Individual Details
Dr. Richard Wells
( - 31 Aug 1667)
CAUTION: unproven parents.
There is no primary source evidence of his currently attached parents. The most popular theories about his and his wife's origins were put forward by Horatio Somerby Gates, a notorious fraud in 19th century genealogy. The ancestry put forward for both should be considered highly speculative.
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Dr. Richard Wells: "Of Herring Creek" (Maryland) From Lincolnshire, England to Cornwall, England to Jamestowne, Va 1635 "The Globe" ship 1658 to Anne Arundel Co, Maryland. Lived in Charles River Co, Maryland. Owned 600 acres in Anne Arundel Co, Maryland 1645-1647: House of Burgess in Virginia 1654 Councilman in the Puritan Colony of Virginia 1656 Delegate: Anne Arundel Co, Va 1657 Justice: Anne Arundel Co, Va 1658 Justice: Anne Arundel Co, Va Anne Arundel Co, MD Will Book 1, p. 439.
Per email form Mary Celine Scott, 01-16-1999: "Notes for Richard Wells:'... of the Wells of Saltash, County Cornwall, which settled in that shire about 1530 from Lincolnshire. [John Wells of Saltash was the registrant at the 1620 Visitation of Cornwall, but unfortunately he carried his lineage only to his grandfather. William Wells m. Elizabeth daughter of Bennet, had child Thomas Wells of Lincolnshire m. Elizabeth Harrington daughter of William of Witham, had son John Wells of Saltash in Co. Cornwall m. Elizabeth Elyott daughter of William, had children listed William Wells, son and heir, age 12 in 1660, and Alice Wells, age 13 in1620] Patent* 27 Sep 1637 Charles River Co. [York Co.], VA, USA; for his personal adventure 50 acres, from the river York up to the woods between Salvage Creek and a small Creek adjoining Wm. Prior and John Brock; Leader, ca. 1652 VA, USA, of the Puritan movement; Appointed* 20 Oct 1654 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA, Commissioner for the Puritans. Appointed: between 1657-1661, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA, by Governor (Josias)Fendall as Justice of the Peace, 1652, Herring Creek Hundred, St. James Parish, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; From VA with wife and 11 children, not to join the group of non-conformists around the Severn, but in Herring Bay near the Quaker settlement where he built his plantation Wells, where he lived out his life. Head rights* between 1652-1658 MD, USA; Transported into this Province: Richard Wells, Senior, Frances Wells, Richard Wells, Junior, Frances Wells, Junior, William Wells, George Wells, John Wells, Robert Wells, Benjamin Wells, Martha Wells, Mary Wells, Anna Wells, Elizabeth Wells; Also servants: Richard Saben, Thomas Boone, Henry Symnonds, George Hall, Henry Simmons, Thomas Linstead, Edward Howard, Martha Windwright, Faith Willson, Allrich Irish boy, Faulle Madagon, Edward Taylor, Robert and Timothy Owen, Richard Johnson, Thomas Mores, Will Connaway, Mary Ferings, George Simonds, Will Thompson and Charles Ryder. Appraisal* 06 Dec 1667, Herring Creek, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA, by Captain John Howell and Godfrey Bayley. He was styled "Chirurgion (Surgeon or Doctor) of Herin Creek" and one of the items in the inventory was a case of chirurgion (medical or surgical) tools and "Chirigeon's Chest." Ship was named Majesty. The inventory reflected his great wealth of that day and indicated that he was associated with shipping as well as his profession of Chirurgeon. The total appraisement was l,735/6/4 pounds plus 57,145 pounds tobacco. He possessed a negro man and women and one white servant man with 16 months to serve. There were a Bible and two other books, two small writing trunks, ten guns, 31 ounces of silver plate, 7/9/9 pounds currency found in his house and also listed was one-sixteenth share in the ship "Baltimore" appraised at 359/15/6 pounds. Furthermore, His Majesty owed him 212/10/ pounds for hire of the "Baltimore". At the time of his death he had on the high seas, en route to Britain on the "Goulden," livestock and 39 hogsheads of tobacco. The inventory was signed by Samuel Chew and William Burgess, and he was styled "Richard Wells of Anne Arundel Sr. of Herin Creek, Chirurgion. Court Case: 1668, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; Executor of estate for services by Dr John Stansby and Richard's attorney Daniel Jenifer. --Carol Mitchell" --------------- "Maryland Calendar of Wills: Volume 1, page 40, Wells, Richard, Sr., A.A. Co., 22nd June, 1667; 31st Aug., 1667. To son Richard, 600 A., "Wells" on Herring Creek; 100 A., "Little Wells," 420 A., "Wells' Hills." To son George, 300 A., "Planter's Delight" in Baltimore Co.; Also 475 A. "Wells' Neck," in Baltimore Co., To son John, 1,500 A. "Lankford's Neck," in Talbot Co., To son Robert, 350 A., "West Wells," in A. A. Co., To son Benjamin, 280 A., "Benjamin's Choice," in A. A. Co., To daughter Martha, wife of Antony Salloway, daughter Ann, wife of Dr. John Stansby, daughter Mary, wife of Thomas Stockett, personalty. Exs.: 5 sons named above. Test: Francis Stockett, Bonham Turner, Wm. Lincolne. 1. 287." --------------- From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland: A Genealogical and Biographical Review from Wills, Deeds, and Church Records by J. D. Warfield, 1905: Page 13: "Richard Wells, Chirurgeon, was on the west side of Herring Bay, adjoining Stockett's Creek, holding 600 acres." Page 21: "On July 22nd, 1654, the commissioners, then at Patuxent, issued this order: 'For the public administration of justice, Captain William Fuller, Mr. Richard Preston, Mr. William Durand, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Captain John Smith, Mr. Leonard Strong, Mr. John Lawson, Mr. John Hatch, Mr. Richard Wells and Mr. Richard Ewen--with the first three of the Quorum. They were empowered to call an assembly at the Patuxent, the home of Colonel Preston, but all who bore arms, against parliament, or were of Roman Catholic faith, were to be deprived of vote..." Page 26: "...Before Fendall could organize his government, the Severn's Provincial Council, composed of Captain William Fuller, Edward Lloyd, Richard Wells, Captain Richard Ewen, Thomas Marsh and Thomas Meeres, in August 1656, caused Fendall's arrest on the charge 'of dangerousness to the public peace.' He denied the power the court to try him." Page 28: "After the lapse of six years, his Lordship's dominion was again restored, yet the settlers were still independent. Governor Fendall and his secretary had, in 1657, at a meeting on the Severn, taken up the settlement of Anne Arundel and ordered, 'That Wm. Burgess, Thomas Meeres, Robert Burle, Thomas Todde, Roger Grosse, Thomas Howell, Richard Wells, Richard Ewen, John Brewer, Anthony Salway and Richard Woolman, gentlemen, should be commissioners for said county, to appear by summons of the sheriff, at the house of Edward Lloyd, to take oath of Commissioners and Justices of the Peace, and that the 23rd instant should be the first court day." Page 37: "Officers of Anne Arundel County...1654. Justices...Rich. Wells,...1656. Upon Governor Josias Fendall assuming the governemnt, the following had him arrested... Justices... Rich. Wells,... 1657. ...Justices ...Rich. Wells..." Page 94: "Captain Thomas Stockett married Mary Wells, daughter of Richard, Wells of Herring Creek, who was prominent in the Puritan colony of Virginia. He was one of the Commissioners appointed to represent the parliament in 1654, with Captain Wm. Fuller, and others, and we find him in the Councilof 1658, after the Calverts had resigned the province. He was, also, a Justice of the Peace, owning a considerable estate.
