My great grandfather was Joe Wells, everyone called him Papa Wells. I never knew him, he died two years before I was born at the age of 72. He was born in 1885. He was my mother's hero. She referred to Papa Wells all the time. He was a very devout man. He would asked anyone he met, that he didn't know, How are things with you and the Lord. That's where I got that slogan that's on all my hats.

Recently, my second cousin, Doug Dutton, gave me a special family heirloom, Papa Wells pocket watch. Doug is somewhat older than me and he knew Papa very well.

It's an 1898 pocket watch made by the Hampden Watch Company, Canton Ohio. It's a Special Railway grade and unbelievably, it still keeps perfect time. It's better than two and a quarter inches wide and about three quarters of an inch thick and very heavy.

According to Google, it doesn't have much monetary value but I guarantee you it is priceless in sentimental value.

Thanks Doug for allowing me to hold the watch till someone in the next generation takes it over.

Papa Wells, Circa 1955
Note The Watch Chain