The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-04-11
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| sbar dtfaens teFs d iocksib3 tie sae
and unexpected intelligence that BEN
JAMIN j. WELLS, an old and we'll
known resident of this city, died sud
denly, of heart disease, on Thursday
Merning, April 4th. 1878.
B. J. WELLS, the only son of John
F. aud Maky lNc1Senzie Maspn) Wells
was liorA 1Ak kakeAna, - GhiS, April
9Th, 1921. At the time of his death he
lacked but two days of being fifty-seveu
years old, and was buried on his birth
day. He had two own sisters, Mrs. E.
P. Brainerd and Mrs. John Il. King,
2nd. The latter died in jamestown,
N. Y, March, 10th, 1873; the former
being now the only survivor of the
family: ME-. wells youth and boy
heed days N Sc spent ID sdnbol. For
several years he WAS . Student OF
the old Ravenna Academy, Hon. J. S.
Carpenter, Principal. Subsequent to
1884, when his father moved upon a
farm labor, pursuing his academic
course only through the winter terms.
When about eighteen he engaged in
teaching, in which occupation he was
employed several winters. June, 1912,
lie efssehtTNests ad Sspent nje year
teaching in Illinois. He returned from
the West, and on the 2Sth of April,
1874, he married Miss Hannah DOty,
daughter of David and Maria Doty, of
Ravenna. The fruit of this marriage
is one son, David E. Wells, born in
Ravenna, September 26th. 1916.
In 1850 the subject of this sketch en-
gagged inisupeAnSeniing the 5oiistfuc-
ton of railroads and public works. In
this position, and that of contractor, he
continued some sixteen years, operat-
ing in the States of New York, Penn!
sylvania, Ohio and Illinois. Perhaps
it may be truthfully said, he has had
charge Of the construction of more
miles offrailway than any mani in
Northern Ohio. Since retiring from
railroad business, be has. been engag-
ed in different kinds Of manufacturing,
as well as conducting his extensive
farm in Michigans Through his ien-
tire life Mr.. WELLS has been an active,
thorough, "go-ahead''
business man.. Whether on the farm,
in the school room, conducting publics
works, or other pursuits, whatever his
hands found to do, he has done with
all his might, aud his success AS bus
mess man is due to his indomitable en-
ergy aud far-seeing judgment.
In politicss he started "a sDenOcrat,
voted with the~Free. .66ils party, and
has been prominently identified with
the Republican party since its organ
zation. He has held various town
ship offices, rs well as having been
Mayor and Councilman of his native
own.
For many years he has been IA
Director and chief manager of
he County 4pfirWaSy, and the self
|acfificiSg devptipn ahd superior exec-
tive ABILITY he has ever exhibited in
the affairs of that institu-
ion, will long be appreciated by the
'eople of Portage county.
Possessed of q logical mind, he weigh |
ID facts and counted contingencies.
Always looking to the end before the |
his matured plans were |
marked with notable success. He has
'ver been q friend to education, and il
nay be safely said he believed as much
N schools as in churches, and neither
ause was without his pecuniary aid.
liberal in his charities to the needy,
nd foremost in whatever tended to
he Improvement Of his town and
Ounty. always acting upon his con-
convictions ofright, he had
he confidence of the public in his in
egrity. his good practical judgment
nd trustworthiness in all positions.
Mr.. WELLS leaves a devoted wife
nd only son to mourn his sudden and
death. His energy, force
+ character and persevering industry
'lrnish an example worthy of imita-
ion by the young men of the country.
The funeral services were held at the
amily residence on Main street, Sat
rday, at l 80 p. M, the 9Th inst.
rev. Andrew Wilson discOursed betit-
ingly 70 tie esriefaStsicken relatives
nd large concourse Of sympathizing
Ieighborssaad friends ;sud the RAven-
q Lodge of Odd Fellows Lovingly laid
0 rest in the Rayenna Cemetery, the
emains Of Brother B. J. wills, who
Or more than twenty-sevcn nrs was.
worthy and honored mombefsof the
)rder. S34Dt.t aGs II
Thus ends the life of eG(e ~ Raven
AS most prominent ID spected
itizens. ri.nI .s5fI e Com.
MR. E. T. BARxERns1a h6hiIy left