Background
Wells was born in England in 1814 and emigrated to the United States in 1839.
Wells was born in England in 1814 and emigrated to the United States in 1839.
His first known work in the United States is the Jonathan Sturges House in Connecticut. Wells has been credited with designing some of "the earliest Gothic Revival cottages in this country", a style later popularized by Andrew Jackson Downing. In February 1857, Wells was one of 13 architects who met to form an organization to "promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members" and "elevate the standing of the profession." The organization became the American Institute of Architects.
