Nathaniel Wells (1740-1816) was "one of the most valuable and distinguished of the inhabitants of Wells." He presumably inherited Jeff from his mother Dorothy. Please refer to the "Research Articles & Highlights" entry entitled "A Negro Man Jeff" for additional information.

Nathaniel Wells "during his active life, had been one of the most valuable and distinguished of the inhabitants of Wells ... His father, rightly estimating the importance of knowledge, and perceiving in his son evidences of an intellect which might bring him forward to honor and usefulness, determined to give him the benefit of a liberal education. He was accordingly fitted for college, and entered Harvard University in 1756, whence he graduated in 1760....[It was not till many years later that] he returned to the old homestead in Wells, where he spent the remainder of his days. The people soon understood the value of such a man in the management of affairs of the common interest ... He was, in consequence, early placed in positions of responsibility. In 1770 he was one of the selectmen of the town ... Intelligence was received from Boston in May, 1773, that the liberties of the country were in peril, and Mr. Wells was appointed one of a committee of correspondence ... His father, who was town clerk, died in 1776, and he was chosen to fill the vacancy ... he was annually elected to the same office to the close of his life [thus serving as town clerk for forty years]. In 1779 he was chosen a delegate to the convention at Cambridge to form a constitution for the State of Massachusetts ... afterward he was Chief Justice of the Court, representative to the Legislature and member of the Senate ... his services were sought for on all matters of public interest ... His opinions carried with them great weight, and controlled the action of a majority of the people. - Bourne, pp. 611-13

"Judge Wells was an exceedingly useful man. On all matters involving the interests of the town, he was consulted with great confidence. Politically, he belonged to the Federal party, and was regarded as one of its most prominent supporters in the District of Maine." - Bourne, p. 614

Judge Nathaniel Wells presumably inherited Jeff from his mother Dorothy upon her death in 1776.

Bibliography:

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

The History of Wells and Kennebunk from the Earliest Settlement to the Year 1820 - by Edward Bourne (1875)