The Early Years

Wells Howard Blodgett was born on 29 Jan 1839 in Downers Grove, DuPage, Illinois, United States.  He was a son of Israel Blodgett and Avis Dodge.^[2] He passed away on 8 May 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.

In 1850, Wells, age twelve, resided with his father Israel P., the head of household and Farmer in Downers Grove, DuPage, Illinois, United States. His mother, Avis managed the home and also raised Asiel Z (aka Asahel), Edward A., and Charles B. In addition, his adult sister Mary P. and a boarder also were residents in the household.

Wells studied law at Wheaton College, and was admitted to the Bar in Chicago in 1861. Following the Civil War he continued his law practice, building a successful career in St. Louis, Missouri. He served in the Missouri State Legislature, and was general counsel for the Wabash Railroad Company.

The Civil War

Wells H. Blodgett, a resident of Chicago, Illinois, enlisted in the Union Army on 1 Aug 1861 as a 1st Lieutenant. On 18 Sep 1861, Lieutenant Blodgett was commissioned into the 37th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company D.

On 1 Jan 1863, Lieutenant Blodgett was promoted to the rank of Captain, and on 10 Mar 1863, he was discharged due to a promotion to Major as a Judge Advocate and was assigned to the US Volunteers Judge Advocate Department.

Major Blodgett was commissioned into Field & Staff on 22 Nov 1864 in the 48th Regiment, Missouri Infantry and was promoted to the rank of Colonel. On 29 Jun 1865, Colonel Blodgett relinquished his commission.

Civil War Engagements with the 37th Illinois Infantry Regiment (Organized: Chicago, Illinois, United States on 11 Oct 1861; Mustered out: 6 Dec 1865):

Battle of Pea Ridge, (aka Battle of Elkhorn Tavern), 7-8 Mar 1862, Near Leetown, northeast of Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States, Union Victory

Battle of Prairie Grove, 7 Dec 1862, Washington, Arkansas, United States, Union Victory, for the battlefield, see Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park.

Civil War Engagements with the 48th Regiment, Missouri Infantry (Organized: St. Louis, Jefferson City & Rolla, Missouri United States on 1 Sep 1864; Mustered out: 29 Jun 1865)

Lieutenant Wells H. Blodgett fought in the American Civil War. Blodgett received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the First Battle of Newtonia in Missouri on 30 Sep 1862.

President Grover Cleveland of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor on 15 Feb 1894 to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Wells H. Blodgett, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 Sep 1862, while serving with Company D, 37th Illinois Infantry, in action at Newtonia, Missouri. With a single orderly, First Lieutenant Blodgett captured an armed picket of eight men and marched them in prisoners.

Medal of Honor Citation:
With a single orderly, captured an armed picket of 8 men and marched them in prisoners.

Wells married Margaret (Maggie) Dixon (aka Dickson) on 29 June 1863 in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Maggie died on 27 Dec 1863, 6 short months after she married Wells.

Later Years

After the Civil War, Wells continued his legal career in Warrensburg, Missouri. In 1873, he relocated to St. Louis and was employed as Counsel for the Wabash RR Lines, he held that position for forty-three years.

Wells married Emma T Dickson on 23 July 1865 in Lake, Illinois, United States. They had at least four known children: Margaret (Maggie) Edith Blodgett (14 Jan 1867–6 May 1928), Eads Howard Blodgett (25 Mar 1875–16 Oct 1875), [[Blodgett-644|Henry Blodgett]], Sr. (16 Oct 1876–18 Dec 1959). Edith Blodgett (15 Oct 1881–12 Nov 1956).

By 1870, Wells, age thirty-two, the head of household and a State Legislature was married to his wife of five years and resided in Warrensburg, Johnson, Missouri, United States. Emma managed the home and raised Maggie. In addition, a servant was also a resident of the household.  Wells, age forty-one, the head of household and a Lawyer was married to his wife of fifteen years and resided on 3000 Locust Street in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States in 1880. Emma managed the home and raised Maggie and Henry.

In 1900, Wells, age sixty-two, the head of household and a Lawyer was married to his wife of thirty-five years and resided at 3108 Pine Street in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Emma managed the home and other residents of the household were his adult children, Margaret, Henry, a Lawyer, and Edith in addition to two servants and one boarder. In addition, the census shows Emma has given birth to four children, three of which are still living.

In accordance to military tradition, service members salute Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of rank. This is a matter of respect for the recipients' sacrifices and is not required by law. Department of Defense Saluting MOH Recipients. In addition, MOH Recipients receive special benefits: 1. A Monthly Pension and Special Retirement Pay; 2. Uniform Allowances; 3. On-Base Parking Spots; 4. Priority Space-A Travel; 5. Invitations to Presidential Inaugurals; 6. Academy Appointments for Dependents; 7. A Medal of Honor Flag; 8. Full Military Burial Honors Military Times, Special Benefits for MOH Recipients.

Medal of Honor Recipient, Wells Howard Blodgett died on Wednesday, 8 May 1929 at the age of 90 years, 3 months, 9 days as a result of arteriosclerotic heart disease, senility and complicated by myocardial edema. Wells is commemorated and interred at Bellefontaine Cemetery, Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, United States.