This township was part of Warren and was set off from the latter and made a separate township in 1823.  It derived its name from B. Wells, a large land owner in early times, and the proprietor of Steubenville.  Its surface is greatly diversified, there being rugged hills and pleasant valleys, elevated table-lands and undulating territory, suited to almost any taste, as will be seen by a topographical description of it.  For ages previous to the advent of the white man in this part of the country, the Indian nations under various appellations, had occupied this region.  When the first pioneers began to visit the valley of the Ohio and its tributaries, they found the country occupied this region.  When the first pioneers began to visit the valley of the Ohio and its tributaries, they found the country occupied by the representatives of the Six Nations, principally belonging to the Mengwe (corrupted by the whites into Mingo).  They were very hostile towards the whites, but the stream of immigration which continued to pour in from the older states into all parts of the western country, roused all the native jealousy of the Indians and they concentrated all their power to keep the white man from seizing their rich hunting-grounds and robbing them of the homes and graves of their fathers.  Every Indian swore his child persevering and daring were the attacks of the Indians upon the frontier settlements, that all the force which could be raised was not sufficient to repel their invasions.
     As early as the year 1790, the block house at the mouth of a small stream, called Block House run, about a mile and a half below La Grange, was frontier post for the hardy pioneer of the north western territory.
     There nature was in her undisturbed livery of dark and thick forests, interspersed with sparkling rivulets flowing into the Ohio; then the forests had not heard the sound of the woodman's axe nor the plow of the husbandman opened the bosom of the earth; there the beautiful wild flowers waived theier golden bloom to the God of nature.  It would be impossible to describe the beauty of these rich bottom lands.
     The soil itself, for richness, was not exceeded by any of the world.  The lofty sugar tree spreading its beautiful branches; the graceful elm waiving its tall head, the monarch of the forest; the black and white walnut; the giant oak; the tall hickory; the cherry and the hackberry; the spicewood, with its fragrance; the pawpaw, with its lucious fruit; the wild plum, the rich clusters of grapes, which, hanging from the mossy vines, festooned the forest; and, beneath all, the wild rye, green as a wheat field, mixed with the wild pea vines and buffalo clover, all formed a garden of nature most enchanting to behold.  The clear and beautiful rivulet creeping through the grass, and softly rippling over pebbly bottoms, the gentle Zephyrs freighted with nature's incense, pure and sweet, regaled the senses and filled the beholder with delight.
     It was in September, 1792, that Henry NAtions and Daniel Schammerhorn crossed the Ohio river to locate in the north western territory.  After landing on the west side they set out down the river, and about one and a half miles below what is now La Grange, camped on a small steam called Block House run.  Here they erected a small cabin with port holes to look out.  They made a small clearing also, but their chief support was by hunting, and unfortunately they were soon waylaid and killed by the Indians, near the block house in the spring of 1793.
     During that spring a family named Riley came and located near the same spot, but they too met the same fate of Nations and his companion.  While out making sugar just opposite the present residence of Smiley Johnston, the whole family with the exception of the oldest boy were killed.  The the boy made his way over to Wellsburg and gave the alarm.
     It was not until after the treaty of General Wayne in 1795, that any permanent settlement was effected.  Thomas Taylor came from Pennsylvania and located on section thirty.  Henry Oliver and Ebenezer Spriggs came also in 1778, and located near Taylor.  The Tarr family came quite early, and also the Johnsons, Armstrongs, Roberts, Carsons, Daughertys, Milhollands, Dawsons, Grahams and others may be mentioned among pioneers of Wells township, all coming in before 1810.  John Barrett came about 1800, and was the first justice of the peace in what is now Wells township.  He was appointed to the office before Ohio became a state, and married the first couple in this part of Jefferson county.  He remained in office for about thirty-eight years.

MILLS.

     The first ill in this township was a grist mill run by horse power kept by a man named Linton.  The water privilege being so good in this township it was soon utilized by the settlers and it was but a short time until there were several erected on McIntire run, where there is still three in operation.  The first one was erected by John Jackson in 1808, the remains of which can still be seen.  There have been a number of saw mills erected at different times in the township, and several of them are still operating.  They are all run by water power.

