Revilo Wells, A Grand Rapids Scoundrel

Up until now my posts have all been about fine, upstanding citizens.  These excerpts from three of Grand Rapids' most illustrious historians caught my interest.

History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baxter, p 674
"Thus far no mention has been made of one Revilo Wells, who for a time between 1857 and 1860 held forth as a private banker and custodian of other people's money. His capital, both in money and integrity, was limited. His career was brief, and his methods so peculiar that some of our older inhabitants still remember him with painful emotions. Obtaining several thousand dollars of the people's money, he followed the advice of the Sage of Chappaqua, and "went west" and found a wider sphere of action somewhere on the California coast."

History of Kent County, Michigan, Chapman, 1881, p 460
"We have thus far omitted to mention the name of one Revilo Wells, who for a brief time held forth as a private banker and custodian of other people's money.  His career was so brief, and yet so painful to some of the older inhabitants, that we will only say, that after many promises to pay large rates of interest, and obtaining several thousand dollars of the people's money, he suddenly left for parts unknown, suddenly turning up in California, or somewhere upon the Pacific slope, where he now lives."

History of Kent County.White & Fuller, 1926, p 101.
" In speaking of banks the affair of Revilo Wells is not considered as having to do with legitimate banking. Wells had opened an office about the year 1857, claiming to be a private banker, but his career as such was brief and not creditable to himself."

Historical Collections, Collections and Researches Made By The Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, Vol 35, 1907, FIFTY YEARS AGO, EVENTS IN GRAND RAPIDS FROM 1850 TO 1860, BY HARVEY J. HOLLISTER, p 660.
"Our academy was under the direction of Franklin Everett. The banking interests were carried forward by Daniel Ball & Co. and William J. Wells. For a brief time one Revilo Wells did something in the way of discounting notes at heavy rates. He left us, however, between two days, and when next heard from had settled himself somewhere in Oregon."
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Revilo Wells was born about 1828 in Ohio and married Mary C Sexton on 2 April 1850 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  Mary was the daughter of Asaph Sexton and Electa Northrup, and was born 3 June 1822 in Ashtabula County, Ohio.

I was not able to discern who Revilo's parents were.

A little about the Sexton family:

"The first settlement in the southern part of Parkman was made in 1816, by Asaph Sexton, who purchased a tract of land lying on the road leading north from the center of Nelson, and extending to the township line. In 1819 he sold the greater part of it to Barnet Dixon, who owned it until about 1842. This farm is now owned by Mrs. C. M. Bestor. The southern portion, which Mr. Sexton retained possession of for some years, is now owned by Sanford Smith."
From line-height: 18px;">Pioneer and General History of Geauga County: With Sketches of Some of the Pioneers and Prominent Men, Historical Society of Geauga County, 1880, p 688.

Asaph Sexton was born 21 August 1790 in Springfield, , MA, and died 4 February 1849, and was buried in North Fairfield Cemetery, North Fairfield, Huron, OH.  After his land purchase in Geauga County, Ohio he lived in Ashtabula County, Ohio from at least 1818 through 1825, as tax records show.

Electa Northrup was born 10 December 1795 in Connecticut and died 1 April 1864 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio.  She married Asaph Sexton in 1816.


At least three of Mary C Sexton Wells' siblings also came to Grand Rapids and were in the 1860 census:  Clark Chapin, Bennett N, and Jeannette B.  Clark and Bennett were also involved in the early newspaper business in Grand Rapids, and Clark is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Revilo Wells hasn't left much of a trace, but he did appear in city directories, censuses, and voter registration lists. I have added his occupation to the descriptions. Most of the links are to documents at Familysearch.com, and you can view them if you sign up (free).

1850 - East Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio - clerk

1852 - He was made Postmaster of LaPorte, Lorain, Ohio on 16 February.

History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baxter, p 270
"WELLS' ADVERTISER. - A monthly real estate paper, started in the summer of 1856 by Revilo Wells associated with whom was Bennett N. Sexton {his brother-in-law}.

VALLEY CITY ADVERTISER.-A social and literary monthly, successor to Wells' Advertiser, published by B. N. Sexton for several years."

1860 - Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan - banker

1862 - San Francisco City Directory - no occupation listed

1863 - San Francisco City Directory - bookkeeper

1866 - 11th Ward Election District, San Francisco - bookkeeper

Revilo and Mary Wells lived in this historic home in San Francisco, California.

I added this additional historic landmark property because of the mention of Revilo Wells in the description.

1868 - " The London and San Francisco Bank, limited, recovered judgment to-day against Revilo Wells for $3,000 in gold coin."  (He seems to be up to his old tricks again.)

Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 36, Number 5470, 7 October 1868

1870 - Census, Alameda, Alameda, California - at home - I'm pretty sure this is Revilo.  He has real estate worth $3000.

1871 - Great Register, Alameda County - clerk

1874 - San Francisco City Directory - mining stocks

1875  - San Francisco City Directory - bookkeeper

1877  - San Francisco City Directory - doors, sash, blinds, and lumber

1879 - San Francisco City Directory - agent

1881 - San Francisco City Directory - agent

1884 - San Francisco City Directory - The Silver Pill Co

1885 - San Francisco City Directory - no occupation listed

1886 - Voting Register, 4th Pct, 38th Assembly District, San Francisco - Age 61, b Ohio, Chemist, 1228 Market, Floor 1, Room 1, Reg Oct 16, 1886

1887 - San Francisco City Directory - prop. The Silver Pill

1888 - Voting Register, 4th Pct, 39th Assembly District, San Francisco - Age 63, b Ohio, Accountant, 1149 Market, Floor T, Room F, Reg Aug 23, 1888

1892 - 1st Pct, 43rd Assembly District, San Francisco - This entry gets serious about describing the voters: Age 66, Ht 5'11-3/4", Complexion Fair, Eyes Hazel, Hair Blond, Lost 3 fingers left hand, Occupation Accountant, Nativity Ohio, Local Res 930 Market, Floor 2, Room 15, Reg Aug 15, 1892

(I wonder what the story is about the finger loss?)

1895- San Francisco City Directory - patent medicines

Revilo Wells died 17 December 1896, according to the San Francisco Call, Friday, 18 December, 1896, p 13.

Mary C Sexton Wells died 22 November 1893, p 10, The Morning Call.