Wells, Charles Prather

Charles Prather Wells was born in Lemoore, California, on February 2, 1883, to parents James M. Wells and Susan Block Wells. Raised on his family farm along Polvadero Creek in Fresno County, he received his education in the local public schools and at Tulare High School. After finishing his studies, he worked alongside his father on the family property before leasing a portion of the land to pursue his own agricultural career upon reaching his majority.

In his independent business operations, Charles cultivated about 400 acres of grain each season across the valley and successfully engaged in raising cattle. He established his home on homesteaded land at the head of Jacolitos Creek, where he improved the property and ranged his herd. On November 19, 1910, he married Louise Carstens in Fresno, sharing his life with her while remaining an active Democrat in national politics and an enterprising figure in Fresno County.