Of interest to the older generation of Henry County citizens, will be the following item taken from the Bluefield (W. Va.) Telegraph concerning a Henry County citizen of many years ago.

A few weeks after he had written his own obituary in which he wished his many friends a Merry Christmas and thanked them for their many kindnesses, the life light of R. C. Wells, pioneer citizen and Confederate Veteran, faded slowly out at his home in the Bluestone Valley, Tuesday morning. "I am worn out and broken down and if I live to see the twenty-fifth (meaning Christmas Day), it will likely be my last," dramatically wrote the aged man in his obituary.

Soldier that he was, and figuratively speaking, he could hear the faint dying sound of taps, a soldiers' good night, for shortly after he penciled the touching words of his obituary, he sent a copy to Henry C. Callaway, editor of the Bluefield, Va. News, of the Daily Telegraph.

Mr. Callaway carefully preserved the copy, which is sub-joined to this article and which gives the life history of Mr. Wells as told in his own words.

Mr. Wells was a charter member of the Tip Top Masonic lodge and was 84 years of age. Surviving relatives are: daughter, Mrs. J. M. Hendrick of Thorpe, and three sons, namely W. W., J. L. And J. B. Wells, all of whom reside in the Bluestone valley section. Vance Wells, well known local barber, is a grandson of the deceased man. Funeral services and burial will take place Thursday morning at Wellsville.

" I am a native of Henry County, Virginia.
Spent my boyhood there.
I belonged to Co. G., 42nd Va. Inf., 2nd Bri., 1st Div., Jacksons' old Corps.
I was captured at Gettysburg, taken to Point Lookout and remained there until the close of the war.

Was married the following year and moved to Tazwell County, Va., and have since been a resident of this county and lived among its people who have been especially kind and good to me, for which I want to thank one and all.

I am worn out and broken down, and if I live to see the 25th, it will likely be my last.
A Merry Christmas to all and a Christmas gift from all of you.
Yours, R. C. Wells."

Name Robert C Wells
Event Type Death
Event Date 21 Dec 1926
Event Place Tazewell, Virginia, United States
Registration Date 22 Dec 1926
Gender Male
Age 84
Race White
Birth Date 19 Apr 1842
Spouse's Name Mary E Wells