As a young man, James Bailey Wells went up the trail as a drover. He invested the money he earned in his own herds and ranch land. He amassed quite a large ranch and played a prominent role in the development of the cattle industry in Gonzales County. His family lived on the ranch prior to moving into town to this cattle baron’s mansion. Modern for its time, it was built in 1885 with a kitchen in the main house, indoor bathrooms, lightning rods, and a fire escape. Purchased by J B and Josephine Wells in 1890, modest updates were made ca 1920 and 1960. The home contains furnishings from Mrs. Wells’ family dating to the mid 1800s. There is a cherry wood dresser that came by oxcart from Kentucky in 1835, a quilt made in 1936 from a unique 3-D pattern brought from Kentucky, and furniture made of Guadalupe Valley black walnut purchased from local Republic-era furniture makers.
Of particular historical interest is a sugar bowl that belonged to Josephine’s grandmother. Unable to take them when they fled Santa Anna’s army after the fall of the Alamo, the family buried the sugar bowl along with other household possessions. Retrieved upon their return, Josephine asked for it as a wedding gift when she married. From its place on the dining room table, she used it to illustrate family history for her children and guests.
The Wells family occupied the home until the death of J B Wells, Jr. in 1963. He bequeathed the home to Daughters of the Republic of Texas to honor his mother and to ensure the family history would continue to be told. The home is open for tours during Come & Take It Day weekend in October and WinterFest weekend in December. Individual and group tours may be scheduled by calling the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce at 830-672-6532.