We hope you enjoy the timeline that we’ve put together. We add to it as time permits and as history is uncovered in newspaper articles, etc.
If desired, you can choose a specific timeline to explore an area of Wellsburg’s history.
(date is approximate)
His active interest in Iowa began in about the year 1856 when he commenced breaking the land which he has owned and cultivated ever since
(need to verify year – may be 1857)
Land of the future site of Wellsburg was given as a Military Warrant to widow of Joseph Gilliland (assigned to Horace B. Wilson) for his service in the War of 1812
George Wells represented Grundy County for two years in the 17th General Assembly.
(date is approximate)
George Wells donated one square mile of land to establish the town of Wells. Due to the name Wells already having been established elsewhere in the state of Iowa, the post office would not allow the town to be named Wells. Therefore “burg” was added to satisfy the post office.
(date is approximate)
The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern rail lines were laid from Holland to George Wells’ land in Shiloh township. 100 teams and 200 men were reported being at work on the job.
The contracts were let in April, 1887, for a new schoolhouse to be built in the town of Wellsburg. Mr. F. S. Frisbie, the sub-director for district No. 5, accepted bids until 1 o\’clock p.m., Saturday, May 21st. Construction began in August and was completed prior to school commencing for the 1887-88 school year. It is reported that the old school in the district would be sold and the proceeds used to build the new school, but it is unknown where this old school was located.