sons. Sadie Thompson married Roy Shaw, deceased. One daughter, Margaret Thompson, married E.F. Winslow of B.C. Two sons, two daughters. Alexander J. Thompson of Fredericton, N.B., one daughter.
8. George Snowball, deceased.
Permelia Wells Trenholm, who was the daughter of George and Elizabeth Freeman Wells, and was a woman of rare gifts. She married William Trenholm of Point de Bute where they lived. They were ever devoted to their home, their church and their community, giving of themselves unstintingly for others. The influence of their lives goes on and is being reproduced in their children and grandchildren. William Trenholm died in 1887; his wife died in 1891. Their descendants are:
1. Mary Trenholm married George Colpitts, no children.
2. Albert Trenholm married Anne Carter, one daughter, Mrs. T.H. Cochrane of Sackville, N.B. (now deceased).
3. Eliza Trenholm married Rufus Trueman, two children: Alma Freeman who died while a young lady, when her mother did, of same fever. William Alder Trueman, a lawyer and later Judge married Georgie Currie, daughter of Rev. D.D. Currie. They had two daughters and one son: Grace, Muriel and Byard – Muriel died young. Judge Trueman married again, and lived in Dalhousie, N.B., in his later years.
4. Elizabeth Trenholm married Job Oulton and had one daughter, Alida Oulton, who married Dr. George Oulton, principal of Moncton, N.B. schools – they had two daughters.
5. Maggie Trenholm married William Robinson and had four children: Clarence Robinson, deceased. Arthur Robinson married Augusta Parlee, deceased, no children. Clifford W. (Senator Robinson), a man of high character and integrity; married Miss Hinson, now deceased; no children, but adopted Marjorie Hinson, who married Dr. Atkinson, and they had two daughters: Pauline and Margaret, all of Moncton, N.B.
Frank C. Robinson married Laura Blakney. Their children are: Lawrence Robinson, Madge Robinson, Roberta Robinson, Eileen Robinson.
6. Leander Trenholm married Bell Chapman, no children. Widow married Hiram Palmer
7. Sarah Trenholm married James Trenholm. Children are: Sarah Trenholm residing in Oregon; Johnson Trenholm residing in Oregon; Maggie Trenholm residing in Oregon.
8. Hiram Trenholm married Lucinda Chapman in 1870. Their children are:
8.1. Mary Trenholm married A. Clark Chapman, two children. Clair B. Chapman married Evylin Goodwin, one son: Ronald. Emma L. Chapman married Leander Peacock, two children: Lois and Stephen.
8.2. Ada A. Trenholm married Frank Whitney, one daughter: Althea.
8.3. Roslyn Trenholm married Matthew Finlay, two sons: Ross and Robert.
8.4. William A. Trenholm married Eva V. Whitney, deceased - died July 3rd 1930.
8.5. Arthur L. Trenholm married Vera Travis, three children: Bernice Trenholm, Clifford Trenholm Garnet Trenholm.
8.6. L. Ardell Trenholm married Aaron Finlay, one daughter: Muriel Alma died young.
Jane Wells was born at Point de Bute at the Wells’ home. She married Cyrus Oulton of Mt. Whatley, but later made her home in Bay Verte for some years. Her children were:
1. Albert Oulton married Miss Murray.
2. Rainsford Charles Oulton married Miss Harper.
3. Hazen Oulton.
4. Prescott Oulton.
5. Sarah J. Oulton married Adam Copp. They had one son, Frank Oulton of Port Elgon, N.B. He married Miss Copp, daughter of Albert Copp of Bay Verte.
Eliza Wells, an exceptionally fine woman, was married to Stephen Trueman of Point de Bute, where they lived their entire lives. Their home was one of refinement and comfort, where many useful lives were fashioned. They were earnest members of the first Methodist Church, organized in all Canada. Their children were:
1. George H. Trueman, who married Mrs. Mary Vaughn Foster, a widow. He was conductor on the railroad for many years; no children.
2. Amy Elizabeth Trueman married Captain Rufus Cutten; had four children: Harry Stewart Cutten, Marion Louise Cutten, Katie Cutten, Cassells Cutten. Captain Cutten was lost at sea. After many years Mrs. Cutten married Rev. Douglas Chapman.
3. Frederick Trueman did not marry.
4. Humphrey Pickard Trueman, also a conductor, a man of very genial disposition, making many friends, married Mary Carter; had four children: Gussie Trueman, Edith Louise Trueman, Beatrice Trueman, Donald Trueman married Mary Wells.
5. Louise Trueman married C.F. McCready; two sons: Fred Trueman McCready, Vaughn McCready.
6. Sarah A. Trueman married William McLeod; two children: Beverly McLeod who lives in the West, Blanche Alden McLeod married Mr. William McDougall, and lives in St. John, N.B.; has two sons.
7. Margaret J. Trueman married Alexander Ford; five children: Roy S. Ford, Jennie Ford, Katie Ford, Lydie Ford, Alexander Ford.
(Tribune Ed. Note:
The preparation of material for a family history naturally involves much
time and labor, and even then it is difficult to get
full and correct information. Letters of
appreciation of the Wells Family History have been received from interested
readers, also notes of correction and additional information. It is proposed to publish these corrections
and supplementary information in the concluding instalment.)
Adam Clark Avard Wells was born in Pointe de Bute, N.B. in 1823. He was a truly upright, amiable man, one who enjoyed the esteem of all. His kindness of heart and sympathy with the sad and needy was proverbial. With that charity that thinketh no evil, he was ever ready to put the very best construction possible on the failings of others. He was a man who delighted to do good and did it.