Note: Per email form Mary Celine Scott, 01-16-1999: "Notes for RichardWells: "... of the Wells of Saltash, County Cornwall, which settled in that shire about 1530 from Lincolnshire. [ John Wells of Saltash was the registrant at the 1620 Visitation of Cornwall, but unfortunately he carried his lineage only to his grandfather. William Wells m. Elizabeth dau of Bennet, had child Thomas Wells of Lincolnshire m. Elizabeth Harrington dau of William of Witham, had son John Wells of Saltash in Co. Cornwall m. Elizabeth Elyott dau of William had children listed William Wells son & heir age 12 in 1660 & Alice Wells age 13 in1620]Patent* 27 Sep 1637 Charles River Co. [York Co.], VA, USA; for his personal adventure 50a, frm the river York up to the woods between Salvage Creek and a small Creek adj. Wm Prior and John Brock Leader* ca 1652 VA, USA; of the Puritan movement; Appointed* 20 Oct 1654 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; Commissioner for the Puritans. Appointed: bet 1657-1661 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; by Gov Fendall as Justice of the Peace 1652 Herring Creek Hundred, St. James Parish, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; from VA with wife & 11 children: not to join the group of non-conformists around the Severn, but in Herring Bay near the Quaker settlement where he built his plantation Wells where helived out his life. Head Rights* bet 1652-1658 MD, USA; Transported into this Province: Richard Wells Senr, Frances Wells,Richard Wells Junr, Frances Wells Junr, William Wells, George Wells, John Wells, Robert Wells, Benjamin Wells, Martha Wells, Mary Wells, Anna Wells, Elizabeth Wells. Also for servants, Richard Saben, Thomas Boone, Henry Symnonds, George Hall, Henry Simmons, Thomas Linstead, Edward Howard, Martha Windwright, Faith Willson, Allrich Irish boy, Faulle Madagon, Edward Taylor, Robert & Timothy Owen, Richard Johnson, Thomas Mores, Will Connaway, Mary Ferings, George Simonds, Will Thompson, and Charles Ryder. Appraisal* 06 Dec 1667 Herring Creek, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; by Captain John Howell and Godfrey Bayley. He was styled "Chirurgion (Doctor)of Herin Creek" and one of the items in the inventory was a case of chirurgion instruments also a "Chirurgeon chest". He maintained an interest in the ship "Majestic" in the service of His Majesty. The inventory reflected his great wealth of that day and indicated that he was associated with shipping as well as his profession of Chirurgeon. The total appraisement was l,735/6/4 pounds plus 57,145 lbs. tobacco. He possessed a negro man and women and one white servant man with 16 months to serve. There were a Bible and two other books, two small writing trunks, ten guns, 31 oz. of silver plate, 7/9/9 pounds currency found in his house and also listed was one-sixteenth share in the ship "Baltimore" appraised at 359/15/6 pounds. Furthermore. His Majesty owed him 212/10/ pounds for hire of the "Baltimore". At. the time of his death he had on the high seas en route to Britain on the "Goulden" livestock and 39 hogsheads of tobacco. The inventory was signed by Samuel Chew and William Burgess, and he was styled "Richard Wells of Anne Arundel Sr. of Herin Creek Chirurgion. Court Case: 1668 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; exec. of estate for services by Dr John Stansby & Richard's attorney Daniel Jenifer.-- Carol Mitchell" Also: "Maryland Calendar of Wills: Volume 1, page 40, [p. 40] Wells, Richard, Sr., A. A. Co., 22nd June, 1667; 31st Aug., 1667. To son Richard, 600 A., "Wells," on Herring Creek; 100 A.,"Little Wells;" 420 A., "Wells' Hills." To son George, 300 A.,"Planters Delight," in Baltimore Co.
There is no primary source evidence of his currently attached parents. The most popular theories about his and his wife's origins were put forward by Horatio Somerby Gates, a notorious fraud in 19th century genealogy. The ancestry put forward for both should be considered highly speculative.
-----------------------------
Dr. Richard Wells: "Of Herring Creek" (Maryland) From Lincolnshire, England to Cornwall, England to Jamestowne, Va 1635 "The Globe" ship 1658 to Anne Arundel Co, Maryland. Lived in Charles River Co, Maryland. Owned 600 acres in Anne Arundel Co, Maryland 1645-1647: House of Burgess in Virginia 1654 Councilman in the Puritan Colony of Virginia 1656 Delegate: Anne Arundel Co, Va 1657 Justice: Anne Arundel Co, Va 1658 Justice: Anne Arundel Co, Va Anne Arundel Co, MD Will Book 1, p. 439.
