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From: "Kathleen Barber" <>
Subject: [MAESSEX] Thomas WELLS: Amesbury
Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 15:52:42 -0400

Who was the father of Thomas WELLS, first pastor of the First Church
in Amesbury?

Rev. Thomas WELLS died in Amesbury on "July 10, 1734. [in his 87th y.
G.R. 1.]" (Amesbury Deaths 597). Savage's fourth volume of the
GENEALOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND p. 479
claims Thomas was the son of John WELLES of Wells and grandson of
Thomas Wells of Ipswich, but I am puzzled by this assertion.

It seems more likely that Thomas, the Amesbury pastor, was the SON of
Thomas Wells of Ipswich. On p. 478 of the GEN. DICT. vol. IV Savage
indicates that Thomas of Ipswich had a son Thomas born Jan. 11, 1647.
That would make this son Thomas 87 years old in 1734 which would be
consistent with the Amesbury grave record.

My instincts, which I have learned never to trust too much, make me
think the John WELLES who married Sarah LITTLEFIELD was actually Rev.
Thomas WELLS' brother, not his father. Can anyone confirm my
instincts or give me another rationale? Thanks in advance. --Kathleen
Canney Barber

This thread:

• [MAESSEX] Thomas WELLS: Amesbury by "Kathleen Barber" <>