EARLY HOTELS.

     In early times the main thoroughfare for driving stock from the back counties to the eastern market was through Wells township, crossing the river at La Grange, and, as a consequence, taverns were a great institution, inasmuch as they were widely known and resorted to by travelers of all classes, especially drovers, who were almost invariably received in bland good humor by their complacent and self-satisfied host.  And it is rather sad to reflect that in these days of steam cars and long strides toward making everything go by machinery, and leave man but little work to do, other industries keep step, and the country tavern-keeper's trade is among the lost arts, except on the extreme frontiers, where the same scenes are enacted as were so familiar to the pioneers of this region.
     The first hotel was kept by either Matthew Thompson or Nathaniel Dawson, the latter keeping a whisky stand in connection with his tavern, as a tavern in those days without a bar would have but little patronage, although occasionally some philanthropic individual would enter the race in opposition to his anti-teetotaler brethren, and for a while try to breast the tide which flowed against him.  Mr. Thompson tried this, calling his house "Tempo," but eventually he had either to give up his tavern-keeping, or make an addition to his place in shape of a bar, the latter of which he did, after which everything sailed smoothly, except, perhaps, the landlord's conscience.

LA GRANGE, PHILLIPSBURG POSTOFFICE

     This place was laid out by Phillip doddridge, and named Phillipsburg, in honor of him, in 1819.  The land was purchased from James Ross, of Pittsburgh.  Doddridge guilt the first house for hotel purposes, in 1819, and in 1820, JAmes H. Moore purchased it and opened it first for the accommodation, of the public.  In 1822 Mr. Moore got the appointment as postmaster, and in the same year, Harden Wheeler and Joseph Rose, opened the first store, and several other enterprises soon followed.
     Henry Hicks was the first physician to locate in the new town.  From 1825 until 1836, Phillipsburg did not improve

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very rapidly, but in the latter year things took a new turn.  Means, Collier, and Wilson laid out a new addition to Phillipsburg, and called it La Grange, where a number of houses were erected, but the excitement did not last long and things soon resumed their old quiet ways and remained so.  The present enterprises of the town are, one hotel kept by W. H. Hassner, and one large store, kept by William Rodgers, one grocery kept by Mr. West, one shoe store kept by Mrs. Smith, and a coal shaft giving employment to a number of men, The C. and P. R. R., passes through the town, and a ferry connects it with Wellsburg.  There is a good school, but unfortunately no place
for religious worship.

COAL

     Wells township is underlaid with coal, and several openings are seen along the several streams emptying into the river, but are mined irregularly and only to supply the local need.  At La Grange, the La Grange Coal Company, of which Mr. John Lowe is manager, have sunk a shaft to the coal number six.  This coal is five feet three inches thick, divided into three benches by two slate partings of one inch thick.  The shaft at La Grange was sunk under the direction of Mr. Lowe, who was the pioneer in this mining enterprise, and one of the principal stockholders of the company.  In sinking the shaft three thin seams of coal were cut.  Of these, two are twenty feet above the shaft, separated by two feet of sandstone.  The Pittsburgh seam at La Grange is about five feet thick, with a parting of slate, sometimes two, near the middle.  The coal works in large cubical blocks, resembling that mined in Pittsburgh in appearance and character, though containing a little more sulphur.

SCHOOLS.

     This township has made great changes from the log houses and subscription schools of pioneer times, as will be seen by the following report of the actions of the trustees of the township:  On the 15th of September, 1826, the trustees of Wells township, John Barret, Thomas Taylor and Belford Griffith, met at the house of R. A. Sherrard, and then and there ordered the clerk of said township to divide said township into the following districts, which should afterwards be known by their number and name: District No. 1, known by the name of Point Finley; district No. 2, known by the name of Middle school; district No. 3, known by the name of Jefferson school; district No. 4, known by the name of Adams school; district No. 5, known by the name of Monroe school; district No. 6, known by the name of Center school; district No. 7, known by the name of Franklin school.  District No. 8 was formed by the trustees Mar. 3, 1845, through the petition of householders of district 4,,.  Joint sub-district No. 9, known by the name of Pleasant Hill, was formed of parts of Wells and Cross Creek townships, and was formed by the consent of the two boards in April, 1858.  Joint sub-district number 10 and 11, and known by the name of Blues Run, is composed of parts of Wells and Warren townships.  This district was formed by the probate court.  There was a petition before the board at different times from the citizens of both townships, praying for the formation of this district, they having first gained the consent of the Warren township board, but at last seeing all their efforts were of no avail, they petitioned the probate court and got their efforts crowned with success, Sept. 17, 1878.  This district was formed from districts 2 and 3 in Wells, and district 2 of Warren township.