He married Hanna H. Wall, who was indeed a true helpmate, who ever stood by, assisting and encouraging; was a devoted wife and mother. They brought up a family of eight; one dying in infancy. A son and daughter died in early young man, and womanhood.
Mr. Wells spent the larger part of his life in Bayfield, N.B.; some years in Saint John and his later years in Baie Verte, where he was an official of the church, Superintendent of the Sunday School, also a strong temperance advocate always. He was Postmaster there for several years.
His children are:
1. Horatio Washington, a young man of very kindly disposition, and great promise, died at the age of 22 years, very highly esteemed.
2. William Wilberforce (educated at Mt. Allison), after being for some years a successful barrister, was appointed Judge, since his retirement from that office, he has made his home in Ottawa, Ontario. He studied law in Saint John, went into partnership with Daniel Hanington and practiced in Dorchester. Lived some years in Moncton, N.B.
3. Theressa H. died at the age of 30 years, after a life of helpful, loving deeds for others.
4. Annie Maria, who married Arthur L. Watson, a manufacturer, lived in New Haven, Conn. and New York, she now lives as a widow in Bedford, Mass. Her children are: Lewis, Beulah Pfetsch, married, no children; Hazel, who married Wilberforce Lane (now deceased) and has one son Gordon, lives in Vancouver, B.C.; Mable married Horace Waterbury (deceased) of New York, has two daughters: Marjory and Shirley; Wells Watson is married to Florence McKay and has one son, William Wells. They make their home in Boston, Mass.
5. Ella Elizabeth married James S. Flaglor (now deceased), who was for many years in the Post Office in Saint John, N.B., retiring as Postmaster a few years ago. Their children are:
5.1. Helen Blanche married Byron De Wolf Lingley, a commercial man, living at present in Wolfville, N.S. They have one son, James Reginald, who after graduation from Acadia University, entered Harvard Medical College, Boston. He graduated from that college in 1927 and is now in McLean Hospital, Waverly, Mass.
5.2. Winnifred Wells Flaglor, was a graduate nurse and married Robert E. Hills, a successful businessman of Boston, Mass. They have one daughter, Florence Ethel, who is a graduate nurse, now practicing in W. Newton. One son Richard died when four years of age. She has also a stepson, Edgar Prescott, now in New York City.
5.3. Grace Teressa married Dr. Arthur Lewin of Saint John. She is now a widow, and practicing her profession of nursing, has one son: James Arthur. She is Night Superintendent in Saint John General Public Hospital.
5.4. Florence Harriett died suddenly at the age of 19 while preparing for the profession of teacher in Kindergarten Schools. She was well beloved.
5.5. Marion Rioch was a Kindergarten Teacher, also a Voluntary Aid Nurse going overseas during the World War, married John T. MacGowan, a veteran of the war. They have two children: Donald Flaglor and Jean Shirley.
5.6. James Douglas Flaglor and Ella Marguerite (twins) died at the age of ten months. Isobel H. died in infancy.
6. Minnie Wells, daughter of Adam Clark Avard Wells, was born at Bayfield, N.B. in 1864. She was of a very cheerful disposition, making a host of friends. She passed away at Moncton, N.B. in 1925. She married Oscar J. McCully, M.D. of Sussex, N.B. who was a graduate of U.N.B., McGill and Royal College of Surgeons, London, England; a very fine type of man, a skillful physician. He was born in 1853 and died in 1911. They had two daughters: Dorrit, who is a dietitian, spending several years in Bermuda and Jamaica. Madeline McCully is the youngest daughter of Minnie Wells McCully, and is a trained kindergartner, conducting for some time a school in Moncton, and later in New York City, where she has been very successful.
Joseph Avard Thornton, son of Adam Clark Avard Wells married Minnie Funcheon. He was a man of kindly generous disposition; now deceased. Made his home in Moncton for years; removed to Glace Bay where his family still reside. His family are: Avard, Constance, who died when a young woman; Horace, who was killed in a mine, where he was surveying, and Ruby, who is teaching in the Glace Bay public Schools.
Gilbert Wall, youngest son of Adam Clark Avard Wells, was a man of marked ability. He taught for some time; was also Postmaster at Baie Verte. He married Annie Turner of that place. They had two daughters: Blanche who was superintendent of a hospital in British Columbia (now Mrs. Gunn), and Helen who is married to Mr. Fred Brassen and is living in Calgary, Alberta. They have two children: a son and a daughter.
Margaret Wells, the second daughter of William Wells, was born November 19, 1826, at Point de Bute, N.B. She inherited in large measure the noble characteristics of her ancestors. Imbued with strong religious instincts, and possessing a clear executive mind, with a tender, affectionate nature, she wielded a strong and enduring influence upon her family and upon those who were fortunate to be numbered among her friends.
She was called upon to suffer great sorrows, and she bore herself ever with a courage which bespoke her unwavering faith in her God.
A patient devoted wife and mother, her children “rose up to call her blessed.”
Margaret Wells was married to Horatio Mann Wright, son of Nathaniel and Christiana Wright of Bedeque, P.E.I., by Rev. William Smithson at Bayfield, N.B. on May 2, 1850.
Horatio Wright was an agriculturist and an ardent Methodist. His generous nature encompassed all mankind, and the latch-string of his home was ever out for every human being who came his way.
He was a sunny, happy Christian gentleman, and possessed a keen sense of humor, which gift he transmitted to those who came after him.
Because of the deep religious experience which he enjoyed, he was ready at all times to assist in class meeting and revival service in furthering the Kingdom of God. Throughout his entire life he was “feverent in Spirit, serving the Lord”.
He died in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, at the home of his son, Dr. Fredric William Wright, on December 30, 1900, aged 76 years.
