Nathaniel Wells (1705-1776) was Deacon, Town Clerk and operated a tannery. He had a "negro servant" who he left in his will to his wife Dorothy. Please refer to the "Research Articles & Highlights" entry entitled "A Negro Man Jeff" for additional information.

Nathaniel "was the first Deacon Nathaniel Wells, of Wells, and was Town Clerk for many years. He is described in deeds as a 'tanner.'" and he operated a tannery with his father, Thomas. - Charles K. Wells, p. 15

"Thomas ... carried on a tannery in company with his son Nathaniel." - Charles K. Wells, p. 16"

"Nathaniel [was] usually designated by the title of 'Town Clerk.'" - Charles K. Wells, p. 17

The 1776 will of Nathaniel Wells states - "I give to my beloved wife Dorothy Wells ... one-half of the house and barn ... Also I give her my negro servant"

1776 probate record of Nathaniel Wells states "to my wife Dorothy Wells ... my Negro servant"

Bibliography:

Genealogy of the Wells Family of Wells, Maine - Charles K. Wells (1874)

Maine Probate Abstracts Vol II 1775-1800 - John Eldridge Frost (1991)