Peter Nowell, Black, born in Maine circa 1790, was listed as residing as a pauper at the Wells Town Farm in 1850 and 1860, and died there in 1866.

The 1850 Census for Wells listed Peter Nowell as 60, Black, pauper, unknown place of birth. He was the only person of color listed in the 1850 Wells census (and none were listed in Kennebunk or Kennebunkport). There are 16 others listed as paupers; all are white.

The 1860 Census for Wells (barely legible) listed Peter Nowell as 70, Black, pauper, place of birth: Maine. He was the only person of color listed in the 1860 Wells census.

"Wells Death records list Peter Nowell (colored) who died 29 July 1866 at the town farm." - Shelley, p. 154

The 1820 Census for Wells lists a Peter Nowell in an apparent entry for a person of color. It is the last entry for that census, and does not show a count for any "Free White Males." The count for "Free Colored Persons" would be on the opposite page, which does not appear in the records that appear online. So this could be the same Peter Nowell, at age 30, who was listed as a pauper in 1850 and 1860.

Note that there is also a record for a Peter Nowell in the 1830 Wells census. This record is for a White man with a family of 8.

Bibliography:

1820 US Census for Wells

1850 US Census for Wells

1860 US Census for Wells

Town of Wells Vital Records

My Name is Wells - Hope M. Shelley (2002)