Mrs. Wright predeceased him, having died in Carleton, N.B. at the home of her son, J. Herbert Wright in June 1893, aged 67 years.
The family of Margaret Wells and Horatio M. Wright consisted of five sons and three daughters, viz.:
1. Annie Marie born Bedeque, P.E.I., March 24, 1851.
2. Aretas Nathaniel born Searletown, P.E.I., August 12, 1853.
3. Joseph Herbert born Searletown, P.E.I., June 26, 1855.
4. Elizabeth Jane born Searletown, P.E.I., August 29, 1859.
5. Howard Sprague born Searletown, P.E.I., November 21, 1861.
6. Charles Young born Searletown, P.E.I., February 15, 1865.
7. Frederic William born Searletown, P.E.I., February 17, 1867.
8. Mary Louise born Searletown, P.E.I., June 14, 1872.
Annie Mariea, the oldest child of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright, was born at the old Wright homestead at Bedeque, P.E.I. on March 24, 1851.
Her parents later bought a farm and built a new home at Searletown whence they moved the following year. All the remaining children of the family were born at Searletown, and years later, hoping to benefit his health, Mr. Wright removed his family to the mainland, buying a very attractive farm at Pugwash, Nova Scotia.
It was here that Annie Maria was married on October 1, 1873, to G. Rupert Black, and went as a bride to her husband’s home in Amherst, N.S.
Mr. Black was a direct descendant of the first William Black who came to Canada from Scotland in 1727, and who was the father of Bishop Black, the founder of Methodism in Eastern Canada.
Rupert Black devoted his life to agriculture, and the fine old family home “Elmwood” – part of the original Black Estate is still owned by Mrs. Black at Amherst, N.S.
G. Rupert Black possessed much natural refinement and was a man of sterling integrity. It was said of him “he was a born gentleman”.
Never wearying in his devotion to his family, his Church and the community, he was deeply mourned upon his passing, after a stroke of paralysis on January 1, 1917, aged 73 years.
Mrs. Black continues to make her home at “Elmwood”, Amherst, through she spends much time with her children, all of whom are married.
In her youth, Mrs. Black’s striking beauty was much commented upon and the passing years have added a stateliness altogether lovely.
She possesses not only Wells’ physical characteristics, but has the added charm of a well-stored mind. She is rounding out a life of beauty, beloved by all who knew her.
The family of Annie Marie Wright and her husband G. Rupert Black consists of three daughters and a son: Florence Jane, Herbert Walter, Mabel Louise and Eleanor Wright.
Florence Jane was married at “Elmwood”, Amherst by Rev. Dr. Douglas Chapman, assisted by Rev. (Mr.) Hockin on September 23, 1903, to De Witt T. Elderkin, son of E.B. Elderkin, Esq., of Amherst, and for ten years Mr. and Mrs. Elderkin made their home in Toronto, where their three sons were born. Their children are: Walter Black, Lawrence De Witt and Rupert Alan.
Mr. Elderkin removed with his family to Regina, Sask., where he is the successful Secretary-Manager of the Saskatchewan Exhibition Association.
Herbert Walter Black, only son of G. Rupert and Annie Wright Black, graduated in Dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and is an outstanding member of his profession in the Maritime Provinces. He is practicing in Sydney, N.S., where on December 18, 1901, the Rev. Dr. Charles Huestis officiating, he married Florence May, daughter of the late John E. Burchell, Esq. Their only child, a daughter, died in infancy.
Mable Louise, second daughter of G. Rupert and Annie Wright Black, married T.B. Morris, Merchant of Amherst.
Being early left a widow, Mrs. Morris travelled quite extensively. For some time, she and her mother established residence in Boston, where on January 5, 1924, Mrs. Morris was married to Mr. Charles Sylvester Myers, in the Old South Congregational Church, her brother-in-law Rev. Arthur W. Dycer and Rev. Boynton Merrill, officiating.
Eleanor Wright, the youngest daughter of G. Rupert and Annie Wright Black, graduated in Boston as a Professional Nurse. She is a lady of fine attainments, and charming personality, and has filled responsible positions in her profession.
She served on the Harvard Surgical Unit in France during the World War, and on her return, b giving lectures upon her active service experiences added considerable to Red Cross Funds.
In April 1920, Eleanor Wright was married to the Rev. Arthur William Dycer, by Rev. Dr. Covell in the Park Street Congregational Church, Boston.
At present, Mr. and Mrs. Dycer are living in Boston, where Mr. Dycer is taking post-graduate studies at Harvard University.
Aretas Nathaniel, eldest son of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright, married and practiced as a doctor of dental surgery in or near Chicago.
When his father’s family suffered an outbreak of Typhoid Fever, at the home in Pugwash, N.S., Aretas returned to assist and comfort.
He contracted the disease and died. His bride, whom he brought with him, recovered, and returned alone to her home in Chicago.
Several years later she remarried in the West.
Joseph Herbert Wright, second son of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright, was married to Florence May Ayer at Westmorland Point, N.B. on February 8, 1880, by Rev. George Good and Rev. Douglas Chapman. He practiced Law in Saint John. Their family consists of:
Roy Aretus Wright who lived with his mother in Saint John, N.B. until young manhood when he went to the West and died there suddenly.
Ada Irene Wright lives with her mother in Vegreville, Alberta, is principal of one of the schools in that city, and very highly esteemed.
Children of Joseph Herbert Wright:
Bessie Bell Wright married November 7, 1906, to Andrew Maitland Jarvis of London, Ontario.
Children: Andrew Herbert Jarvis, born November 4, 1907; Erwin De Witt Jarvis, Eric Wright Jarvis (Twins born July 17, 1910); William Lawrence Jarvis born June 10, 1917.
