Sarah Welles1,2

F, #16526, b. 1 February 1708, d. 5 May 1776
  • Reference: W015 ID049
  • Nam-Std: Wells
  • Married Name: 21 November 1728; Mrs. Robbins (Welles)

Citations

  1. Cemetery Records, Wethersfield, CT Vital Records 1634 - 1868 From the Barbour Collection as found at the CT State Library Transcribed by Coralynn Brown, Sarah, dau Robert Jr & Sarah, b Feb 1, 1708/09.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Hannah Welles1,2

F, #16527, b. 26 April 1736
  • Reference: W015
  • Nam-Std: Wells

Citations

  1. Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Hartford CT Vital Records, Esther WELLS, dafter of Samll WELLS & Esther his wife was born Oct. 22, 1723
    Samll WELLS was born Octobr. 5, 1725
    Ruth WELLS was born Decembr 17, 1727
    Ann WELLS was born Decembr 17, 1727 -twins
    John was born Febry 20th 1732-3
    Hannah WELLS was born April 26th day 1736
    Rebecca born December 16 1743
    Elisha WELLS was married to Lydia DEMING of Wethersfield April 4th 1757
    Elisha WELLS son of said Elisha & Lydia was born Sept 27, 1758
    Lemuel WELLS their son was born July 30th, 1763.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Prudence Wells1,2

F, #16528, b. circa 1810
  • Reference: W999 ID001
  • (Researcher) ResAddr: Researcher=_ID001 _Researcher2
  • Married Name: 3 July 1832; Mrs. Stanley (Wells)

Citations

  1. Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Wethersfield, CT Vital Records 1634 - 1868 From the Barbour Collection as found at the CT State Library Transcribed by Coralynn Brown, Prudence, m Timothy R STANLEY of Ohio, July 3, 1832, by Rev C J Tenney.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Rhoda Welles1

F, #16529, b. 10 May 1807
  • Reference: W015 ID049
  • Nam-Std: Wells
  • Married Name: 1 November 1827; Mrs. Baldwin (Welles)

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.
  2. Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Wethersfield, CT Vital Records 1634 - 1868 From the Barbour Collection as found at the CT State Library Transcribed by Coralynn Brown, Rhoda, of Wethersfield, m Merit BALDWIN of New Hartford, Nov 1, 1827, by Rev J Brace.

Lucretia Russell1,2

F, #16530, b. 1763
  • Reference: W015 ID049
  • Married Name: 16 September 1784; Mrs. Wells (Russell)

Family: Robert Wells b. 27 Sep 1761, d. 7 Jan 1815

Citations

  1. Cemetery Records, Wethersfield, CT Vital Records 1634 - 1868 From the Barbour Collection as found at the CT State Library Transcribed by Coralynn Brown, Robert 3rd, m Lucretia RUSSELL, Sept 16, 1784, by Rev Joshua Belden.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.
  3. Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Wethersfield, CT Vital Records 1634 - 1868 From the Barbour Collection as found at the CT State Library Transcribed by Coralynn Brown, Robert 3rd, m Lucretia RUSSELL, Sept 16, 1784, by Rev Joshua Belden.

Samuel Welles (1)1,2

M, #16531, b. 4 February 1734
  • Reference: W015 ID367
  • Nam-Std: Wells (1)

Citations

  1. Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Wethersfield, CT Vital Records 1634 - 1868 From the Barbour Collection as found at the CT State Library Transcribed by Coralynn Brown, Samuell, wife Wait & Jerusha, b Feb 4, 1734/35.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Esther Ellsworth1,2

F, #16532, b. 9 March 1702, d. 3 November 1791
  • Reference: W015 ID999
  • Nam-Std: Mrs. Wells (Ellsworth)
  • Married Name: 31 January 1722; Mrs. Welles (Ellsworth)

