L. MARION WELLS. - Farming and stock raising are an important source of income to the citizens of Sangamon county and in this broad land there are no richer fields or finer farms than are here found. Mr. Wells is actively connected with farming interests and has about two hundred acres of land on section 27, Salisbury township, a part of the old Wells estate. He was born in this county, February 23, 1854, his father being J. H. Wells, whose birth occurred in 1834. The grandfather, James Wells, came to Illinois when his son J. H. was a child and the latter was reared to manhood and married in Sangamon county. In 1852 he wedded Margaret Jane Sacket a native of Salisbury township, Sangamon county and a daughter of Thomas Sacket, who was born and reared on Ohio. He was also married there but lost his first wife in this county and subsequently wedded Elizabeth Boyer, who became the mother of Mrs. Wells. For some years after his marriage Mr. Sacket carried on farming in Sangamon county, but later removed to Missouri, spending his last years with his sons in Macon county, that state.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wells took up their abode on a farm in Salisbury township and later he purchased the farm upon which his widow and son now reside. He at first had eighty acres of timber land, from which he cleared away the forest trees, preparing the land for cultivation. In course of time this was made very productive and became a valuable farm. Additional purchases extended the boundaries of the farm, other farms were also purchased until Mr. wells was the owner of thirteen hundred acres of valuable land. He made a business of raising and feeding stock and was one of the thrifty and energetic agriculturists and stock raisers of this county. He was also well known because of his musical talent and ability, being a fine performer on the violin. His life was one of untiring industry and he would frequently work all day at clearing the land or cultivating his fields and then attend a party where he would play the violin through much of the night. The proceeds of his music enabled him to pay for the greater part of his original purchase of land. In public affairs he was prominent and influential and he was elected and served as supervisor of his township for several terms. He had a wide acquaintance in Springfield and throughout the county and as a man of sterling worth he was held in the highest esteem. He died here July 14, 1902, and was laid to rest in Salisbury cemetery.

L. Marion Wells is one of a family of two sons and three daughters, his brother being Richard, who is married and resides on the old homestead with his brother. The sisters are Harriet, the wife of A. B. Hohimer, a farmer of Chatham; Mary, the wife of George Curren of Salisbury; and Lelia, the wife of Marshall Grider, of Cartwright Township.

The usual experiences of a farmer boy's life were those of L. Marion Wells in his youth. He worked in the fields as age and strength permitted and in the home school was educated. He continued to carry on the home farm until he had attained his majority, after which he was married and established a home of his own in Gardner township, Sangamon County. In November, 1876, he wedded Miss Rosa Curren, who was reared and educated in Gardner township. After his marriage in 1881 he located where he now resides and has since been successfully engaged in farming and in the further improvement of his place. He now has a well developed property with good buildings, highly cultivated fields and good grades of stock.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wells have been born the following children: John H., Letha, Ada, Elmer, Floy and Charles, twins, Lelia and Leonard. Politically Mr. Wells is an earnest Democrat and cast his first presidential ballot for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. He has been a resident of this county throughout his entire life and has witnessed great changes. He has seen timber and brush cleared away, while cities and towns have been built, and land has been developed into rich farms, churches and schools have been built and the work of progress and improvement has been carried forward until Sangamon county ranks with any county in this great Union in the advantages which it affords to its citizens.