Gerald Keith Jarvis born December 24, 1920.
Clara Gladys Wright born March 2, 1888. Died at St. John, N.B. March 27, 1903.
Annie Florence Wright died at St. John, N.B., October 8, 1889.
Louise Lavinia Wright, Guy Carleton Wright (twins).
Herbert Horatio Wright died in infancy.
Guy Carleton Wright is married and, with his wife and three children, is living in Edmonton, Alberta.
Elizabeth Jane (Bessie), second daughter of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright, was born in Searletown, P.E.I. on August 29, 1859. She married Walter B. Clark of Waltham, Mass., formerly of Glasgow, Scotland, where the Clark family is prominent in engineering circles.
Mrs. Clark, beloved for her great generous heart, and sunny beautiful spirit, passed away after a long illness at her Waltham home in July 1924.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark had two sons: James Frederic Wright and William Wells.
Frederic, the elder, graduated in medicine from Harvard University and is practicing at Laona, Wisconsin. He married Mabel Amelia Berg, a graduate nurse in Wisconsin on September 1, 1924.
William Wells Clark received the Bachelor of Science degree from Tufts University, Boston. He was married on September 1, 1924, to Kidie Louis Guppey at North Andover, Mass. They are making their home in the West.
Both Frederic and William Clark left College to volunteer and train for service in the World War. Frederic in the Medical Service and William became an Officer int eh American Navy. Before being sent overseas, Peace was declared, and the young men returned to their College duties.
Howard Sprague, third son of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright is a successful Architect and builder, living at Everett, Washington. Many of the large public buildings and concrete bridges of the State are monuments to his skill. He is a man of noble character, and fine physique. He married Annie Reese of Seattle, Washington, formerly of Wales. Their family consists of two daughters and two sons: Hazel, Myrtis Wells, Frederic and Howard Sprague, Jr.
Hazel married Prof. Adin E. Marlatt, son of (her pastor) Rev. Dr. Marlatt, and they are living at Everett, Washington. She has a little daughter, Ann.
Frederic, the elder son, a noble young man of splendid attainments, gave his life in France in the World War.
Both Howard Sprague, Jr., and his brother-in-law, Prof. Marlatt, served with distinction in the World War in the American Navy.
Charles Young, fourth son of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright, accompanied by his brother Howard, in his early twenties went West to their uncles, George and Joseph Wells, in California and Oregon. Later Charles disappeared, and through his family spent years in diligent search he was never heard of again. He was a handsome young man of exemplary character, and this great sorrow was felt to have hastened his mother’s death.
Frederic William, the youngest son of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright, graduated from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, and began the practice of dentistry in New Glasgow, N.S., where he has been eminently successful.
He married Daisy McLeod of Baltimore, daughter of the late Rev. Dr. McLeod, First Editor of the “Wesleyan,” the official paper of the Methodist Church in Eastern Canada.
Mrs. Wright inherited literary tastes from both her father and her mother, and has published a book of charming verse, as well as a number of short stories. They have two daughters and a son.
The elder daughter, Muriel Hulse, married Stuart MacIntosh of New Glasgow, and they are making their home in Cranbrook, British Columbia.
Mr. MacIntosh was one of five brothers who served their country and won distinction on the battle fields of France during the World War.
Mr. and Mrs. MacIntosh have two young sons: Wright and Stuart, Jr.
Margaret Wells, second daughter of Frederic and Daisy McLeod Wright after receiving her Arts Degree from Dalhousie University, Halifax, graduated in nursing from Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, in the Spring of 1924, and is practicing her profession in Baltimore.
Frederic William, Jr., only son of Frederic and Daisy McLeod Wright, is a student at Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S.
Mary Louise, the youngest child of Horatio and Margaret Wells Wright, born June 14, 1872, unfolded as a dainty flower for nine short summers, when she passed away at her parents’ home, Pugwash, Nova Scotia.
Elizabeth Freeman Wells was born at Bayside, in the year of 1830. Later the family moved to Bayfield. On the 3rd of June 1857, she married Cyrus Netis Goodwin, of Bay Verte. She possessed unusual personality and won a host of friends through her generous hospitality. The farm at Bay Verte, possessing a beach, attracted many pleasure seekers, who found a warm welcome at the Goodwin home.
Mrs. Goodwin passed a busy, happy life, raising her family of six children, all of whom were a great comfort to her. However, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin had one crushing blow, the sudden death of their much beloved daughter, Augusta, in 1886. Then in 1892, Mrs. Goodwin was bereft of her devoted husband. Her son, Leonard, stepped into his father’s place, and did all he could do to lighten her burdens. When he moved to Point de Bute, and later on to Halifax, she still made her home with him. Shortly before the Halifax Disaster, in December 1917, she visited her daughter, Mrs. Stebbings, who lives in Sackville. It was then that she sustained a serious injury through a fall, which deprived her of the use of her limbs. Although she was confined to her bed for the rest of her life, about 13 years, she for the most part enjoyed good health, and retained her faculties remarkably well to the end, passing peacefully away at the age of 99 years. She not only delighted in conversing about the things of the past, for which she had an excellent memory, but took a lively interest in everyday events. The many visitors at her bedside felt that they had profited by her cheery presence, and went away saying “Mrs. Goodwin is a wonderful woman for her years.”
Mrs. Goodwin’s husband, Cyrus N. Goodwin was born at Bay Verte, N.S. 1829, where he made his home throughout his entire life. He was a highly esteemed citizen and friend. In most of the official positions, in the gift of his church (open to lay man), and in all her religious services, he proved his loyalty and fidelity. He had a good mind and was gifted with strong common sense and was a trusted councillor. He was a good man and leaves the best possible legacy – that of a true and useful life.