CENTRE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

     The first Presbyterian meeting held in this part of Wells township was at the houses of the Armstrongs and Spragues as early as 1800.  In 1803 or 1804, they held their meetings in tents.  The date of when the first house was built and who was the first preacher could not be ascertained.  The deed for the land was made in 1826, from John Jackson to the trustees of the church.  A Scotchman by the name of Robinson was the first minister that we have any account of.  The first person buried in the graveyard was John Armstrong, July 16, 1810.  Rev. Huff is the present pastor.  This church is commonly known as "Tent Church," on account of their having worshipped in tents until they could erect a building.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

     The first election in Wells township was held at the house of widow McAdams, Apr. 1, 1823, and the following persons were duly elected to fill the respective offices for that year:

    
     Second election

First election, Apr. 7, 1823 -	Trustees: David Humphrey, Archibald Armstrong, Richard Spurrier.  Clerk: R. A. Sherrard.  Treasurer: John McAdams.
Second election, Apr. 5, 1824. -	Trustees:  John Barrett, Esq., Archibald Armstrong, Richard Spurrier.  Clerk: R. A. Sherrard.  Treasurer: John McAdams
Third election, Apr. 4, 1825. -	Trustees: John Barrett, Esq., David Riddle, Richard Spurrier.  Clerk: R. A. Sherrard.  Treasurer: John McAdams.
Fourth election, Apr. 3, 1826. -	Trustees: John Barrett, Thos. Taylor, Belford Griffith.  Clerk: R. A. Sherrard.  Treasurer: John Sherrard.
Fifth election, Apr. 2, 1827. -	Trustees: John Barrett, Thos. Taylor, Belford Griffith.  Clerk: R. A. Sherrard.  Treasurer: James Moore.
Sixth election, Apr. 7, 1828. -	Trustees: John Barrett, Thos. Taylor, Belford Griffith.  Clerk: R. A. Sherrard.  Treasurer: James Moore.
Seventh election, Apr. 6, 1829. -	Trustees: John Barrett, Thomas Taylor, Belford Griffith,  Clerk: R. A. Sherrard.  Treasurer: James Moore
Eighth election, Apr. 5, 1830. -	Trustees: Nathaniel Dawson, Richard Spurrier, John Puntney.  Clerk: James Davis.  Treasurer: James Moore.
Ninth election, Apr. 4, 1831. -	Trustees: Nathaniel Dawson, Richard Spurrier, John Puntney.  Clerk: Jas. Davis.  Treasurer: James Moore.
Apr. 7, 1832. -	Trustees: Nathaniel Dawson, John Puntney, James Jackson.  Clerk: James Davis.  Treasurer: James Moore.
Apr. 1, 1833. -	Trustees: Nathaniel Dawson, John Puntney, James Jackson.  Clerk: James Davis.  Treasurer: Jas. Moore
Apr. 15, 1834. -	Trustees: James Jackson, John Burns, Gideon Goswell,  Clerk: James Davis  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
Apr. 6, 1835. -	Trustees: James Jackson, John Burns, Gideon Goswell.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
Apr. 4, 1836. -	Trustees: John Burns, Gideon Goswell, Smiley Johnson.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: James Jackson
1837 -	Trustees: Henry Swearingen, Gideon Goswell, John Carey. Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: James Jackson
1838 -	Trustees: Gideon Goswell, John Carey, David Riddle.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor. Treasurer: Benjamin Linton.
1839 -	Trustees: Gideon Goswell, James Davis, Edmund Buey.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Benjamin Linton
1840 -	Trustees: Gideon Goswell, Edward Bucy, David Carson.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Benjamin  Linton
1841 -	Trustees:  G. Goswell, D. Carson, John Rickey,  Clerk: Hiram Taylro.  Treasurer: Richard Starr.
1842 -	Trustees:  G. Goswell, D. Carson, John Rickey.  Clerk: Joseph Gladden.  Treasurer: Richard Starr.
1843 -	Trustees:  Nathaniel Dawson, James Holmes, David Carson.  Clerk: George S. Welsh.  Treasurer:  Francis Brainard.
1844 -	Trustees:  D. Tarr, D. Carson, John McCulley.  Clerk:  Francis Brainard.  Treasurer:  Hiram Taylor
1845 -	Trustees:  D. Carson, J. McCulley, Daniel Tarr.  Clerk:  Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
