William George Wells
William George Wells (c1844-1872) of Hinks, Wells and Co
Born the son of George Wells and nephew of John Hinks
1861 Living at Acocks Green House, Yardley: George Wells (age 50 born Yardley), Pen Manufacturer. With his wife Sarah Wells (age 31 born Yardley) and their six children; Ellen Wells (age 20 born Yardley); William Wells (age 17 born Yardley) Pen Manufacturer; Rosa Wells (age 9 born Yardley); Charles H. Wells (age 4 born Yardley); Alice Wells (age 1 born Yardley); and Sidney Wells (age 7 months born Yardley). Two servants.[1]
1867 July 2nd. Married Maria Louisa Keller
1871 May. Divorced. 'In the Divorce Court yesterday the case of Wells v. Wells, came on for hearing. This was suit for a dissolution of marriage, sought the wife, Maria Louisa Wells, whose maiden name was Keller, on tho ground of the adultery and cruelty of her husband, William George Wells, who appeared and answered, denying the charges. From the statement of Dr. Spinks, on behalf of the petitioner, it appeared that the parties were married at Yardley, near Birmingham, and afterwards they lived at Atherstone Place, Soho Hill, Handsworth. The petitioner was the daughter of diamond merchant, living at Aston Cress, who has now retired from business; the respondent being partner in pen manufactory at Birmingham. Maria Louisa Wells said she was married in 18(57, but had no children. Her husband took much to drinking, and remained out very late at night—sometimes all night. In April, 1869, when he wanted to go out and she objected, he seized her by the hair of her head and dragged her from the passage to the dining-room. On another occasion he threatened to stab her with a dagger. He beat her on several other occasions, and finally she left him in January, 1870. Mr. Haughton, friend of the petitioner’s family, living at Handsworth, and Mr. Keller, jun., her brother, proved finding the respondent in brothel, very drunk, in bed with a woman, in January, 1870, and on that evidence Lord Penzance granted decree nisi, with costs.'[2]
1872 April 20th. Died, of Forrester House, Belgrave Street, Balsall Heath. Probate to his uncle John Hinks of Buckingham Street, Steel Pen manufacturer.