Their children are:
1. William Isaac, who married Elizabeth Estey. He was a very successful teacher for years, before going into business in Sackville and has the satisfaction of knowing that he had a part in the education of such men as Dr. George Trueman, President of Mt. Allison University. He was also a member of the Town Council of Sackville for some time. Some years ago, he removed to Vancouver. They have three children: Olive, Margaret, and a younger son.
2. Annie Marie, who married Rev. Thomas Stebbings, of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Conference. Her children are: Rev. Charles Frederick Stebbings, B.A., William George (died when a young man), Winnifred Goodwin and Elizabeth Augusta. Mrs. Stebbings has a very attractive personality and was a real co-worker with her husband, who filled many important pulpits in the Conference where he was universally respected and loved. Their children, too, reflected the refinement and culture that come from a genuine Christian home.
3. Leonard Elmore married Aleda Taylor. One son, Samuel Cyrus, who died in infancy. They have an adopted daughter, Irene. He took over the care of the farm at his father’s death, also tenderly cared for his mother. He afterward went into business in Point de Bute, but finally located in Halifax, where he has been very successful. They passed through the terrible explosion there, and suffered keenly. He is a man rich in good works, and filling responsible positions in the church.
4. Alexander Hooper married Lena Taylor, daughter of Rev. William Taylor, Ontario. After teaching he attended Dental College and after graduation removed to Edmonton and later to Vegreville, Alberta. He has there been very successful in his profession. Was Mayor of the city for some years, and still takes a lively interest in civic affairs, also in church work and Sunday School. They have three children: Eleanor, teaching, at home; Lillian, who is also a teacher, and William Taylor, still in school.
5. Harold Alder (Rev. H.A.), from an early age had a strong inclination toward the ministry. After a time, he went into the employ of A.L. Goodwin & Co., St. John, while there, he engaged in many lines of church work; later went to Edmonton where the Conference prevailed upon him to enter the work at once. He was sent out on the prairie where there was no church, and no parsonage, no roads; had to travel by horseback over trails. After two or three years he entered Wesley College, Winnipeg, for study. After graduation he was ordained and married Miss Grace Jones, a teacher of Winnipeg, who is of great assistance to him in his work. After filling several charges successfully, he was called East to Moncton, N.B. to Central Church, from there to Centenary Church, St. John, N.B. For two years he was Secretary of Social Service and Evangelism, for the Maritime Provinces, and later accepted a call to Portland St. Methodist Church, the pastorate which he now fills. They have three sons: Arthur Leslie, who has a fine position in Montreal; Stanley E. in a bank in Amherst, N.S., and Harold Ralph Wells, still in school.
6. Augusta Caroline died at the age of twenty. She was a young lady of talent; above the ordinary; was specially gifted in music. Her influence is still being felt by those who knew her.
Jane Amelia Wells was married to John Rayworth, July 1853. She was possessed of a fine unselfish generous disposition, drawing to her many friends. Her husband, who was one of the cheeriest and best of men, brightened their home with his wit and humor, and together they established a happy Christian home, where they dispensed unbounded hospitality, a home where everyone loved to go.
Their first home was at Bay Verte; but later they removed to Upper Cape, where Mr. Rayworth was engaged in farming and lumbering. The influence of their splendid Christian lives will long be felt among their friends, and those who follow on; as well as the church to which they were so truly devoted, giving of themselves unstintingly for its advancement. Like their ancestors, they were stalwart Methodists. Their children are:
William Wells Rayworth, eldest son of Jane Amelia Wells and John Rayworth, was a worthy son of worthy parents, and carried on to a large extent their activities, both in the church and the community. He married Miss Minerva Faulkner Davidson of River Philip a woman of intelligence and a most kindly disposition and manner, and together they made a very bright attractive house which was a rare pleasure to visit. Mr. Rayworth inherited his father’s ready wit and humor; Mr. and Mrs. Rayworth are now both deceased.
Children of William Wells Rayworth:
Alice Schurman married Miner Ives Purdy, of C.N.R. 1913. They make their home in Moncton, N.B.
John Herbert married Nellie Irvine Tidnish, 1912. Their children are Helen Minerva, Jean Irvine, William Gordon Lawrence McLellan, Cedric and Fulton.
Mary Frances married Joseph M. Crandall, 1919. Their children are Herbert Robertson and William Lloyd.
John Snowball Rayworth for a number of years taught school, later locating in Moncton, where he was very highly esteemed. He was Collector of Customs for that City, until the time of his death. A man of sterling worth. He marked Gussie Bent, a woman of rare qualities. His children are: Ruby, who married Ernest Barnes, a businessman of Amherst; their children, Doreen and Vaughan.
Hazel married Charles Roberts of Toronto, Ontario, an official holding a responsible position in the C.N.R.
Minnie Rayworth died when a young lady; much esteemed.
Frank Futtle Rayworth lives on the Rayworth homestead. Is upholding the family traditions, and making his influence tell for righteousness in church and community life. He married Mrs. Alice McLeod Harper of Port Egin, a bright intelligent woman. They have two sons, John McLeod at home, and Colin in St. John, N.B.
Annie M. married Walter Forrest, Nappan, Nova Scotia: here in their bright attractive home, they dispense a generous hospitality to their many friends. They have one daughter, Elsie, at home.
George Wellls was born at Bayfield, N.B., and lived there till he heard the call of the West and went travelling in many places for a time, later settling in Oregon, where he engaged in sheep ranching, and was very successful. He made his home in Portland, Oregon, in later life, where he was engaged in contracting and building, owning largely in real estate at the time of his death. He was married and had one daughter, Ruby. He, with his wife and daughter, visited the old home a few years ago, greatly to the delight of his family, who found him as kind and generous as of old, and a universal favorite. His daughter, Ruby, married Mr. Meade, and has one son.
