Monday's Diggings - Two Marriages from my WELLS folder

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Do you have documents tucked away in your files that you obtained years ago—but haven’t fully revisited?

That was the case for me as I pulled out my WELLS folder and found two marriage records from Calhoun County, Michigan. Based on the format and certification stamps, I’m fairly certain I requested these directly from the county years ago. At the time, they were important enough to save—but not fully analyzed or incorporated into my research.

Now, taking a fresh look, these two records provide valuable insight into the family of Benjamin Franklin Wells and his sister Nancy Wells.

Marriage of Benjamin Franklin Wells (1848)

The first record documents the marriage of:

Benjamin Franklin Wells and Ann Maria Benham
30 April 1848, Clarence, Calhoun County, Michigan

The record states that Benjamin was 29 years old and Ann Maria was 23 years old, both residents of Clarence. They were married by E. Murphy Hicks, Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the presence of Erasmus Edgerton and Hiram Buck, both of Marshall.

The marriage was recorded on 17 May 1848 by County Clerk John Machin.

This record helps anchor Benjamin in both time and place and confirms his early residence in Clarence Township. It also places him within a Methodist community, which may offer additional avenues for church records.

Marriage of Nancy Wells (1856)

The second record documents the marriage of:

Nancy Wells and James DeLottier
4 January 1856, Calhoun County, Michigan

James DeLottier, age 40, and Nancy Wells, both of Clarence, were married by J. Whitall, Minister. Witnesses to the marriage were Lima Rouge and Isaac DeLottier.

The record was received and recorded on 12 March 1856.

This record is especially important because Nancy appears to be part of the same Wells family as Benjamin. The shared location of Clarence strongly suggests a sibling relationship—one that fits well with what I already know about this family.

Why These Records Matter

At first glance, these are simple marriage records—but together, they tell a larger story:

  • They place multiple members of the Wells family in Clarence Township, Calhoun County, Michigan
  • They help establish a timeline of family settlement and growth in the area
  • They provide associates and witnesses, who may represent extended family or community ties
  • They reinforce the connection between Benjamin Wells and Nancy Wells as likely siblings

Most importantly, they are a reminder that even records we gathered long ago can still yield new insights when viewed with fresh eyes.

A Reminder to Revisit Old Files

These documents had been sitting quietly in my files for years. Revisiting them not only confirmed key facts but also helped strengthen family connections.

If you’ve been researching for any length of time, chances are you have similar treasures waiting to be rediscovered.

What might you find if you took another look?

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