A Pictorial History
 
 

A New Publication from the Wells County Historical Society

    The Wells County Historical Society has collected pictures and compiled stories of our towns and townships.  This

volume contains pictures and stories the majority of which have not previously been published.

    Many contributors have generously shared their recollections and treasured photographs to make this a truly important addition to the historical and genealogy literature of Wells County, Indiana.

    This new publication, from the Society, is a handsomely bound 8.5" x 11" 176 page book complete with an appendix and index.  Bluffton, Ossian, and each of the nine townships and villages are covered.  More than 90 contributors have provided pictures and stories illustrating the beginning and growth of the towns and townships, from the arrival of the first settlers, Dr. Joseph Knox and his family, in 1829 to the depression days of the 1930s and beyond.   The book captures the story of Wells County's small towns; how they developed; how they survived good times and bad; how they filled a need in providing goods, trade and services; how they provided a meeting place for the surrounding area; and the era when they were a center for news and gossip.

    Recalled are the early schools, their primitive furnishings and their emphasis on the three "Rs," readin', 'ritin', and 'rithmetic.   The schools were the social center with spelling bees and entertainment.   Husking bees, ice cream socials, and the popular pastimes, horseshoes and croquet, are not to be forgotten.

    The oil boom in southern Wells County, which was the first and largest field in the state, proved to be the forerunner of the famous Oklahoma/Texas strikes.   The oil fever made many a local land owner wealthy, and pumped capital into the banks of all the small towns of the area.

    Included in the appendix is a listing of the county's cemeteries with their "AKA" names and their road number location

    If you are interested in Wells County history, or can trace your roots to this vicinity, this book will prove to be an interesting and valuable addition to your personal library.

(Our appreciation to the Ossian State Bank for providing up front financial assistance for printing)
 
 

                Book Price                    $35

            ISBN 1-57864-091-1 (hardcover : alk. paper)  copyright 1999 by the Wells County Historical Society
            Published December 1999.

Books ordered may be picked up in Bluffton at the Carnall Abstract office, 117 S Johnson Street, 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.   If shipment is required, add $5.00 for shipping and handling.  Additional books, to the same address, add $2/00 per book.

Order Today

            History of Wells County, Indiana- Rose/Buckner 1975 - 232 pages, hard
            cover.....postpaid $25.00  (Limited quantity available)

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Updated May 11, 2002