Family: Capt. Samuel Welles b. 26 Dec 1694, d. 2 Mar 1760

Citations

  1. Military Record, CT Soc of CT Colonial Sol, p 111, No. 41, Gen No. 582 - Thomas Welles, Pedigree 4.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.
  3. Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Hartford CT Vital Records, Samuell WELLS was married to Esther ELLSWORTH Janry 31, 1722.
  4. Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Vital Records: Birth, Baptism, Christening, Marriage, Divorce, Death and Burial, Hartford CT Vital Records, Esther WELLS, dafter of Samll WELLS & Esther his wife was born Oct. 22, 1723
    Samll WELLS was born Octobr. 5, 1725
    Ruth WELLS was born Decembr 17, 1727
    Ann WELLS was born Decembr 17, 1727 -twins
    John was born Febry 20th 1732-3
    Hannah WELLS was born April 26th day 1736
    Rebecca born December 16 1743
    Elisha WELLS was married to Lydia DEMING of Wethersfield April 4th 1757
    Elisha WELLS son of said Elisha & Lydia was born Sept 27, 1758
    Lemuel WELLS their son was born July 30th, 1763.

Rebecca Welles1,2

F, #16533, b. 16 December 1743, d. 2 March 1793
  • Reference: W015
  • Nam-Std: Wells
  • Married Name: 1782; Mrs. Williams (Welles)

Citations

  1. Military Record, CT Soc of CT Colonial Sol, p 111, No. 41, Gen No. 582 - Thomas Welles, Pedigree 4.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Lorain Patterson1,2

F, #16534, b. 1769, d. 14 April 1825
  • Reference: W015 ID049
  • Nam-Std: Mrs. Wells (Patterson)
  • Married Name: 10 November 1785; Mrs. Welles (Patterson)

Family: Absalom Welles b. 14 Mar 1766, d. 13 Jun 1839

Citations

  1. Military Record, CT Soc of CT Colonial Sol, No. 124, Gen No. 1977 - Thomas Welles, Pedigree 1.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Laura Welles1,2

F, #16535, b. 23 July 1789, d. 3 July 1877
  • Reference: W015 ID049
  • Nam-Std: Wells
  • Married Name: 9 September 1811; Mrs. Churchill (Welles)

Citations

  1. Military Record, CT Soc of CT Colonial Sol, No. 124, Gen No. 1977 - Thomas Welles, Pedigree 1.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

James Howard Welles1,2

M, #16536, b. 28 June 1853, d. 30 June 1909
  • Reference: W015 ID001
  • Nam-Std: Wells
  • (Household Member) Census: 1860; Glastonbury, Hartford Co., Connecticut, USA;
    1860 United States Federal Census
    about Thadeus Nellis
    Name: Thadeus Nellis
    Age in 1860: 54
    Birth Year: abt 1806
    Birthplace: Connecticut
    Home in 1860: Glastonbury, Hartford, Connecticut
    Gender: Male
    Post Office: South Glastonbury
    Value of real estate: View image
    Household Members: Name Age
    Mary I Nellis 9
    James H Nellis 7
    Sophia Corich 58
    Carle Hanke 33
    Thadeus Nellis 54
    Emily M Nellis 46
    Anna M Nellis 25
    Hellen E Nellis 23
    Emily S Nellis 20
    Samuel Nellis 19
    Robert G Nellis 17
    Edward F Nellis 13; Head of Household=Hon. Thaddeus Hale Welles
  • (Household Member) Census: 1870; Glastonbury, Hartford Co., Connecticut, USA;
    1870 United States Federal Census
    about Thadeus Welles
    Name: Thadeus Welles
    Birth Year: abt 1806
    Age in 1870: 64
    Birthplace: Connecticut
    Home in 1870: Glastonbury, Hartford, Connecticut
    Race: White
    Gender: Male
    Value of real estate: View image
    Post Office: Glastonbury
    Household Members: Name Age
    Thadeus Welles 64
    Emily M Welles 56
    Emily S Welles 29
    Edward T Welles 23
    James H Welles 16
    Mary J Welles 19
    Sophia Couch 68
    Carl Hawke 43; Head of Household=Hon. Thaddeus Hale Welles
  • (Student) Education*: circa 1880; Harvard University, Cambridge, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts, USA
  • (Head of Household) Census*: 1880; Glastonbury, Hartford Co., Connecticut, USA;
    1880 United States Federal Census
    about James H. Welles
    Name: James H. Welles
    Home in 1880: Glastonbury, Hartford, Connecticut
    Age: 27
    Estimated birth year: abt 1853
    Birthplace: Connecticut
    Relation to Head of Household: Self (Head)
    Father's birthplace: Connecticut
    Mother's birthplace: Connecticut
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Occupation: Lawyer
    Marital Status: Single
    Race: White
    Gender: Male
    :

