Richard Wells
Richard Wells was of Herring Creek, Anne Arundel County. He was a Chirurgeon and Gentleman. It is suggested that this family descended from the family of de Wells, which held positions of barony in England. It is believed that he carried his family's seal with him to Maryland. The impression is found on various family records. The seal imprint is of the arms of the Wells of Saltash, County Cornwall, England. The arms picture a shield with a chevron on which are spots between three birds and a horse's head for the crest. In 1653, he came
to Maryland with eleven others. It is believed that he financed his passage to Virginia, where he took a wife, Frances. She was a "lady of quality" and
gave indications of a prestigious ancestry as well. Their daughter Mary Wells, married Thomas Stockett.
He had much land, and his plantation took on the characteristics of an English estate, with black and white servants. He held the position of a Justice of the Peace and was a member of the Quorum in 1660.
In his will it is stated: "I do give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary wife unto Mr. Thomas Stockett three cowes to be delivered after my decease in the County of Anne
Arundel".
He also maintained an estate in Britain. His Maryland estate was inventoried, reflecting a wealth in shipping, as well as his profession of chirurgeon. He even owned shares in the ship "Baltimore", and "His Majesty" owed him money. It is said that Lord Baltimore deeded to him "Benjamin's Choice" on September 11, 1663, which was passed on to his son Benjamin.
Sources: Anne Arundel Gentry, Vol. 2; Founders of Anne Arundel And Howard Counties; Maryland Calendar of Wills, Vol. 1*
picture: Knapp families