Years after David’s death, Malinda gave birth to Fred Herschel “Wells” on 23 Aug 1896 according to the family history and 1900 census. However, his WWI Draft registration, obit and SSDI say the year was 1895.
Living in Mt Erie in 1940 where he is listed as a trucker (43, IL) with his wife Ella (42, IL) along with 4 sons and 3 daughters.
[Obituary]
Final Rites For Fred H. Wells
Funeral services for Fred Herschel Wells, 83, well-known Mt. Erie man, were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne. Rev. Stephen Palmer officiated. Burial was in the Scott Cemetery near Mt. Erie. Mr. Wells, a retired Mt. Erie livestock dealer and farmer, died at IO:30 a.m. Monday at his home.
Fatal Stroke
He had been in poor health for the last three years, suffering from emphysema. However, he suffered a fatal stroke Monday morning, his family told the Press.
Mr. Wells was born at Mt. Erie Aug. 23, 1895, the son of David and Malinda (McCleary) Wells. He was married to Ella VanFossan June 13, 1917, at Mt. Erie. They spent most of their married life in the Mt. Erie area.
Mr. Wells owned farmland 1 ½ miles northeast of Mt. Erie and some west of Mt. Erie. He farmed the ground. But he was well-known for buying and selling livestock. He retired about 10 years ago. He was of the Methodist faith.
The Survivors
Surviving are his widow; four daughters, Mrs. Norman (Anna) Massie, of Fairfield; Mrs. Willard (Bernice) Wood, of Carbondale; Mrs. Osie (Dorothy) Billington, of Olney; and Mrs. Mary Frye, of Cisne; three sons, Fred Harold, of Mattoon; Charles, of Cisne; and Elmo, of Pawnee; one sister, Mrs. Mamie Butler, of Merriam, Kan.; 23 grand-children; and 26-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Glen Everett and Gerald Lee; three brothers, John, Charles and Williams; one sister, Elizabeth; and his parents.