Gideon Welles (July 1, 1802-February 11, 1878), the son of Samuel and Ann (Hale) Welles, was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut. His father was a shipping merchant and fervent Jeffersonian. Gideon graduated from the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy in Vermont and eventually became editor of the Hartford Times, served in the state legislature (1827-1835), and in other government offices. He left the Democratic Party over the slavery issue and helped organize the Republican Party. In 1861, President Lincoln selected Welles as his Secretary of the Navy. Welles continued at that post until the end of Andrew Johnson's term, supporting the embattled President against the Radical Republicans.
From the description of Welles family papers, 1721-1871 [microform]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 81963318
