RENSSELAER WELLS was born in Lorain county, Ohio, February 22, 1823. He was the son of Charles and Elizabeth (Durand) Wells. The latter was a native of Connecticut, came to Illinois when subject was eleven years old, and settled in Littleton township, this county, and died at Rushville, aged sixty-five years. His wife was born in the same county as her son, and she died on the old farm, aged thirty-five.

Subject remained at home until his marriage, when he bought his present farm and put up a log cabin, where they lived for several years, until he built the frame house in which they lived until 1871. He then built their present fine residence, which cost $3,500. He has now about 500 acres of land, where he carries on mixed farming, and he has made this farm one of the finest in the county.

He was married in 1844, to Rebecca Rose, born in Morgan County, Illinois, daughter of Randolph and Rebecca (Bazier) Rose, the latter of Kentucky. Mrs. Rose died in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rose were among the earliest settlers, and Mrs. Wells was one of eight children, five yet living. Mr. Wells is one of seven children, two yet living.

Mr. and Mrs. Wells have had seven children: George, married and has three children, Randolph, married and has two children; William, at home; David, married and has two children; Charles, married and has one child; Mary A., single and at home. They have all been well educated. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Wells is a Democrat, voting first in 1844. He takes no active part in politics.

He traces his grandfather Durand back to his residence in France, of which country he was a native, first settling in Ohio, where he died when a very old man.

Mr. and Mrs. Wells are very good people, and are highly respected by all who have the pleasure of knowing them.