Blog

Centennial Celebration Continues

By Christine Hall

Bishop Lemuel H. Wells (1841-1936) – Once the Commander of the Body Guard for General US Grant

Throughout the year we have been sharing information about many of the people who were instrumental in the vision, financing and operating of Franke Tobey Jones in the early days.  Here is a story about a lesser known, but equally as fascinating and loved, resident. 

From its inception, FTJ has welcomed many distinguished professionals to live at its Point Defiance campus.  College presidents, state legislators, federal judges, accomplished artists and musicians, physicians, college professors, military officers, educators, attorneys and a former Member of Congress have all called FTJ home.

One of the earliest noteworthy residents was Bishop Lemuel Wells.  Born in Yonkers, New York, Bishop Wells was studying for the ministry when the American Civil War broke out.  He fought at the Battle of Vicksburg and served as commander of the body guard for General US Grant.  Once ordained, he was a pioneer missionary, establishing thirty-one Episcopal missions throughout the Northwest.  Settling in Tacoma, Bishop Wells became the rector of St. Luke’s Church in 1884 (while his wife, Henrietta Wells, became the first principal of Annie Wright Seminary.)  From 1892-1913, Bishop Wells served as the first bishop of Spokane.

Although “retired” from the episcopate, Bishop Wells continued his ministry.  As noted by the Tacoma News Ledger, “Removing to Tacoma [in 1915] at an age when most men would have sought the comfort of the fireside, he organized and built St. Mark’s in the North End.  Later, he stepped into the affairs of St. Andrew’s parish.”

In his Memoir, Bishop Wells explained why he came to live at FTJ in 1927:

My brother James [a lumber dealer and Tacoma pioneer], whose daughter had become ill, had gone to the Frank Tobey Jones Homes for old people [1925] and was anxious that I join him there as he said that he was lonely without some of his own family. So there I, was at 87 years of age, with my “young” brother, 93 years old, in a haven of rest for the remainder of my life.

We preserved our self-respect by paying the same board that we would have to pay downtown for the same accommodation.  We are cared for with the utmost kindness and consideration.

Each resident has a comfortable room, they serve a good table, nurses in the infirmary are ready for cases of illness and there is only one rule in the establishment; that is: When you go out to be gone any length of time, you must write your name on the blackboard in the back hall. If you don’t appear on time, they send a search party for you or call the police for fear you have had a stroke or have broken your leg.

During his years in “retirement” at FTJ, Bishop Wells continued to minister to his fellow residents and the staff.  He led prayer groups, conducted memorial services, and directed Bible studies.

On April 14, 1929, the FTJ Superintendent noted that James Wells celebrated his ninety-third birthday:

All members of the family, as well as old friends who called upon him, spent a very enjoyable afternoon. The large birthday cake was decorated with yellow candles and green trimmings.  We served ice cream and tea with the cake…. There were probably thirty callers altogether, and among them were several Circle members. 

Six months later, Bishop Lemuel Wells recorded, “Late in 1929, Our Heavenly Father saw fit to call my brother James to his eternal rest, so I am left alone to carry on the work.”

At the age of 93, in a Thanksgiving Day interview with a local reporter, Bishop Wells commented, “Thank God for every day of your life that you live in Tacoma, and ask Him to make us more worthy of such a wonderful heritage.”

Bishop Lemuel Wells’ long life of ministry and service to his church, to his community and to FTJ ended on March 27, 1936. Said Superintendent Ada Gibson,

Our dearly loved member Bishop Wells slipped peacefully away. His going has left a great void in our family circle. Although he has been incapacitated for a long time, his very presence in this home meant much to us.  He was what interned was in his family plot in Tacoma cemetery. Bishop Wells was 94 years old and had been in the home nine years, three months. His niece, Mrs. Roger Tracy of Portland, wrote us “Nowhere else would he have been so well cared for and your kindness to him I know was unfailing.  He was happier with you than he could have been anywhere else for he was near his beloved St. Marks and, until he became too feeble, was able to serve those who needed him.

One of the many local newspaper articles about Bishop Wells during his FTJ years commented, “Tacoma loves Bishop Wells for both his splendid work and because of his charming personality.”  The residents and staff of FTJ shared that sentiment.