Samuel Lewis, the youngest son of William F. Wells, was born at Bayfield, N.B. He was young at the time of his mother’s death. While still young he decided to try his fortune as his brothers had done, and went to the U.S.A., where he married, and later died.
Joseph Allen Wells was born January 31, 1835, at Bayfield, N.B., Canada. He lived at home until he served his time as a Wheelwright. At the age of twenty-three he became interested in the gold excitement out in California and in the spring of 1858, he left home and traveled by water, via the Isthmus of Panama and the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco, California, where he arrived that fall.
On arriving at San Francisco, he followed the carpenter trade for a time but when a gold rush started in Northern California, he left with others for Mokelumne Hill, on the Mokelumne River, where he and his partner located a mining claim. During the excitement, these men had an offer to dispose of their prospect, which they accepted and then started an extended prospecting trip through the important gold bearing district of California, which included Jackson, Murphy’s, Angel Camp, Chinese Camp and many other well known mining towns of that day. Nothing important in a mineral way was discovered and these men returned to San Francisco. Building in San Francisco at that time had become very active, so a partnership was formed, and a sash and door factory was established. This business was continued until the fire in the middle 60’s, when everything was destroyed and the plant not restored.
The gold excitement again attracted the attention of this young Canadian, and in 1868, he went to White Pine, in Nevada. Success did not attend him in this barren country, so he left mining and opened up a hotel. This was a lucrative enterprise in those days while the mining excitement was on but soon passed when the mining properties failed to produce ore, in paying quantities, which was the case at White Pine.
During the period at White Pine, he became acquainted with a John Nelson Pine, proprietor of the Toll Road leading into White Pine district. Mr. Pine had recently sent east for his daughter, Mary Alma Pine, who was born in Burlington, Vermont, April 14, 1848. Soon following her arrival, a strong attachment developed between these young people and on December 20, 1871, they were married. Previously Joseph Allen Wells had gone to Eureka, Nevada, and with another man entered into the iron foundry business. Following the marriage, he took his bride to Eureka to live, where a son was born June 5, 1874, who was named Norton Chamberlin Wells, after his mother’s brother.
In the year 1879, an opportunity to dispose of the foundry at Eureka was presented and the plant was sold. That same year the family moved to Bodie, Mono County, California, and another partnership formed and a new foundry and machine shop started in this newer mining camp. This business was retained until a few years before the death of Joseph Allen Wells, when a fire destroyed the entire plant. No effort was made to rebuild the shops as the mining industry had about died out in that section. Very little need for a foundry other than for a month or so each year existed at the time of the fire and for some years previous, so the plant had been leased to an old employee who lived permanently at Bodie. This gave Joseph Allen Wells and his family an opportunity to live around San Francisco Bay, where they resided for many years, having left Bodie in October 1886. This move occurred while Mrs. Wells was visiting the relatives of both families in the east with her son, that same year.
Joseph Allen Wells was a man of sterling worth and among his business associates his word was his bond. For years it was a byword among mining men of this community, when there was a breakdown at one of the mines, that if “Old Joe Wells,” promised the repairs would be completed by morning, one got the job in the morning. He was always sure, however, never to give his promise unless he knew it could be fulfilled on time.
For many years during the later part of his life, he was a sufferer from stomach trouble, caused it was believe from heavy lifting in the foundry. On July 14, 1910, he passed on leaving an estate sufficiently large to maintain his family in comfort. His wife Mary A. Wells, lived until August 24, 1923, when she followed him into the Great Beyond leaving a son the only child, residing still in San Francisco, California, and who married Florence Mabel Hyde, of San Jose, California on June 5, 1911. No children have been born as a result of this union.
William Allen Wells was born at Bayfield, N.B, 1832. Possessed of more than ordinary ability and of a genial disposition, his society was ever sought after and enjoyed. His general intelligence was of high order. His position in the community and in the church was one of trust and responsibility, being presiding steward of the district, and Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years. He married Emma Teressa White of Calais, Maine, where they lived a few years after marriage. Later removing to Bayfield to the old Wells’ homestead. His wife too, was well beloved, a gentle, quiet woman, devoting her whole life to her husband, her children and her friends.
The children of William A. and Emma T. Wells presented to the church hat Bayfield a fine bell, in memory of their parents, to commemorate their lives of loyalty, and devotion to the cause so dear to their hearts.
The children are:
1. Charlotte Mabel, who married Capt. William Edgett of Albert Co. She had two sons, Claude and Louis. Second husband, Randolph Bigham, lived in New York, deceased.
2. Horatio W. married Hattie Allen of Upper Cape, October 21, 1890. He has been for some years a very successful businessman in Portland, Oregon, making a name and place in that city. Their children are: Alice Teressa, Clorinda Wells, Charlotte, Woodruff, one child lives in California, Allen Horatio, Lloyd William married and has two children. Clorinda Wells also is married to a Mr. McIntosh, has two children, and lives in Wyoming. Grace Carvell Frost lives in Britania and has one son.
3. Clorinda Young Wells, daughter of Mrs. Allen Wells, married Frederick Crane Harper of Bay Verte, March 26, 1860. They made their home in Bay Verte, where Mr. Harper was in business for some time, but later removed to Seattle, Washington, where Mr. Harper has been very busy and very successful serving for several years as Senator for the State of Washington. Their children are: Frederick William, a very fine promising young man, was accidently killed while hunting; Mabel Francis married Ross Chestnut; Has three children: Helen Louise married Rex Smith. Has three children: Joseph Crandall married. Has one child: Robert Wells.
