The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1892-05-06

last night and this morning they were
placed in casket and conveyed to the
Grand Central depot from whence they
will be taken to Burlington on the night
express. General Wells was delegate
from the Vermont Society Sons of the
American Revolution, to the National
Congress, S. A. R., which is In session
here to-day, and would have been pres
ent had he survived. On the assembling
of the Congress in City Hall this morn
ing, after the roll of members had been
called, Gen. T. S. Peck, a Vermont dele
gate, arose and announced with deep re-
gret the death of Gen. Wells. On mo-
ton of Judge Arnoux eff New York, the
Congress voted to have memorial on
the death of Gen. Wells prepared and
spread on the records, and the delegates
from Vermont were appointed a commit
tee to prepare suitable resolutions.
William Wells was born in Waterbury,
Vt, December 18th, 1887, and was, there
fore in his fifty-fifth year.
He was of English bloof, tracing his de-
scent by an unbroken chain from Hugh
Welles, who was born in the county of
Essex, England, about 1890, A. D., and
emigrated to this country in 1855.
Up to to the age of 10 his education
was obtained in the common schools of
his neighborhood, in the Barre academy
and in the Kimball Union Academy, at
Meriden, n. II. He then began his bust
ness career as clerk in his fathers dry
goods store at Waterbury, and afterward,
until the early part of 1861, carried on
the business of his fathers Touring mill
at that place.
Succeeding this he emigrated to Cleve-
land, Ohio. but did not remain there
long, returning that same year to his
home, only to enlist in the service OF his
country at the outbreak of the Civil
War.
Having assisted in the raising of Co.
G, 1st Vt, Cavalry, he was chosen and
commissioned its first lieutenant, and
promoted to the captaincy November
18TH 1861. In the latter office, he left
for active service at the front
Frequent promotion was the reward
for his efficiency and gallantry, and pass
ing through the various grades, he at
tanned the rank of Major, October Both,
1862. He was commissioned Colonel,
June 4th, 1864, on the recommendation
of all the regimental officers.
This office he vacated February 22d,
1865 for that of Brevet-Brigadier- Gen
eral, and was raised to the full grade of
Brigadier, May 10Th of that year. Pre-
vious to the accession to this rank, on
March Both, 1865, he had been brevetted
as Major General, for gallant and distin-
guished services.
Slight wounds received on two differ
ent occasions were his fortunes in the
perils of war. The first of these was re-
ceived at the battle of Hagerstown, Md,
July 9th, 1868, and the other at the bat
tie of Culpepper Court House, Va,
September 18th, 1863
His regiment at the battle of Gettys-
burg was stationed on the extreme left
of the army. and he, in its company,
took part in an effective charge. 1t was
engaged, also, at Hagerstown and
Boonesboro, Md.
General Wells served under Generals
Fitzpatrick, Sheridan and Custer, with
the Army of the Potomac until May
10TH 1864, being among the first to cross
the Rapidan River.
In the raid on Richmond, he accom-
panied Gen. Sheridan, and took part,
with his regiment, which suffered Sc
verely, in the famous cavalry charge at
Yellow Tavern. His regiment also,
formed portion of Wilson's command
in his raid in the rear of Richmond, dur
ing the 10 days of which, Gen. Wells
only twice unsaddled the horses of his
men.
He took part in all the engagements
in the Valley of Virginia, fighting under
the orders of Sheridan.
AS acting Colonel, he commanded a
Brigade at Cedar Creek, and his regi-
ment, in connection with the 9TH New
York Cavalry, captured As pieces of ar
tillery.
He was in command of the Second
Brigade, Third Cavalry Division, after
the battle of Winchester, September
10Th, 1864, until the close of the war, and
on the departure of Sheridan and Custer
for Texas, was ranking officer of the
cavalry corps. Some time prior to the
surrender of Gen. Lee, he was for
awhile in command of the First Separate
Brigade at Fairfax Court House, Va.
After long and glorious career in the
service, which did not terminate until
the rebellion was crushed, Gen. Wells
was mustered out of the service of the
United States in January, 1866.
He afterward became identified with
the Grand Army of the Republic in this
State, and was one of the charter men,
bers and the Commander of the Vermont
Commandery of the Military Order of
the Loyal Legion of the United States.
The Burlington Camp of Sons of Vet
Grams, (No. 19), was named in his honor,
and was the recipient of many kind re-
membranes from him.
Gen. Wells was a member of the So
ciety of the Sons of the American Revo-
luton, and it was while in attendance
upon its annual Congress in New York,
as delegate from Vermont, that he
passed away
He was also one of the trustees of the
Vermont Soldiers Home, and was
President of the Board from the date of
its creation by the legislature until two
years ago, when he resigned on account
of i'll health. 1t was under his direct
supervision that the home was complet-
ed and subsequently enlarged. and nc
little of its sucCess.is due to his untiring
efforts and labors in its behalf.
After the close of the war, Gen. Wells
first re-entered business in connection
with the firm of Henry g. Co., wholesale
druggists, at Waterbury. This concern
transferred its business to Burlington
in 1868, and finally, in 1872, by reason Of
change in the membership of the firm
assumed the title of Wells, Richardson
81 Co.
He withdrew from the firm in 1872, To
accept the Office of Collector of Customs
AAEHlsAN A T.