1846 -	Trustees:  J. McCulley, Daniel Tarr, John Goswell.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
1847 -	Trustees: John Goswell, Amos Parsons, Ira Dalrymple.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
1848 -	Trustees:  Richard Talbot, James Hyndman, Jacob Zoll.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer:  Israel Cox.
1849 -	Trustees:  J. Hyndman, John Riddle, John Carey.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
1850 -	Trustees: J. Hyndman, John Riddle, Benjamin Linton.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor, Treasurer: Israel Cox.
1851 -	Trustees:  J. Hyndman, William Riddle, John Carey.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
1852 -	Trustees: John Carson, William Riddle, William Ekey.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: Israel Cox.
1853 -	Trustees:  John Carey, William Ekey, William Riddle.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor  Treasurer:Israel Cox.
1854 -	Trustees: John V. Tarr, Simeon Davis, Levi Roe.  Clerk: Hiram Taylor.  Treasurer: James Everson
1855 -	Trustees: Wilson Winters, J. Dalrymple, Isaac Green.  Clerk: John Litton.  Treasurer: Isaiah Green.
1856 -	Trustees: J. McCulley, J. V. Tarr, C. D. Kaminsky. Clerk: G. W. Carey.  Treasurer: James Everson
1857 -	Trustees: John V. Tarr, John V. McCully, George W. Gracey.  Clerk: George W. Carey.  Treasurer: James Emerson.
1858 -	Trustees: James Hyndman, John V. McCully, Moore Thompson  Clerk: G. W. Carey.  Treasurer: James Everson
1859 -	Trustees: John V. McCulley, J. Hyndman, Moore Thompson.  Clerk: G. W. Carey.  Treasurer: James Everson.
1860 -	Trustees: J. V. McCully, Andrew Tarr, David Thompson.  Clerk: G. W. Carey.  Treasurer: James Everson.
1861 -	Trustees: J. V. McCully, Andrew Tarr, Moore Thompson.  Clerk: G. W. Raston.  Treasurer: James Everson
1862 -	Trustees: John Ekey, Andrew Tarr, Moore Thompson.  Clerk:  N. B. Cox.  Treasurer: James Everson.
1863 -	Trustees: David Carson, John Ekey, Phillip Trainer,   Clerk: N. B. Cox.  Treasurer: James Everson
1864 -	Trustees: John Ekey, William Ewing, David Armstrong.  Clerk: N. B. Cox.  Treasurer: James Everson
1865 -	Trustees: John Ekey, James Dean, John W. Bell.  Clerk: N. B. Cox.  Treasurer: James Everson
1866 -	Trustees: John Ekey, James Dean, John C. Hunter.  Clerk:  John C. Pierce.  Treasurer: James Everson.
1867 -	Trustees: John Ekey, William Oliver, John Dougherty.  Clerk: John C. Pierce.  Treasurer:  James Everson.
1868 -	Trustees: John Ekey, Andrew Tarr, Richard Boyle.  Clerk: Charles Kyle.  Treasurer: James Everson.
1869 -	Trustees: John Ekey, Richard Boyle, Andrew Tarr.  Clerk: Levi Roe.  Treasurer: James Everson
1870 -	Trustees: John Hunter, John Ekey, Hezekiah Golden.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer: James Everson
1871 -	Trustees: John Ekey, John C. Hunter, John V. McCully.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer:  James Everson
1872 -	Trustees: John Ekey, John C. Hunter, John V. McCully.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer:  James Everson.
1873 -	Trustees: John Eckey, John C. Hunter, J. W. Thompson.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer: James Everson
1874 -	Trustees: John C. Hunter, John Ekey, J. N. Thompson.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer: N. B. Buckingham.
1875 -	Trustees: John C. Hunter, David Armstrong, Wesley Noble.  Clerk: David C. Peck.  Treasurer: N. B. Buckingham.
1876 -	Trustees: John Ekey, J. V. McCully, W. Dalrymple,  Clerk, J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer: N. B. Buckingham
1877 -	Trustees: John Ekey, John V. McCully, James Dean.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer: John C. Pierce
1878 -	Trustees: John Ekey, John V. McCully, Elmer Everson.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer: John C. Pierce.
1879 -	Trustees: John Ekey, John V. McCully, Elmer Everson.  Clerk: J. A. Hobson.  Treasurer: John C. Pierce.