    :

    :

    :

    :
    Household Members: Name Age
    James H. Welles 27
    Emily S. Welles 40
    Mary J. Welles 29
    Huldah Waldert 18
    Thomas Muldoon 24
    John Kavanaugh 50; Household Member=Emily Sophia Welles, Household Member=Mary Jane Welles
  • (Head of Household) Census: 1900; Norwich, New London Co., Connecticut, USA;
    1900 United States Federal Census
    about James H Welles
    Name: James H Welles
    Home in 1900: Norwich, New London, Connecticut
    Age: 46
    Birth Date: Jun 1853
    Birthplace: Connecticut
    Race: White
    Gender: Male
    Relationship to Head of House: Head
    Father's Birthplace: Connecticut
    Mother's Birthplace: Connecticut
    Spouse's name: Mary E
    Marriage Year: 1882
    Marital Status: Married
    Years Married: 18
    Occupation: View on Image
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Household Members: Name Age
    James H Welles 46
    Mary E Welles 47
    Phillip T Welles 17
    Russell Welles 8
    Winifred Welles 7

    ; Household Member=Russell Welles, Household Member=Winifred Welles, Household Member=Mary Elizabeth Waite, Household Member=Phillip Turner Welles

Family: Mary Elizabeth Waite b. 3 May 1853, d. 22 Apr 1913

Citations

  1. Military Record, CT Soc of CT Colonial Sol, No.307, No. 5578, Pedigree 1.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Mary Elizabeth Waite1,2

F, #16537, b. 3 May 1853, d. 22 April 1913
  • Reference: W015 ID999
  • Nam-Std: Mrs. Wells (Waite)
  • Married Name: September 1881; Mrs. Welles (Waite)
  • Married Name: September 1881; Mrs. Wells (Waite)
  • Married Name: September 1881; Mrs. Wells (Waite)
  • Married Name: September 1881; Mrs. Wells (Waite)
  • (Household Member) Census: 1900; Norwich, New London Co., Connecticut, USA;
    1900 United States Federal Census
    about James H Welles
    Name: James H Welles
    Home in 1900: Norwich, New London, Connecticut
    Age: 46
    Birth Date: Jun 1853
    Birthplace: Connecticut
    Race: White
    Gender: Male
    Relationship to Head of House: Head
    Father's Birthplace: Connecticut
    Mother's Birthplace: Connecticut
    Spouse's name: Mary E
    Marriage Year: 1882
    Marital Status: Married
    Years Married: 18
    Occupation: View on Image
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Household Members: Name Age
    James H Welles 46
    Mary E Welles 47
    Phillip T Welles 17
    Russell Welles 8
    Winifred Welles 7

    ; Head of Household=James Howard Welles
  • (Head of Household) Census*: 1910; Norwich, New London Co., Connecticut, USA;
    1910 United States Federal Census
    about Mrs Mary W Willes
    Name: Mrs Mary W Willes
    [Mrs Mary W Mrs Weles]
    Age in 1910: 56
    [50]
    Estimated birth year: abt 1854
    [abt
    1860]
    Birthplace: Connecticut
    Relation to Head of House: Head
    Father's Birth Place: Connecticut
    Mother's Birth Place: England
    Home in 1910: Norwich, New London, Connecticut
    Marital Status: Widowed
    Race: White
    Gender: Female
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Household Members: Name Age
    Mrs Mary W Willes 56
    [50]
    Phillip W Willes 27
    Russell Willes 18
    Winifred Willes 17
    Anna Levitsky 28

    ; Household Member=Russell Welles, Household Member=Winifred Welles, Household Member=Phillip Turner Welles

Family: James Howard Welles b. 28 Jun 1853, d. 30 Jun 1909

Citations

  1. Military Record, CT Soc of CT Colonial Sol, No.307, No. 5578, Pedigree 1.
  2. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Samuel Welles (1)1

