Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-05-05

At Salem Church after Col. Preston's
loath, Major Wells advanced his line and
the colonel's body. During Wilson'S
hard and trying raid Col. Wells handled his
regiment with his customary spirit and
efficiency. In the cavalry fight at Toms
Brook, in Sheridans Shenandoah campaign,
Col. Wells commanded brigade Of Custer's
division, as he did also at Cedar Creek, |
where his brigade held firmly the right Of
Sheridan's army, during the rout of the
morning, and closed the day at night, by |
the capture of forty-hve of tho forty eight
pieces OF artillery taken from Early's
fleeing army. After the departure of
Sheridan aud Custer to Texas in the spring
OF 1865, Gen. Wells was the ranking officer,
and the last commander of the cavalry corps
of the Army Of the Potomac lie was in
command, at Fairfax court house, after the
surrender of Lee; and was formally mus
tered out OF tho service on the 10TH Of
January, 1866. Sheridan, Custer, and all
bis commanders entertained the highest
regard for Gen. Wells as a soldier, and as
man; and very few cavalry generals had
record as thoroughly creditable.
After his return home he became partner
in the firm of Henry s. Co., wholesale drug
gists of Waterbury. In 1858 the firm
transferred their business to this o,ty; the
firm of Wells, Richardson &c Co. was or
ganized, and Gen. Wells soon after became
a resident of this city, which was thence
forth his home. In 1872, he succeeded
Con. Stannard as collector OF customs for
the district of Vermont, and held this re-
sponsble office for thirteen years. retiring
in September 1885 after a most successful
and credtable administration OF the office,
with the respect and esteem of all who had
been under him and associated with him in
the public service. Soon after he again be-
came a member of the house Of Wells Rich
ardson & Co., and remained such, though
not very actively engaged in its business
until his death.
In civil life, though he cared little or not
at all for political preferment, Gen. Wells
had also an honorable record. lie repre-
sented the town of Waterbury in the Legis-
latures of 1865 and 1866, being chairman
OF the military committee and an influential
legislator. In 1865 he succeeded Gen.
z, 7. Washburu, as adiutant general,
and held the Office by successive elections
until 1872, when he became collector. In
lSSG, he was elected State senator from
Chittenden county and was one Of the most
influential members of the Senate Of that
year, which reelected United States Senator
Edmunds and effected important changes in
our body of State laws. He was active in
various soldiers societies. lie WAS the fourth
president of the Reunion Society Of Yer
mont officers and always one of its best
mem bers lie was the first president of the
Reunion Society OF the First Vermont
cavalry. lie was one Of the trustees and
the president for several years of the Yer
mont Soldiers Home. lie was a member
of the Gettysburg monument commission
of $500. He was the frat commander OF
| the Vermont commandery of the Loyal
Legion, and would have been re. elected if
he had lived to the coming annual meeting
Of the commandery. Ho was q member of
Stannard post G. A. Il. and would have
been made department. commander several
years ago, if lie had been willing to accept
an election as such.
General Wells was identified with many
important business enterprises in this city.
He was president of the Burlington Trust
company, president Of the Burlington Gas
light company; president Of the burlington
Board OF Trade; director in the Burliug ton
Cotton Mills company; director in the Rut-
land Railroad company; director IN the
ChamplGin transportation company. lie
was u smber and a yestryman OF st. Paul's
church. He was one OF the trustees of the
permanent fund OF tho Young Mems Christ
ian Association Of Burlington AMI one oil
! its most liberal supporters. 1t will be seer
that few men, il any, touched the life oil
this community in SO many important ca
pacities and in every relation his influence
was thrown on the side of law, order, relig
ion, education, temperance enterprise ant
sound businoss methods. Personally he wa
one of the most genial, courteous and kindly
of gentlemen, a true man and good citizen
His death has thrown gloom over our city
and the common loss is felt In almost every
heart and finds expression from almost every
tongue.
In January, 1866, Gen. Wells was uniteC
in marriage with Arahanna, daughter o
Edwin Richardson, esq., OF Fitchburg
Mass. Two children, a son and daughte
were the issue of this marriage.
In October, $780, Gen. Wells was pros
trated by q sudden and alarming attacl
of angina poctoris due to thicbening o
the walls Of the main artery leading from
the heart which had been in gradual pro
gress for several years, he would probabl
have died under this attack il DR.. bingham
who was professionally attending Mr.. Wells
had not happened to be in the house a
tho time Gen. Wells slowly rallie
from it became in timo measurably re
stored to health, and though obliged to avoi
, excitement or over oxcrtion, he attended t
his business, and moved about among GU
! psople, apparently about rs we'll as ever
| He spent most Of the past winter in Ne
> York with Mrs. Wells. The latter's healt
G had become very much improved, and the
were planning 10 return homo for tho sun
: mer, next week. General Wells was in Bui
. lington abog. a week ago, and all who sa,
him remarked how bright, we'll and cheer
0 full be seemed.