John Milton Wells
1819-March 31, 1884

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, April 2, 1884, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

John Milton Wells, died at his home in this city on Monday morning, March 31st, at 6 o'clock. He was born in Victoria, Cayuga County, New York in 1889[sic] and came to Niles with his parents in 1835.  He has been in the grocery business in this city about 30 years and was doing a large business at the time of his decease.  He has always been a man of strict integrity in all matters of deal, always giving down weight to his customers, and much will be be missed by a large circle of relatives and friends.  His funeral will take place this (Wednesday) at 2 o'clock, from his late residence.

Niles Democrat, Thursday, April 3, 1884, page 5, Niles District Library Biographical Files: Wells Family

John Milton Wells died at his home in this city on Monday morning, at six o'clock. He was born in Victoria, Cayuga county, New York, in 1810, and came to Niles with his parents in 1835.  He had been engaged in the grocery business here for upwards of thirty years.  One of his characteristics was an unvarying integrity in even the slightest transactions; sensitively honest, he never allowed it to be charged against him that he defrauded any man.  On this principle he had built a large business and gained the respect not only of his many customers and the wholesale firms with whom he dealt, but of all with whom he came in contract, and by none was he more highly esteemed and respected than by those in his employ.  Unostentatious in his charities, many of our poor will miss his kindly donations. The funeral took place from his late residence on Wednesday last and was largely attended.

Sylvia Wells
Nov. 18, 1822-Sept. 13, 1846

Niles Republican, Saturday, September 19, 1846, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED--In Howard, Cass county, on Sunday the 13th inst., Sylvia, only daughter of Jonathan and Sylvia Wells, age 23 years, 9 months and 26 days.

Sylva Wells
abt. 1793-May 24, 1869

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 29, 1869, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In this city at the residence of her son, J.M. Wells, on Monday, May 24th, Mrs. SYLVA WELLS, aged 76 years.

The deceased was a resident of this vicinity for thirty three years, having moved here in 1836, and has been an eye witness to the conversion  of this country from a howling wilderness to its present state of cultivation and improvement.

S. Roscoe Wells
1872-Feb. 2, 1896

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 5, 1896, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

S. Roscoe Wells, son of the Dr. Wells, of Pokegon[sic], died at Chatanooga[sic] Sunday, the 2d inst., of rheumatism of the heart.  His remains reached here today  and will be buried by the side of his father in Silver Brook cemetery.  He leaves a wife.  His father was well known in this city and vicinity as a skilled physician and worthy citizen, and the son many will remember as a most exemplary young man.

Clarence Wells
June 21, 1875-Sept. 24, 1880

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, October 2, 1880, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In Bertrand township, Friday evening, the 24th last, of diptheria, Clarence Wells, son of Francis and Rachael A. Wells, aged 5 years, 3 months,and 3 days.

Little Clarence was a bright boy and the joy of the household. His childish pranks were ever humerous, and innocent ways always winning.  Active and promising, his doting parents looked upon the present and future of their "little boy" with pride and complete satisfaction. Brothers and sisters too, found their affections intuitively centered upon him. But the Reaper came and took him, choice fruit, gathered into his kingdom.

Sweetly He Sleeps

Two little arms are folded
Over the quiet breast,
Two little bright eyes wearied,
Gone to eternal rest;
Silken and sunny tresses
Fall from the pale white brow
Surely the lone death angel
Claims little Clarence now.

One little rose-bud faded,
Calmly as flowers of May,
Laid in its silent coffin
Under the mound of clay;
Little Clarence is sleeping
Calmly and sweetly the while,
Over his pale lip there lingers
Childhood's pure, innocent smile.

Sadness and grief in the mansion,
Sorrowful faces are there,
Father and mother are gazing
on their lost cherub so fair;

Tearful and long is the parting,
How can they lay him to rest?
Aching hearts seek gentle comfort
Clarence has gone with the blest.

Shining and beautiful angels,
Saw the bright, sunbeam of earth,
And were anxious to win it
And give it as immortal birth;
And to their Father they hastened,
To him their story of love,
He sent the brightest among them
To carry Clarence above.

Mourn not the rose-bud that's faded,
Grieve not the cherub decayed,
Weep not the jewel departed,
Plead not for the sunbeam that's strayed,
Oh! he is blissful and happy,
Angelic crowns wreath his brow;
In field's of glory he is straying
Clarence's a bright angel now.

Berrien County Record, Tuesday, September 30, 1880, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED--Clarence, the youngest son of Francis Wells, of Portage Prairie, died of diphtheria, last Friday.  Aged about four years.

Nellie Wells
Dec. 1, 1889-Sept. 23, 1974

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, September 24, 1974, page 2, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Mrs. Nellie Wells, 84, of 251 Cass St., died at 8:40 p.m. Monday at Pawating Hospital.

Born Dec. 1, 1889 in Santa Fe, Ind., Mrs. Wells lived in Niles 20 years and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Switchmen's Union.  In November, 1923, in Niles, she married Melvin C. Wells, who died in April, 1974.[sic]

Survivors include two sons, Gale Johnson of Mattawan and Cecil Johnson of Chicago Ridge Ill., eight grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Pifer chapel of the Swem-Smith Funeral Homes with the Rev. Arlan Schlundt of St. John's United Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends are calling at the funeral home.