In 1812, Wells led a group of Miami Indians to Fort Dearborn. Among the Americans in the fort was his niece, Rebekah Wells, the wife of the fort's commander, Captain Nathan Heald. Both Nathan and Rebekkah were wounded in the massacre, but managed to escape and later surrender to the British.
Wells was not so fortunate, Dressed in Indian fashion with his face also painted black in anticipation of death, he was shot and killed. The Pottawatomi, considering him a traitor, reportedly ate his heart to gain some of his courage.
Wells Street in Chicago is named for him. Wells County in Indiana also is named for him as is Wells Street in Fort Wayne.
William Wells played a major role in Indian-American relations in the Old Northwest Territory. Sadly, his body was lost.
Quite a Person. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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