Was delivered by Dr. S. B. Potter according to a sworn statement in his father's pension papers which lists his birth as July 6th. His death certificate says it was July 5th, and his obit say July 7th. Upon his father's death in 1863, while serving in the Union Army, his grandfather Jacob Wells became his guardian. He is shown living with his grandfather, Jacob in the 1870 census.
He is listed in the 1878 Iowa City directory as a blacksmith, living near Luke Porch - his uncle. He appears to be listed the in 1880 census as Jac. Wells (23 b. OH) who is listed near Luke Porch, living in a hotel on Dubuque St run by Benjamin Gould and working as a fireman at the Distillery.
1900 census lists him married 20 years, living with his wife Mary (37) and daughters Eva (19, housekeeper) and Lottie (12, student). He is listed as a farm laborer renting his home, age 42, next door to famly of his cousin (James) Edward Wells, son of James.
In the 1910 census Jacob (52) and his wife Mary (47) are listed in their home at 729 S. Clark St with their 3 children; Eva (26), Lottie (21) and Wilbur (8). Jacob is listed as a laborer.
Listed at 729 Clark St in Iowa City in 1920, owning his mortgaged home, age 64, and working as a Cast Maker at a foundry. With him are his wife Mary (57), along with daughter Eva (25) and son Wilbur (18).
He is listed in the Iowa City Directories at 729 Clark thru 1930, then at 831 Clark thru 1936, which is his last appearance.
Was living at 831 So Clark when he died. His death certificate list him as a retired Moulder from Iowa City Iron Works, and says that he probably died of an embolism, and also had a growth in abdomen which produced partial obstruction.
[Obituary] Iowa City Press-Citizen - Monday, 7 Dec 1936; pg 2
Jacob Wells Passes Away, Funeral Services Are Held Today For Resident
Funeral services for Mr. Jacob M. Wells, 79, 831 South Clark Street, were held this afternoon at Beckman's, with Dr. Edwin E. Volgt, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, in charge. Burial was in Oakland cemetery. A resident of Iowa City for 66 years, Mr. Wells was a retired moulder, having been employed at the Iowa City Iron Works for more than 40 years. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, on July 7, 1857, and came here when he was 13 years old. His wife preceded him in death in January, 1930, and he is survived by a daughter, Eva Wells Burns, and a son, Wilbur, both of Iowa City, and four grandchildren.