General Notes

"Biographical Directory of American Colonial and Revolutionary Governors16
07-1789", by John W. Raimo, Meckler Books:
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Immigrated to New England, probably in late 1635, and had settled in Bosto
n, Massachusetts by June 1636. Moved to Hartford, Connecticut a short ti
me later, where he lived until he moved to Wethersfield following his seco
nd marriage. Named an Assistant of the Connecticut Beneral Court in 163
7, an office which he held until his death. Chosen Treasurer of Connectic
ut in 1639, and served for two years; also acted as treasurer from 16
48 to 1652. Served as Secretary of the colony from April 1640 to 1648. Bec
ame a Commissioner of the United Colonies in 1649 and again in 1659, filli
ng that office on each occasion for a term of one year. Elected Deputy Gov
ernor of Connecticut on a yearly basis in 1654 (when he also served as chi
ef executive in the absence of Bovernor Hopkins), 1656, 1657 and 1659; ele
cted Governor in 1655 and 1658.
During the 1650's Welles was perhaps the most prominent political figu
re in Connecticut, especially after the death of John Haynes in January 16
54 and the departure of Edward Hopkins for England a short time earlier. W
elles' years as chief executive were most noeworthy for the divisions whi
ch disrupted several of the colony's Congregational churches. Indeed, in t
he 1650's a schism had split the church in the governor's own home to
wn of Wethersfield. Although the General Court was unsuccessful in its att
empt to restore peace, the matter had resolved itself by the end of Welle
s' second period in office, when dissenting members from the affected cong
regations united to establish their own church in Hadley, Massachusetts, f
urther up the Connecticut River.
Following his service as chief executive, Welles was reelected deputy gove
rnor in the spring of 1659, but he did not live to complete the term. He d
ied in Wethersfield, Connecticut on January 14, 1660, and was probably bur
ied in that community.