Listed with his father up thru age 21 in 1860, and was then married to Lydia C. Logsdon on 11 Oct 1860 in Knox Co. His brother George also married her sister Ann Logsdon.
He was the first of his family to migrate to Iowa in 1868, where he is listed for the 1870 Johnson Co census, as a farmer (32, OH), with no land. Listed with him are his wife Lydia (26), and children James (8), Nancy (7) and Charlotte (1). His aunt Charlotte’s family had moved there in 1856.
James A. Wells and wife Lydia sold their eighth interest in 100 acres of Middlebury Twp to Henry Wagner and Julia Healey in March 1880. The deed lists them as being residents of Johnson Co, IA. This land is her 1/8 share of her father’s estate.
1880 census lists James (42, OH) as a farmer with his wife, Lydia and children James (18), Nancy (17), Charlotte (11), Ernest (5), and Ledger J (1). By 1885 they had moved to Wapsinonoc in Muscatine Co, where he is listed with his wife, 3 sons and 2 daughters.
In 1900 James is listed as a farmer (Apr 1838, OH), owning his mortgaged farm. They had been married 40 years, with Ernest and L. James living with them, and 5 of their 6 children still living.
Both of his obituaries erroneously list his birth in Pennsylvania, in spite of all census records showing it in Ohio. Probably because none of the children really knew, and his wife had already passed.
[Obituary] The West Liberty Index - West Liberty, Iowa, Aug 29, 1907; pg 1
J. A. Wells Dies Suddenly
J. A. Wells, who resides a mile northwest of town, dropped dead yesterday morning about 10 o’clock. He was in his usual health, engaged with his usual duties. At the time his summons came he was sitting on a log at the woodpile, making a handle for his maul. His daughter, Mrs. Lottie Hanna, who lives with him talked to him as he worked. She went to the house and upon looking out a few minutes later found that he had fallen prostrate. She hastened to her father, only to find that his spirit had flown.
Mr. Wells was born in Pennsylvania (sic) in 1838. He lived for 37 years on a farm on South Prairie and two years ago he sold it and bought the little farm near town where he died. His wife died four years ago. Five children survive: J. A. Wells of Downey; E. E. and L. J. Wells at home; Mrs. Lottie Hanna and Mrs. Berley Davis of Spencer. Mr. Wells was a quiet, unassuming man, a good neighbor and citizen. The Funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon.
[Obituary] The West Liberty Index - West Liberty, Iowa, 5 September 1907; pg 5
James A. Wells
James Alexander Wells was born in Westmoreland county, Pa.(sic), April 8, 1838, and died at his home in West Liberty Aug. 28, 1907. At the time of his demise he was 69 years, 4 months and 20 days of age. In his boyhood, when about 8 years of age, he removed to the state of Ohio, where he continued to reside until the year of 1868, when he came to Iowa, settled a little south west of West Liberty and where he made his home until some two years ago, when he left the farm and removed to West Liberty.
He was united in marriage with Lydia C. Logsdon of Knox county, Ohio, on Oct 11, 1860, and of this union were born six children, four sons and two daughters. James E. of Downey; Mrs Berylie Davis of Spencer; Ledger J., Earnest E., and Mrs. Lottie Hanna of West Liberty. Charles E. died in the first year of his age. Besides the sons and daughter just mentioned there are also left two brothers and two sisters and four grandchildren to morn their loss.
Two years ago Mr. Wells was called upon to part with his wife, who died, and since that time his life has not been the same. There was a feeling of loneliness which could not be taken away. Forty-five years of married life which was exceptionally affectionate and happy left a vacant place in mind and heart, after the separation, which could not be filled. Our friend and neighbor needs no words of eulogy. His kindly deeds and upright living speak more eloquent praise than words could ever utter. The funeral service was held at the home on Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Geo. Furniss. Interment at Oakridge.