William H. Pells was one of three founders of the City of Paxton. In 1856, Mr. Pells came to what is now Ford County, though then it was part of Vermilion County. He, along with R. R. Murdock and Leander Britt purchased 320 acres and laid out Prospect City, now called Paxton. In 1859 he took a prominent part in the organization of Ford County and in making Paxton the county seat. 

 

In 1866 he erected the Pells’ Block, which was completed in 1867, a three-story brick block with 50 feet front on Market St. This building was occupied by many early businesses and by the city’s first bank. Sadly, the structure was destroyed by fire in 1874 and was never rebuilt. 

 

He was one of the promoters and organizers of the Lafayette, Bloomington & Mississippi Railroad Company and for several years was its vice president.

 

 

In 1876, Mr. Pells visited Michigan and purchased a large tract of land. In 1882 persuaded the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad to run through his tract of land and the new town of Pellston was born, named in his honor. 

 

 

On June 26, 1886, Mr. Pells would pass away and his remains were laid to rest in the family lot in Ridgeway, New York.