     This is the only township in the county in which perfect records have been kept.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

     JOHN V. TARR. - John V. Tarr was born on the Tarr homestead, in what was then Warren township, Jefferson county, in 1819.  He was a son of Daniel Tarr, a soldier of the war of 1812, and who, upon the outbreak of the trouble with England, was one of the first to take up arms in defense of his country.  He was sent to Norfolk, Va., where he remained during the entire war.  John, the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer and received his education in the common schools of the county.  When he reached manhood he took an active port in the public affairs, and, in 1855, was elected justice of the peace in his township, which office he has held ever since, and has also served several times as trustee of Wells township.

     WILLIAM A. TARR, brother of John V., was also born on the Tarr homestead, where he still resides.  He received a limited education, but by close application to study has gained a fine
knowledge of geology, he having made that a special study for several years, giving much of his time to the research and examination of minerals.  Mr. Tarr is probably one of the best posted men in his township on the geology of the township and surrounding country.

     SMILEY H. JOHNSTON, of Walnut Hill farm, situated near La Grange, on the P. & C. railroad, is among our pioneer and most successful agriculturists.  His genealogy may be traced in direct line from Oliver Cromwell, whose oldest daughter, Bridget, became the wife of General Fleetwood, and from their issue sprang the line of Johnsonsof whom our subject is a member.  Smiley's grandfather was Robert Johnston; his grandmother, nee Jane Graham - and of their family our subject's father, James Johnston, was the oldest son.  His grandfather came to this country at a very early date, and, together with his family, settled in Beaver county, Pa., about 1790.  Our subject's father, however, was born on the Susquehanna river, in 1766, and subquently married one Sarah Burns, in Chartier, Washington county, Pa.  They had a family—four sons and five daughters, as follows: Smiley H., born Nov. 4, 1799; George B., a prosperous farmer near Wellsville; Robert, who was a Presbyterian minister at Peoria, Illinois, and died several years ago; and Enoch Merwin, also a Presbyterian minister, who settled and died in Carlisle, Pa.  Elizabeth was married to John Alexander, of Belmont county, a brother to the wife of the subject of our sketch, and still lives, at the age of 83 years.  Jane became Mrs. Matthew Nelson, and subsequently died at Carrolton, Ohio.  Margaret was married to Robert Hughes, a son of the Rev. Thomas Hughes, Presbyterian minister, of Beaver county, Pa.  Pollie became Mrs. James Black—the latter becoming a Methodist preacher, but is now dead—his widow still surviving him in Indiana.  Eliza was married to Mr. William McGee, a prominent merchant of Point Pleasant, Belmont county; they are both now deceased.  Our subject, Smiley H., early took only a plain education, and then learned the business of a joiner and cabinet maker, at Beaver, where he continued to work at his trade till 1827.  On the 17th of January, 1828, he saw proper to take unto himself a wife, in the person of Levenia, youngest daughter of' the late Judge James Alexander, a worthy native of Bonnie Scotland, who came to this country while young. After two years, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston purchased and located at Walnut Hill farm, comprising 160 acres, then held by Ezekiah Griffith, though the land really consisted of a portion of the old Bazaleel Wells property. Griffith at one time kept a tavern here, but Mr. Johnston purchasing him out, it was discontinued.  Some eight or ten years after, our subject next bought the Barret farm adjoining, and consisting of 80 acres.  Alter this he secured the Ezekiah Davis place, also adjoining, and containing 115 acres.  Next the Dean farm of 300 acres, the horse-mill farm of 55 acres, the Rickey farm of 100 acres, and subsequently several small patches of land, until to-day he is the owner of over 1,000 acres.  Mr. Johnston has chiefly
devoted himself to stock raising and grain growing, and has frequently had from 1,000 to 1,200 head of sheep at a time.  But being now advanced in years, he has barely so many sheep.  He employs two good farmers on certain portions of his valuable estate, and also has four tenant farmers.  Some years ago he built his present extensive and very attractive mansion, (see illustration elswhere) which has few equals in any respect as a farm residence in the county or even state.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have been favored with a family of three daughters, but no sons.  Samantha, born Dec/ 22, 1829, became Mrs. Robert Ramsey, July 1849, but died Sept. 30, 1855.  Amanda, born 1834, died in 1847, at the tender age of thirteen years; Laura, born in 1841, became the estimable wife of senator W. H. Tarr, a popular resident of Wellsburg, where they still reside in the happy associations of a highly interesting and  accomplished family.  Much interesting Indian history is associated with the property owned by Mr. Smily Johnston, and his extensive lands are frequently referred to in the pages of this work.  A noted instance being the scene of the “massacre of the Riley family”—the graves of which poor victims are still preserved green.  Mr. Johnston, and particularly his excellent lady, afford quite a fund of ancient anecdotes, and are not only most kindhearted, hospitable and entertaining, but well informed alike in ancient and modern history of Jefferson county and its residents.

