Mike:
Can you tell me the township and Section number and general location within the section (NE, SW, etc.), if possible. When I have time, I'll look at a few well logs from your area. With the number of artesian wells that you describe, there should be a significant hydrogeological feature resposible for the flow. Your well log may even be in the file.
If you put something down the well for measurement purposes, make sure that nothing can break off. The casing may not be straight and the pipe joints may be rough.
Feel free to email the information if you prefer.
Here\'s some light reading
