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Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 2, Issue 6, April 1973

Marybank

Marybank

William Wells was an original pioneer settler who started farming the area in 1842. He appears to have been a man of independent means. In May, 1843, when he was leaving for England, he was given a farewell and described as "a good farmer." His farm was then known as "Marybank", and the highest part is known as Wells Hill (1503 feet). Upon his return to Nelson a few years later (in or before 1849) he occupied a seat on various local bodies, being a member of the Nelson Provincial Council, the Suburban North Road Board, and the Suburban North Committee of Education. He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1861 to 1870.

In 1855 William Wells was named as one of the seven trustees elected to administer the Nelson Trust Funds including the portion page 15set aside for higher education. In 1857 he became a member of the first Board of Governors of Nelson College.

Wells was also interested in various mining undertakings.

When a German settler, Heeman (pronounced Hayman), owned Marybank he built a house with mud walls two feet thick. Some people can remember when a bachelor, Scott Wells, owned the property, and it changed hands several times prior to James Thomas Barnes becoming the owner.