Per email form Mary Celine Scott, 01-16-1999: "Notes for Richard Wells:'... of the Wells of Saltash, County Cornwall, which settled in that shire about 1530 from Lincolnshire. [John Wells of Saltash was the registrant at the 1620 Visitation of Cornwall, but unfortunately he carried his lineage only to his grandfather. William Wells m. Elizabeth daughter of Bennet, had child Thomas Wells of Lincolnshire m. Elizabeth Harrington daughter of William of Witham, had son John Wells of Saltash in Co. Cornwall m. Elizabeth Elyott daughter of William, had children listed William Wells, son and heir, age 12 in 1660, and Alice Wells, age 13 in1620] Patent* 27 Sep 1637 Charles River Co. [York Co.], VA, USA; for his personal adventure 50 acres, from the river York up to the woods between Salvage Creek and a small Creek adjoining Wm. Prior and John Brock; Leader, ca. 1652 VA, USA, of the Puritan movement; Appointed* 20 Oct 1654 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA, Commissioner for the Puritans. Appointed: between 1657-1661, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA, by Governor (Josias)Fendall as Justice of the Peace, 1652, Herring Creek Hundred, St. James Parish, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; From VA with wife and 11 children, not to join the group of non-conformists around the Severn, but in Herring Bay near the Quaker settlement where he built his plantation Wells, where he lived out his life. Head rights* between 1652-1658 MD, USA; Transported into this Province: Richard Wells, Senior, Frances Wells, Richard Wells, Junior, Frances Wells, Junior, William Wells, George Wells, John Wells, Robert Wells, Benjamin Wells, Martha Wells, Mary Wells, Anna Wells, Elizabeth Wells; Also servants: Richard Saben, Thomas Boone, Henry Symnonds, George Hall, Henry Simmons, Thomas Linstead, Edward Howard, Martha Windwright, Faith Willson, Allrich Irish boy, Faulle Madagon, Edward Taylor, Robert and Timothy Owen, Richard Johnson, Thomas Mores, Will Connaway, Mary Ferings, George Simonds, Will Thompson and Charles Ryder. Appraisal* 06 Dec 1667, Herring Creek, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA, by Captain John Howell and Godfrey Bayley. He was styled "Chirurgion (Surgeon or Doctor) of Herin Creek" and one of the items in the inventory was a case of chirurgion (medical or surgical) tools and "Chirigeon's Chest." Ship was named Majesty. The inventory reflected his great wealth of that day and indicated that he was associated with shipping as well as his profession of Chirurgeon. The total appraisement was l,735/6/4 pounds plus 57,145 pounds tobacco. He possessed a negro man and women and one white servant man with 16 months to serve. There were a Bible and two other books, two small writing trunks, ten guns, 31 ounces of silver plate, 7/9/9 pounds currency found in his house and also listed was one-sixteenth share in the ship "Baltimore" appraised at 359/15/6 pounds. Furthermore, His Majesty owed him 212/10/ pounds for hire of the "Baltimore". At the time of his death he had on the high seas, en route to Britain on the "Goulden," livestock and 39 hogsheads of tobacco. The inventory was signed by Samuel Chew and William Burgess, and he was styled "Richard Wells of Anne Arundel Sr. of Herin Creek, Chirurgion. Court Case: 1668, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; Executor of estate for services by Dr John Stansby and Richard's attorney Daniel Jenifer. --Carol Mitchell" --------------- "Maryland Calendar of Wills: Volume 1, page 40, Wells, Richard, Sr., A.A. Co., 22nd June, 1667; 31st Aug., 1667. To son Richard, 600 A., "Wells" on Herring Creek; 100 A., "Little Wells," 420 A., "Wells' Hills." To son George, 300 A., "Planter's Delight" in Baltimore Co.; Also 475 A. "Wells' Neck," in Baltimore Co., To son John, 1,500 A. "Lankford's Neck," in Talbot Co., To son Robert, 350 A., "West Wells," in A. A. Co., To son Benjamin, 280 A., "Benjamin's Choice," in A. A. Co., To daughter Martha, wife of Antony Salloway, daughter Ann, wife of Dr. John Stansby, daughter Mary, wife of Thomas Stockett, personalty. Exs.: 5 sons named above. Test: Francis Stockett, Bonham Turner, Wm. Lincolne. 