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.