M, #16538, b. 9 July 1688, d. circa 16 October 1688
  • Reference: W015 ID703
  • Nam-Std: Wells (1)
  • (Head of Household) Census*: 1920; Colfax, Grant Parish, Louisiana, USA; 1920 United States Federal Census
    about Sam Wells
    Name: Sam Wells
    Home in 1920: Colfax, Grant, Louisiana
    Age: 40
    Estimated Birth Year: abt 1880
    Birthplace: Louisiana
    Relation to Head of House: Head
    Spouse's Name: Mildred Wells
    Father's Birth Place: Louisiana
    Mother's Birth Place: Louisiana
    Marital Status: Married
    Race: White
    Sex: Male
    Home owned: Own
    Able to read: Yes
    Able to Write: Yes
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Household Members: Name Age
    Sam Wells 40
    Mildred Wells 30
    Sam Wells 5 1/12
    Wilbur Wells 1

    ; Household Member=Dr. Wilbur G Wells, Household Member=Mildred I Long, Household Member=Samuel T Wells

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Henry Howell Welles (2)1

M, #16539, b. 14 January 1776, d. 20 May 1825
  • Reference: W015
  • Nam-Std: Wells (2)

Family: Silence Welles b. 9 Mar 1789, d. 23 Sep 1851

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.
  2. Unknown author, Provided by Edith Willoughby Wells, 194 Hidden Hollow Court, Edison, NJ 08820, 908-769-0459 .

Henry Howell Welles (1)1

M, #16540, b. 24 March 1773, d. 20 October 1775
  • Reference: W015
  • Birth*: 24 March 1773; Gilead, Tolland Co., Connecticut, USA1
  • (Deceased) Death*: 20 October 1775; Gilead, Tolland Co., Connecticut, USA; died as a boy by upsetting a kettle of scalding water

    Birth: unknown
    Death: 1775

    Son of Capt John Howell Wells and Mary


    Burial:
    Gilead Cemetery
    Gilead
    Tolland County
    Connecticut, USA

    Created by: KC
    Record added: Mar 28, 2009
    Find A Grave Memorial# 352798101
  • Name Variation: Howell Wells2,1

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.
  2. Cemetery Records, HEBRON CEMETERY RECORDS From the Connecticut Headstones by Charles R. Hale, State Necrologist, found at the CT State Library GILEAD CEMETERY, WELLES:
    Harmon, s of Reuben, & Mary, d Apr. 23, 1800, 1 yr
    Henry, s of Capt. Edmond & Mary, d Mar. 30, 1763, 12 yrs
    Horace, s of John & Lucy, d Apr 1, 1797, 8 mos
    Howell, s of Capt. John Howell & Mary, d Oct. 29, 1775, 2 yrs
    James, Lt., 2nd Regt. of Light Dragoons, s of Edmond & Mary, d Continental Service Sept. 23, 1781, 29 yrs, buried at Crump Pond, NY.

Alfred Welles1

M, #16541, b. 17 January 1779, d. 5 January 1847
  • Reference: W015
  • Note*: Alfred learned silversmithing at Norwich, CT and established business at Cornhill, Boston, Mass. Prospered and retired to Cambridge, Mass, d. Gilead Parish, Hebron, Ct. Two of his sons were in business in Boston, Mass. They had six children, all born at Boston, Mass and none of them married
  • Nam-Std: Wells
  • (Head of Household) Census*: circa 1800; Norwich, New London Co., Connecticut, USA; apprenticed to learn silversmithing1
  • (Head of Household) Census: before 1820; Cornhill, Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts, USA; established a silversmithing business in Cornhill1
  • (Head of Household) Census: circa 1840; Cambridge, Washington Co., New York, USA; retired to Cambridge1

Family: Maria Richards b. c 1780

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

James Welles1

M, #16542, b. 17 September 1781, d. 6 May 1835
  • Reference: W015
  • Nam-Std: Wells

Family: Nancy Caulkins b. 25 Oct 1789, d. 4 Aug 1859

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

George Welles1

M, #16543, b. 14 January 1784, d. 6 May 1827
  • Reference: W015
  • Nam-Std: Wells

Family: Clarissa Gelston b. c 1790

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.
  2. Unknown author, Provided by Edith Willoughby Wells, 194 Hidden Hollow Court, Edison, NJ 08820, 908-769-0459 .