1. 287." --------------- From The Founders of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, Maryland: A Genealogical and Biographical Review from Wills, Deeds, and Church Records by J. D. Warfield, 1905: Page 13: "Richard Wells, Chirurgeon, was on the west side of Herring Bay, adjoining Stockett's Creek, holding 600 acres." Page 21: "On July 22nd, 1654, the commissioners, then at Patuxent, issued this order: 'For the public administration of justice, Captain William Fuller, Mr. Richard Preston, Mr. William Durand, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Captain John Smith, Mr. Leonard Strong, Mr. John Lawson, Mr. John Hatch, Mr. Richard Wells and Mr. Richard Ewen--with the first three of the Quorum. They were empowered to call an assembly at the Patuxent, the home of Colonel Preston, but all who bore arms, against parliament, or were of Roman Catholic faith, were to be deprived of vote..." Page 26: "...Before Fendall could organize his government, the Severn's Provincial Council, composed of Captain William Fuller, Edward Lloyd, Richard Wells, Captain Richard Ewen, Thomas Marsh and Thomas Meeres, in August 1656, caused Fendall's arrest on the charge 'of dangerousness to the public peace.' He denied the power the court to try him." Page 28: "After the lapse of six years, his Lordship's dominion was again restored, yet the settlers were still independent. Governor Fendall and his secretary had, in 1657, at a meeting on the Severn, taken up the settlement of Anne Arundel and ordered, 'That Wm. Burgess, Thomas Meeres, Robert Burle, Thomas Todde, Roger Grosse, Thomas Howell, Richard Wells, Richard Ewen, John Brewer, Anthony Salway and Richard Woolman, gentlemen, should be commissioners for said county, to appear by summons of the sheriff, at the house of Edward Lloyd, to take oath of Commissioners and Justices of the Peace, and that the 23rd instant should be the first court day." Page 37: "Officers of Anne Arundel County...1654. Justices...Rich. Wells,...1656. Upon Governor Josias Fendall assuming the governemnt, the following had him arrested... Justices... Rich. Wells,... 1657. ...Justices ...Rich. Wells..." Page 94: "Captain Thomas Stockett married Mary Wells, daughter of Richard, Wells of Herring Creek, who was prominent in the Puritan colony of Virginia. He was one of the Commissioners appointed to represent the parliament in 1654, with Captain Wm. Fuller, and others, and we find him in the Councilof 1658, after the Calverts had resigned the province. He was, also, a Justice of the Peace, owning a considerable estate.
Note: Per email form Mary Celine Scott, 01-16-1999: "Notes for RichardWells: "... of the Wells of Saltash, County Cornwall, which settled in that shire about 1530 from Lincolnshire. [ John Wells of Saltash was the registrant at the 1620 Visitation of Cornwall, but unfortunately he carried his lineage only to his grandfather. William Wells m. Elizabeth dau of Bennet, had child Thomas Wells of Lincolnshire m. Elizabeth Harrington dau of William of Witham, had son John Wells of Saltash in Co. Cornwall m. Elizabeth Elyott dau of William had children listed William Wells son & heir age 12 in 1660 & Alice Wells age 13 in1620]Patent* 27 Sep 1637 Charles River Co. [York Co.], VA, USA; for his personal adventure 50a, frm the river York up to the woods between Salvage Creek and a small Creek adj. Wm Prior and John Brock Leader* ca 1652 VA, USA; of the Puritan movement; Appointed* 20 Oct 1654 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; Commissioner for the Puritans. Appointed: bet 1657-1661 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; by Gov Fendall as Justice of the Peace 1652 Herring Creek Hundred, St. James