     JOSEPH A. HOOK. - This gentleman was born in Cross Creek township in 1820.  He was a son of Jonathan Hook, one of the pioneers of that township, who was born in the state of Maryland in 1787, and came to Ohio in 1814; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the battle of Bladensburg; he was a sturdy kind of man, and died in 1871, on the old Hook homestead in Cross Creek.  Joseph  was reared a farmer and received his education at the common schools.  In 1852 he married Eliza J. McConnell; they have four children, two sons and two daughters.

     JAMES DEAN. - Mr. Dean was born Feb. 6, 1831.  He is a son of Samuel Dean, who came to Jefferson county prior to 1812, and wa sof Irish origin, like most of the settlers in this  county.  Mr. Dean was brought up a farmer and received a common school educaiton.  On arriving at the age of manhood he married Miss Ralston; they have o children.  Mr. Dean is an active member of church to which he belongs, and is a highly esteemed citizen.

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     J. H. EVERSON was born in Wells township in 1850, and is a son of James Everson, one of Well's best citizens.  He was reared a farmer and educated in the schools of his native county.  During his boyhood he expressed a strong desire to study law, and has he was a natural orator, his father concluded to gratify his wishes.  IN 1876 he entered the law office of John McClure, a prominent attorney of Steubenville, and by close application and hard study, was admitted to the bar in 1878, and now takes his stand among the most promising young attorneys of Jefferson county.

     LEVI ROE. - Levi Roe was born in Wells township in 1819.  His father, William Roe, was one of the pioneers of this township,
coming to the county very early.  He met his death by an accident, being on board of the steamer Virginia when she exploded at Rush run in 1838.  Levi was reared a farmer and attended the common schools of the county.  He is a prominent citizen and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of the oldest members living, connected with the Olive M. E. Church.

     NATHANIEL DAWSON was born in Wells township in 1839, and was a son of Nathaniel Dawson, an early settler in Wells township.  Mr. Dawson, Sr., was a representative man in Wells township, as we find his name frequently among the early records of the township officials.  Nathaniel was reared a farmer and received a limited education.  He now occupies the old homestead, and is a prominent citizen and a thorough and successful farmer.

