My Genealogy Hound

WELLS BRAINARD, a successful farmer of South Hadley Falls, son of Robert and Mercy (Snow) Brainard, was born June 19, 1839, upon the farm he now owns and occupies. Mr. Brainard’s grandfather, Robert Brainard, Sr., a native of Haddam, Conn., moved to South Hadley Falls in 1805, and was the first Methodist to settle in the town. He purchased a farm, which he improved, and resided thereon until his death.

Robert Brainard, the younger, succeeded to the possession of the property and conducted it successfully until his death, which occurred February 2, 1871. He was a prominent citizen and for many years held the office of Selectman and Overseer of the Poor. His wife, Mercy Snow Brainard, who was born in South Hadley Falls, became the mother of five children, as follows: Olive, who married Edward Lester, of South Hadley Falls, and now resides at South Hadley; Mercy Ann, who married Edward Judd, and died at the age of thirty-nine; Wells, the subject of this sketch; William, who died in infancy; and Julia, who married Theodore P. Palmer, of Miller’s Falls, Mass. The mother died June 4, 1894, at the age of ninety-five.

Wells Brainard was reared to an agricultural life, obtaining his education in the public schools near his home. Later on in his youth he was sent to Wilbraham School, where he completed a business course, returning at the age of twenty-one to work on the farm. After the death of his father he took charge of the farm, and by dint of hard labor has brought it up to its present standard. Pleasantly situated, with a broad and picturesque view, for a country home Mr. Brainard’s place is unsurpassed. Mr. Brainard married Adaline Wilson, of Belchertown, Mass., and they have had six children, three of whom are living; namely, Harry E., Gertrude Evelyn, and Winnie May. Lilla A. died at the age of seven years; William Erwin died at the age of fourteen; and Robert C., aged ten months.