In 1835 they removed to Sing Sing, where he continued his studies at Mount Pleasant Academy, then under his brother's charge, and at the conclusion of his preparatory course entered Yale College and graduated in 1839. He returned to Sing Sing and studied law in the office of General Aaron Ward, who was associated with Albert Lockwood, and remained till 1842, being ' for a portion of the time assistant teacher in Mount Pleasant Academy. He then removed to White Plains and studied with Minott Mitchell, was admitted to the bar as attorney and solicitor in October, 1842, and in 1845 as counselor-at-law.

Upon his admission he removed to Peekskill and established his practice in partnership with John Currey. This partnership was dissolved five years later. Mr. Wells has continued the business till the I present time, and has established not only an extensive practice, but a highly honorable reputation as a counselor. In 1850 he was nominated by the Whigs for district attorney, was elected by a majority of three hundred and thirty and at the conclusion of his term re-elected by the largely increased majority of one thousand one hundred, and declining a nomination for a third term, devoted his time and labors to the practice of his profession.

He has ever taken an active part in all efforts to promote the moral welfare of the community and was for several years president of the Westchester County Bible Society. He is a zealous advocate of the temperance cause and fearlessly supports its principles. At the formation of the Republican party in j 1854, he found its views coincident with his own, and has ever since been a prominent member of that organization. Fervid in his opposition to slavery, he i was a firm supporter of the Union in the war which | ended in the destruction of the system which had so long been a blot on the nation.