Horace Welles1

M, #16544, b. 12 August 1796, d. 1 April 1797
  • Reference: W015
  • Nam-Std: Wells

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.
  2. Cemetery Records, HEBRON CEMETERY RECORDS From the Connecticut Headstones by Charles R. Hale, State Necrologist, found at the CT State Library GILEAD CEMETERY, WELLES:
    Harmon, s of Reuben, & Mary, d Apr. 23, 1800, 1 yr
    Henry, s of Capt. Edmond & Mary, d Mar. 30, 1763, 12 yrs
    Horace, s of John & Lucy, d Apr 1, 1797, 8 mos
    Howell, s of Capt. John Howell & Mary, d Oct. 29, 1775, 2 yrs
    James, Lt., 2nd Regt. of Light Dragoons, s of Edmond & Mary, d Continental Service Sept. 23, 1781, 29 yrs, buried at Crump Pond, NY.

Mary Bill Welles1

F, #16545, b. 19 January 1798, d. 7 March 1862
  • Reference: W015
  • Nam-Std: Wells

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Gustavus Adolphus Wells1

M, #16546, b. 17 February 1800, d. 9 November 1819
  • Reference: W015

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Harriet Maria Wells1

F, #16547, b. 21 March 1802, d. 14 April 1868
  • Reference: W015
  • Married Name: 4 November 1821; Mrs. Arnold (Wells)

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Lucy Matilda Wells1

F, #16548, b. 7 June 1804, d. 24 April 1867
  • Reference: W015

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Eliza Ann Wells1

F, #16549, b. 4 March 1806, d. 5 January 1882
  • Reference: W015
  • Married Name: September 1833; Mrs. Little (Wells)

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Larissa Maria Wells1

F, #16550, b. 10 December 1810, d. 14 January 1885
  • Reference: W015

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Mary Jerusha Wells1

F, #16551, b. 11 December 1811, d. 26 September 1866
  • Reference: W015

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

George Howell Wells1

M, #16552, b. 17 February 1814, d. 6 July 1866
  • Reference: W015
  • (Witness) Note: circa 1825; Waterloo, Seneca Co., New York, USA; after the death of her husband, Sila moved her children; Principal=Silence Welles
  • (Head of Household) Census: 1850; can't find; Household Member=Charles Avery Wells
  • (Head of Household) Census*: 1860; Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York, USA;
    1860 United States Federal Census
    about George H Wells
    Name: George H Wells
    Age in 1860: 47
    Birth Year: abt 1813
    Birthplace: Connecticut
    Home in 1860: Brooklyn Ward 12 District 2, Kings, New York
    Gender: Male
    Post Office: Brooklyn
    Value of real estate: View image
    Household Members: Name Age
    George H Wells 47
    Maria Wells 40
    Rvd Eli Wheeler 72 [father in law minister]
    Chas Wells 12
    Cthm Camney 23; Household Member=Maria Clarinda Wheeler, Household Member=Charles Avery Wells

Family: Maria Clarinda Wheeler b. 1822

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Ann Wells1

F, #16553, b. 20 September 1815
  • Reference: W015
  • (Witness) Note: circa 1825; Waterloo, Seneca Co., New York, USA; after the death of her husband, Sila moved her children; Principal=Silence Welles
  • Married Name: circa 1835; Mrs. Hadley (Wells)
  • (Household Member) Census: 1850; Waterloo, Seneca Co., New York, USA;
    1850 United States Federal Census
    about Sila Inslee
    Name: Sila Inslee
    Age: 56
    Estimated birth year: abt 1794
    Birth Place: Connecticut
    Gender: Female
    Home in 1850 (City,County,State): Waterloo, Seneca, New York
    Family Number: 1088
    Household Members: Name Age
    S G Hadley 37
    A W Hadley 35
    Augusta Hadley 8
    Larissa Hadley 39
    A G Lucas 20
    S G Lucas 17
    Sila Inslee 56
    Jane Miller 20

    ; Head of Household=Silence Welles

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

John Alfred Wells1

M, #16554, b. 1818, d. 16 August 1841
  • Reference: W015

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.

