Capt. Samuel Jefferds (1729-1790) and his mother-in-law Priscilla Hill "brought Pegg, a Negro" to Wells in 1761.

Capt. Samuel Jefferds was the son of the Reverend Samuel Jefferds (1704-1752) and Sarah Wheelwright Jefferds (1706-1762). He married Hannah Hill, a daughter of Joseph Hill (who enslaved Sharper, Plato and Tom). He was an older brother of Capt. Simon Jefferds (who inherited Asher from their mother Sarah).

"Samuel Jefferds and Priscilla Hill brought Pegg, a Negro, [to Wells] in 1761." - Shelley, p. 153. Priscilla (Littlefield) Hill was Hannah's mother and Capt. Samuel's mother-in-law.

"A Record of Infant Females baptized in the Church at Wells, being bro't thereunto by such as were not their Parents, but who have taken the Charge of them: 1761, Oct. 18 - Pegg, Negro, Bro't by Saml. Jefferds & Priscilla Hill."

Capt Samuel Jefferds founded a tavern in 1754 and ran it until his death in 1790. His son William joined and succeeded him in running the tavern, and was the innkeeper most strongly associated with the tavern.

The relationship between Pegg, Capt. Samuel Jefferds, and Priscilla Hill, has not been determined. It is presumed here that Pegg was enslaved by one of them.

Bibliography:

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

Records of the First Church of Wells, as transcribed in 6 issues of the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol 75-76, 1921-22