William H. Wells (January 7, 1769 - March 11, 1829) was a lawyer and politician from Dagsboro, in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the Federalist Party, who served in the Delaware General Assembly and as U.S. Senator from Delaware. born in Burlington, N.J., January 7, 1769; received a liberal education; engaged in mercantile pursuits at Dagsboro and Millsboro, Del.; studied law; admitted to the bar and practiced at Georgetown, Del.; moved to Dover, Del.; member, Delaware general assembly 1794-1798; elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Joshua Clayton and served from January 17, 1799, to November 6, 1804, when he resigned; again elected as a Federalist to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of James A. Bayard and served from May 28, 1813, to March 3, 1817; was not a candidate for reelection in 1816; resumed the practice of law and was interested in the oil business in Pennsylvania, where the town of Wellsboro was named in his honor; died near Dagsboro, Sussex County, Del., on March 11, 1829; interment in Prince George’s Churchyard, near Dagsboro.
Political Offices Preceded by: Joshua Clayton U.S. Senator from Delaware (class 2) February 4, 1799 - November 6, 1804 Succeeded by: James A. Bayard Preceded by: James A. Bayard U.S. Senator from Delaware (class 2) June 10, 1813 - March 3, 1817 Succeeded by: Nicholas Van Dyke