Henry Carter Wells1

M, #16555, b. 18 May 1821, d. 7 July 1868
  • Reference: W015
  • Note: Seneca County, New York Will Testators
    WELLES, BETSY JUNIUS NY-50-L-59
    WELLES, HENRY C. WATERLOO NY-50-J-257
    WELLES, RACHEL JUNIUS NY-50-A2-305
    WELLES, SAMUEL R. SENECA NY-50-U2-121
    WELLES, SAMUEL R. WATERLOO NY-50-U2-230
    SHOTWELL, WILLIAM RAHWAY, , NJ NY-50-D-412
  • Note: Henry C. Welles, 1821-1868


    Henry Carter Welles was born in Glastonbury, CT on May 13, 1821. His mother brought the family to live with relatives in Waterloo, Seneca County, NY sometime after 1825. Little else is known about his early life.
    Henry married in the 1850's and the couple had three children, all of whom died in chidhood. He became a prominent druggist in Waterloo and was elected to village offices as well as being a member of church and fraternal groups.
    While Henry was well known at the time, he would probably be forgotten today by all but descendants except for a comment that he made to townspeople in the summer of 1865. At a social gathering, Henry suggested that a day should be set aside to honor the dead of the Civil War. The next year, he repeated his suggestion to General John B. Murray. The two men and a group formed of local citizens gained the support of the village, and on May 5, 1866, the first complete observance of Memorial Day took place in Waterloo, NY.
    While it was widely known at the time that Henry Welles was largely responsible for the first Memorial Day, the more prominent General Murray overshadowed him in gaining recognition outside the village. The Centennial Committee, formed in Waterloo for the 100th observance in 1966, found the newspapers of the time gave Henry credit for suggesting the first Memorial Day.
    Henry C. Welles died in July, 1868, but had lived long enough to see Memorial Day nationally proclaimed by General John Logan of the G.A.R. His obituary in the Geneva Times, one of few death notices in the papers in this time period, was statement of his importance in the community

    Birthplace of Memorial Day
    Waterloo, New York


    The story of Memorial Day begins in the summer of 1865, when a prominent local druggist, Henry C. Welles, mentioned to some of his friends at a social gathering that while praising the living veterans of the Civil War it would be well to remember the patriotic dead by placing flowers on their graves. Nothing resulted from this suggestion until he advanced the idea again the following spring to General John B. Murray. Murray, a civil war hero and intensely patriotic, supported the idea wholeheartedly and marshalled veterans' support. Plans were developed for a more complete celebration by a local citizens' committee headed by Welles and Murray.

    On May 5, 1866, the Village was decorated with flags at half mast, draped with evergreens and mourning black. Veterans, civic societies and residents, led by General Murray, marched to the strains of martial music to the three village cemeteries. There impressive ceremonies were held and soldiers' graves decorated. One year later, on May 5, 1867, the ceremonies were repeated. In 1868, Waterloo joined with other communities in holding their observance on May 30th, in accordance with General Logan's orders. It has been held annually ever since.

    Waterloo held the first formal, village wide, annual observance of a day dedicated to honoring the war dead. On March 7, 1966, the State of New York recognized Waterloo by a proclamation signed by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. This was followed by recognition from Congress of the United States when the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 587 on May 17th and May 19th, 1966 respectively. This reads in part as follows: "Resolved that the Congress of the United States, in recognition of the patriotic tradition set in motion one hundred years ago in the Village of Waterloo, NY, does hereby officially recognize Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day..."

    On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed a Presidential Proclamation recognizing Waterloo as the Birthplace of Memorial Day
  • Name Variation: Henry Carton Welles
  • (Witness) Note: circa 1825; Waterloo, Seneca Co., New York, USA; after the death of her husband, Sila moved her children; Principal=Silence Welles
  • (Head of Household) Census*: 1850; can't find
  • (Head of Household) Census: 1860; Waterloo, Seneca Co., New York, USA;
    1860 United States Federal Census
    about Henry Welles
    Name: Henry Welles
    Age in 1860: 39
    Birth Year: abt 1821
    Birthplace: New York
    Home in 1860: Waterloo, Seneca, New York
    Gender: Male
    Post Office: Waterloo
    Value of real estate: View image
    Household Members: Name Age
    Henry Welles 39
    Josephine Welles 26
    Hadley Welles 2
    Helen Welles 8/12
    Susan Gaunt 14
    Catharine Breen 22

    ; Household Member=Helen Welles, Household Member=Hadley Welles, Household Member=Josephine Shotwell

Family: Josephine Shotwell b. 1834

Citations

  1. Wells Surname DNA Study,Orin Wells, Wells Surname DNA Study.