I wrote to the Galena Public Library regarding the WELLS family in the area about 1818 (Joel, Rinnah and Ira). The reply: "A Joel Wells obtained a "digger's permit" in June of 1827 from the Agent of the U. S. War Department. So, he was apparently involved in lead mining." Is there anyone on this list that might explain what a "digger's permit" might have been? Flavia Hodges, San Pablo, CA