4. Joseph E Wells, M.D.; After graduation, Dr. Joseph Wells located in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he had a large practice. He married Miss Bleur, and they had one daughter. He died while still young at N.Y. in 1906.
5. Florence Queen died at the age of seven.
6. Mark L. and William F. died when young also.
Mary Thompson Wells, the daughter of William F. Wells. Although always of a quiet retiring disposition, she made many true friends. She was ever interested in all that made for uplift and betterment. She was truly devoted to her home, her children and her church.
She married George Ritchie Copp, who was also deeply interested in the church. Their lives are reflected in their children, who are filling positions of responsibility and trust. Their family consisted of five children, four sons and one daughter, as follows: Willard, Avard Wells, William Freeman, Frank Edson and Anna.
Willard A. (now deceased) married Ada A. Allen, daughter of Joseph E. and Catherine Allen of Cape Tormentine, N.B. to which five children were born as follows: Harry Trueman, Ruby Wells, Della Mary, Norton Joseph and Helen Flamber. Harry (now deceased) married Lena Dauphinee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dauphinee of Hubbards, N.S. Harry was Station Agent at Hubbards, N.S. until the time of his death, 1923. Their children are: Pauline, Audrey and Marion.
Ruby Wells (now deceased) married Jas. D. Munro of Pugwash, N.S., resided in Montreal. Two children were born to them: Rodrick L. and Lois A.
Della Mary married Horatio N. Mitton of Port Elgin, N.B. No children, they are now living at Bathurst, N.B., where he is engaged in lumber business.
Norton Joseph Copp (bachelor) residing in Montreal. He served with Canadian Engineers overseas for four years.
Helen F. married Rodrick L. Munro (now deceased) of Pugwash, N.S. No children. Has resided in Montreal since her marriage. Her mother is making her home with her.
Avard Wells Copp (now deceased) married Annie Sutherland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Sutherland of Aulac, N.B. Their family of two children, are Claude Avard of Halifax who married Pauline MacMillan of Springhill, N.S. and their family of three boys are: Paul, Douglas and Claude. Kathleen Copp residing with her mother at Parrsboro, N.S.
Wiilliam Freeman of Newcastle. N.B. married Catherine Amos (now deceased) daughter of Thomas and Margaret Amos of Baie Verte, N.B. To them three children were born: Nina, Elsie and Herbert, all residing in U.S.A. Second wife, a Mrs. Ramsay of Newcastle, N.B.
Frank Edson Copp, who married Ida M. Lewis daughter of Alexander and Mary Pugsley Lewis of West Brook, N.S. He was for some years in business in Oxford, N.S. Later removing to Montreal where he is extensively engaged in the lumbering business. Their children are: Leslie Clarke of Calgary, Alberta, who married Blanche Flannigan of Oskosle Wisconsin. No children. He served overseas, enlisting in Calgary in 1916 with the Skilled Railway Employees of the C.P. Railway, returning after the close of the war.
Mary Ethel married Richard Dobson Harper of Bayfield, N.B., son of Frank and Cynthia Harper of Saint John, N.B. They reside at Dixon, Illinois, U.S.A. Their children are as follows: Harold Barrett, Ethel Gwendolyn, Roy Pringle, Francis and Betty.
Juanita Augusta married Jas. H. Harris of Campbellton, N.B. Have one child, Howard Lewis, living in Montreal Quebec.
Elizabeth Pugsley Copp now living in Dixon, Illinois.
Ronald Lewis died at the age of one year.
Annie M. Wells was the youngest daughter of Wiilliam F. and Annie M. Wells. She was possessed of a very genial, happy disposition, and endeared herself to her family and friends. When quite young, she married Jabez Wright of P.E.I. They had one daughter, Alice Wright, and one son, Leonard Wright. Mr. Wright died, and some years later she married Capt. B.A. Reade, of Illinois, where they lived for a number of years; her two children died there. Another daughter and son were born; Maud, who married Harry M. Dixon, had one son, Robert; Dr. Frank Reade, who is a very successful dentist in Moncton N.B. Dr. Reade married Miss Mabel Peters of Moncton; they have two sons: Dr. Russelle Reade of U.S.A., and Frank Jr., who is still in school.
Permelia Wells
Permelia was the daughter of William F. and Isobel Hooper Wels. She died when still quite young.
Eliza Wells married Job Dobson October 3, 1844, at Bayfield where she lived her whole life. She was a woman of unusual intelligence, and strength of character. Her husband, who was also of fine mentality died before middle life, leaving to her the upbringing of their family. She at once took the head of the home and management of the farm, until her sons were old enough to relieve her of the care. She was truly a good woman and good mother, and a great strength to the church and community. In later years she married Richardson Trenholm, Bayfield. Their children are:
Lloyd Johnson Dobson.
Annie Maria Allen Dobson, died young.
Clara Jane Amelia, a woman of rare grace and charm, married George J. Dobson, and one daughter, Sarah, who married Burwash Dobson.
George Johnston married Eliza Milner, Sackville, one son of George Johnson, a young man of much promise died while still a young man.
Annie Elizabeth, died young.
Avard Wells Dobson, also of Bayfield, following on in the steps of his parents, living on the homestead, conducting the farm and taking his place in the church and community life. He has always stood four square for all that is best in civil and religious life. He is a good man, strong mentally, morally and spiritually. His house, too, was a happy one, radiating good cheer and hospitality. His first wife was Charlotte Queen. They were married March 1867, she was a woman of gentle, kindly disposition, a loving wife and mother. Some years after her death, he married Mrs. Maria Dobson, another fine woman, who died but a few years ago. Mr. Dobson is still well and fresh looking, through nearing the 89th mark.