Parish, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; from VA with wife & 11 children: not to join the group of non-conformists around the Severn, but in Herring Bay near the Quaker settlement where he built his plantation Wells where helived out his life. Head Rights* bet 1652-1658 MD, USA; Transported into this Province: Richard Wells Senr, Frances Wells,Richard Wells Junr, Frances Wells Junr, William Wells, George Wells, John Wells, Robert Wells, Benjamin Wells, Martha Wells, Mary Wells, Anna Wells, Elizabeth Wells. Also for servants, Richard Saben, Thomas Boone, Henry Symnonds, George Hall, Henry Simmons, Thomas Linstead, Edward Howard, Martha Windwright, Faith Willson, Allrich Irish boy, Faulle Madagon, Edward Taylor, Robert & Timothy Owen, Richard Johnson, Thomas Mores, Will Connaway, Mary Ferings, George Simonds, Will Thompson, and Charles Ryder. Appraisal* 06 Dec 1667 Herring Creek, Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; by Captain John Howell and Godfrey Bayley. He was styled "Chirurgion (Doctor)of Herin Creek" and one of the items in the inventory was a case of chirurgion instruments also a "Chirurgeon chest". He maintained an interest in the ship "Majestic" in the service of His Majesty. The inventory reflected his great wealth of that day and indicated that he was associated with shipping as well as his profession of Chirurgeon. The total appraisement was l,735/6/4 pounds plus 57,145 lbs. tobacco. He possessed a negro man and women and one white servant man with 16 months to serve. There were a Bible and two other books, two small writing trunks, ten guns, 31 oz. of silver plate, 7/9/9 pounds currency found in his house and also listed was one-sixteenth share in the ship "Baltimore" appraised at 359/15/6 pounds. Furthermore. His Majesty owed him 212/10/ pounds for hire of the "Baltimore". At. the time of his death he had on the high seas en route to Britain on the "Goulden" livestock and 39 hogsheads of tobacco. The inventory was signed by Samuel Chew and William Burgess, and he was styled "Richard Wells of Anne Arundel Sr. of Herin Creek Chirurgion. Court Case: 1668 Anne Arundel Co., MD, USA; exec. of estate for services by Dr John Stansby & Richard's attorney Daniel Jenifer.-- Carol Mitchell" Also: "Maryland Calendar of Wills: Volume 1, page 40, [p. 40] Wells, Richard, Sr., A. A. Co., 22nd June, 1667; 31st Aug., 1667. To son Richard, 600 A., "Wells," on Herring Creek; 100 A.,"Little Wells;" 420 A., "Wells' Hills." To son George, 300 A.,"Planters Delight," in Baltimore Co.
Events
| Christen | 21 Jan 1609 | St. Mary, Minster-in-Thanet, Kent, England |  |  | |
| Immigration | 1635 | Virginia | |||
| Will | 22 Jun 1667 | Anne Arundel County, Maryland | | ||
| Death | 31 Aug 1667 | Anne Arundel, Colony Maryland |
Families
| Spouse | Frances Elizabeth White (1616 - 1697) |
| Child | Mary Wells (1631 - 1698) |
| Father | John Wells (1583 - 1609) |
| Mother | Elizabeth Elyott ( - ) |
Notes
Christen
Ricardus WelsSex Male
Father's Name Johis. Wels
Father's Sex Male
Event Type Christening
Event Date 21 Jan 1609
Event Place Minster, Kent, England
Will
Will of Richard Wells, 1666/67 Anne Arundel, Maryland State Archives (PDF Image)Citation: Maryland State Archives (website)
Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland Will Book 1, pp, 287-290
Wells, Richard Sr.
1666/67
Anne Arundel
Liber 1, folio 287 (image 287)
Source text: WILLS
Wells, Richard Sr.
1666/67
Anne Arundel
Liber 1, folio 287 (image 287)
Will dated "two and twentieth day of June" 1667
names:
son Richard Wells
son George Wells
son John
son Robert Wells
son Benjamin Wells
daughter Martha sometimes the wife of Mr. Anthony Salloway
daughter Ann the supposed wife unto Mr. John Stansby Chirugeon
daughter Mary wife unto Mr. Thomas Stockett
remainder of estate owned by him in Maryland, Virginia and England to go to his "five sons"
witnesses:
Francis Stockett
Bonham Turnor
William Linckolne
filed August first(?)fifth(?)sixth(?) 1677.
Endnotes
1. .