This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: BarbaraCox147 Surnames: Wells, Sykes Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.wells/5584/mb.ashx Message Board Post: from Jacksonville FL Times Union obit of October 1915: In speaking of the late James Hayden Wells, of Baldwin, Duval co FL, the Tampa Times of Tuesday says: The death of James H Wells, whose remains were interred yesterday afternoon in Woodlawn (Hillsborough co FL) Cemetery with services by the local GAR post, recalls in the minds of many the "early days" of Tampa, as Mr Wells was intimately connected with the upbuilding of this city. Mr Wells came to Tampa in 1882 and lived here 20 years, leaving then for California, where his family resided ten years at Glendale. At Glendale he was attacked by la grippe and sought health in Bermuda, spending nearly a year there. He returned to Florida and went to Baldwin, where his son had located on a pecan grove, the family having resided there ever since. Mr Wells was born at Windsor Locks CT, June 6, 1843, and his death occurred suddenly at Gainesville GA October 1. he had gone there for his health and was accompanied by Mrs Wells and their daughter. His early education was received at his father's school for boys and at the age of 18 he enlisted in the 1st CT light battery volunteers, serving 3yrs in the Civil War. In 1871 he went to Vineland NJ where as a partner of Sen. PP Baker he invested and lost heavily in real estate. He was married there to Miss Lillian Sykes. He came to Tampa in 1882 and was associated with Dorsey and Whaley in the sawmill business. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.