     JOHN V. McCULLEY. - The subject of this sketch was born in Washington county, Pa., in 1821, and came to Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1840, and located on the farm now owned by Mrs. Graham.  He remained there four years, when be moved to his present home.  He is one of the leading farmers in the township and is a breeder of fine Spanish merino sheep and fine hogs and cattle.  Mr. McCulley has probably the best improvements of any farmer in the township, and persons wanting fine stock will do well to give him a call.  Mr. McCulley is one of the present trustees of Wells township.

     WILLIAM OLIVER, ESQ., was born in Jefferson county in 1832, and was a son of Charles Oliver, being the youngest of six children.  He was reared a farmer and received a common school education, and being of a roving disposition, upon reaching manhood, went West to seek his fortune in the gold fields of Colorado, but left there before the country was fully developed and returned to his native state, when he located on the Oliver homestead.  In 1866, he married Miss Mary Jones, daughter of John Jones, of West Union, Fayette county, Pa.  They have three children—one son and two daughters. In 1877, Mr. Oliver was elected a justice of the peace, which office he still holds.

     W. W. LOUISS, JR. - The subject of this sketch was born in Wells township, Dec. 15, 1855.  His father was a pioneer of the township and a man of intelligence and enterprise.  William, Jr., was reared a farmer and received a good education.  Upon reaching manhood he started out to make his living at his chosen profession, that of a farmer.  He built a fine residence on Scull Bone Ridge, near his father.  He is now married and prepared to enjoy the comforts of a good home.

     ROBERT SHEARER. - Mr. Shearer was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 29, 1808. and came to Jefferson county with his father, when a boy.  His mother was a sister of Rev. George Brown, a  pioneer Methodist minister, and the family were well known in Jefferson county.  Robert learned the blacksmith trade with a Mr. Doyle, in Steubenville.  In 1829, he married Miss Jane Sheppard, who was born Dec. 2, 1809.  They have had six children, of whom but two are living at present.  Mr. Shearer still carries on the blacksmith trade in New Alexandria, where he has been for a number of years.  His father, Robert Shearer, was born in 1773, and died in 1850.

     JOSEPH HOYLE, son of John Hoyle, was born in Jefferson county, in 1827.  He was reared a farmer and received a liberal education.  His parents were Quakers and he has inherited their belief.  He married Phebe Watson, of Jefferson county, and has been blessed with a large family of children.  Mr. Hoyle is a farmer and fine stock raiser, and imported the first thoroughbred short-horn cattle ever brought into the township, and has a fine lot of them on his farm.  His postoffice address is Smithfield.

     JAMES A. HOBSON, - Mr Hobson was born in Jefferson county.  He was raised a farmer and educated at the common schools; he is a very active business man and has been elected to the position of township clerk twice, and judging from his records should hold the position for many years to come.  Mr. Hobson, is a farmer.  His posoffice address is New Alexandria.

     MARK WILLET, was a son of E. Willet, and was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, but the exact date of his coming to Jefferson county, we failed to learn.  He located the farm now owned by his heirs, and built the first cabin and made the first clearing in this section.  Mr. Willett was raised in the Quaker faith and brought up his family to believe as he did.  He was a good citizen and neighbor, living a christian life, and finally when his mission on earth was filled, he passed to his home above, leaving a family and many friends to mourn his loss.

     JOHN SIXSMITH was born in Pennsylvania in 1822, and came to Jefferson county with his parents when ten years of age.  He was reared a farmer and received a fine education.  He has a fine farm in Wells township, on the line of Smithfield, and is an enterprising citizen and a good neighbor.

     ANDERSON WOOD. - Mr. Wood was born in Smithfield township, in this county, Aug. 21, 1825.  His father was a native of Maryland, but came to this part of the country many years ago.  Anderson was raised a farmer, and received a good common school education.  In 1864 he married Miss P. Hall, daughter of Richard Hall.  They have no children of their own, but have four adopted ones.  Mr. Wood is a farmer and stock raiser.  Postoffice address is Smithfield.

     JOHN PUNTNEY was born in Brooke county, W. Va.  He came to Jefferson county in 1832, and purchased one hundred and thirty-two acres of land in what is known as the Kirkwood section.  This property is now owned by his son, J. L. Puntney, and is one of the finest improved farms in Wells township, and shows that it has been managed by experienced farmers.

END OF WELLS TOWNSHIP