Their children are: Frank, who married Martha F. Anderson, his children are: Hazel A., Vance A., Madge D. and Dorothy (married George Trenholm), Madge, John Jelly, Vance Laura Giffin, Hazel Boyce Atkinson; one daughter, in the West.
Edward J., son of Avard Wells Dobson married Nellie Carter, children: Macklean, Albert C., and Edward A.
Harry Treen, married, has one son, lives in the West.
Charles Wesley, died when young.
Avard Burwash, Bayfield, married Sarah Dobson, children, George, Avard, Lloyd Johnson and Hermon Burn.
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In closing this sketch, there are a few remarks and explanations I would like to make.
First, to those who have written so very kindly about the “Gleanings”, I would say that your appreciation repays any effort that the preparation has cost me.
I regret exceedingly my inability to cover the entire connection of the Wells Family History, but time and strength seemed inadequate for so large a task.
Readers have no doubt observed that some families have been given more space than others. This was because some of the family connections with whom I got in touch gave me more information than others. In many cases it was hard to get any response to my request for information.
The idea of my sketch was not to praise unduly the Wells family, but that the records of the people and of their times should be preserved for my own family and others, and for those who come after us.
I am very grateful for the words of appreciation from Mr. Samuel Freeman of Amherst, N.S., also for a correction. He tells us that the mother of Elizabeth Freeman Wells was Jerusha Yeomans, not Dimock. I also received a very interesting communication from Mrs. C. Fred Avard, mother of C.C. Avard, President and Manager of the Sackville Tribune. She told me that George Wells Avard and Ruth Dobson Avard had a son, George, who went to Hatfield Point. He settled there and married Mabel Day. They had four children: Grace, Frederic, Helen and Fraser. He is now dead, and his family remains in the home at Hatfield Point.
To those who are placing the instalments in a scrapbook, I would suggest placing the eighth before the seventh. That will make a connecting story, where the MSS. Got a little mixed.
I would like to say that in my search into the family history, I did not find many great names, as the world counts greatness; but there are some, even of those. But there were many who, I know, were great. In their simple honesty and steadfastness of purpose, in their God-fearing lives, and in their efforts to make the world a little better as they passed along, they were great, those pioneer ancestors of ours. I believe the present generation for the most part have “taken up the torch” and are “lifting it high,” and I would like to say to the younger generation: “You have a fine background, a rich heritage, ‘Carry On.’”
I feel that I cannot close without mentioning the names of some to whom I am indebted, especially among them, Mrs. Cyrus Goodwin and Mrs. Woodford Purdy, great-granddaughters of the first William Wells. They were both nearing the century mark when they passed away. They loved to talk about the old people and old times, and I loved to listen. I am also indebted to Rev. Ernest Rowlands, who knows England well and rendered great assistance. He is deeply interested in history and preserving records, especially of that part of the county. My sincere thanks are due to Mr. C.C. Avard and Mr. J. Sheldon, of the Tribune, for help and unfailing courtesy and kindness.
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Some additions and corrections
In the letter of appreciation of the Wells Family History, Mr. Samuel Freeman, Amherst, N.S. writes is parts as follows:
The eighth installment that appears in the Tribune says Elizabeth Freeman who married George Wells, son of William Wells, was the daughter of William Freeman and her mother was a Dimock. I think this woman’s mother was Jerusha Yeoman, and it was her brother, William, who married the Dimock. I will give you a memo of this family as I have it from my father who was a nephew of Mrs. George Wells (2) and a cousin of George Wells (3) whom I well remember.
William Freeman born September 30, 1741, died May 5, 1801.
Jerusha Yeoman born December 6, 1745, died January 11, 1812.
“William Freeman and Jerusha Yeoman were united in marriage, after lawful obligation, by Denone Danks, one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace, December 6, 1765.”
Their family were:
Samuel born October 28, 1766, died November 11, 1766.
Sarah born November 1, 1767, married “Adversity sometimes makes Joshua Wetherhead (Sheriff)”.
Jerusha born March 27, 1770 married James Hewson.
William born March 27, 1770 married 1st Miss Newcomb; 2nd Sarah Dimock.
(Jerusha and William were twins.)
Samuel born March 10, 1772 married Eunice Bent, died June 21, 1860.
Joshua born March 28, 1774 married Elizabeth Black, moved to Ontario.
Elizabeth born May 25, 1776 married George Wells, died February 16, 1833.
Dorothy born November 5, 1778 married Jess Bent, died June 7, 1842.
Martha born December 12, 1780 married Kniffin Purdy.
Philip born January 27, 1783 married Rebecca Lyons.
Hannah born November 28, 1785 married Charles Cameron.
Ann born January 27, 1788 married Gaius Lewis (Member Legislative Assembly).
Charlotte born May 29, 1789 married Thomas Lusby.
Rebecca born September 11, 1790 married Daniel Blair.
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Augusta, eldest daughter of Jane Wells Rayworth and John Rayworth was a lady of much charm, willing many friends. She married Fred Rayworth of Upper Cape and settled near the old Rayworth homestead. They had two children: a son and a daughter, both in the United States. Gussie and her husband are both deceased.
A Glace Bay reader writes that “Avard W.W. Wells, now residing in Glace Bay, N.S. with his mother and sister, is a son of the late J.A. Thornton Wells. He spent a couple of years in the West Indies with an engineering concern of New York, but is now on the civil engineering staff of the Dominion Coal Company. He is one of the most efficient draughtsmen; one of his drawings of No. 2 Mine, Glace Bay, the biggest mine in Canada, can be seen in the Government House at Ottawa in the Mining Department. He is the only living grandson of Avard Clark Adam Wells, to carry on the surname of Wells.”