Wells, Lysander, 1812?-1840

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Lysander Wells was born to Lysander and Clarissa Wells in Middletown, Connecticut circa 1812. His father passed away, leaving the son to support his mother and two sisiters, Adaline Louisa and Adelia Wells. Pursuing opportunities in the West, Wells enlisted as a second lieutenant in Sidney Sherman's company of volunteers December 18, 1835 and proceeded to Texas from Kentucky. During the January 25, 1836 reorganization of the Texas army, Wells was commissioned a major and fought in a position of cavalry command at the Battle of San Jacinto. He was confirmed a lieutenant-colonel by the Texas Senate May 22, 1837. He was made colonel by President Sam Houston in 1838 and received command of the first regiment of cavalry January 30, 1839. In the autumn of 1839, he returned to Connecticut to visit his mother and two sisters, whom he continued to support financially. Wells returned to Texas in January 1840 and resumed command of the First Texas Cavalry. After participating in the Council House fight March 19, 1840, Wells entered into an argument with Captain William D. Redd. The two men fought a duel May 9, 1840. Redd was killed instantly, and Wells died twenty days later.

From the guide to the Lysander Wells papers MC017. 46953096., 1836-1840, (Bulk: 1839-1840), (Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library, )

Lysander Wells was born to Lysander and Clarissa Wells in Middletown, Connecticut circa 1812. His father passed away, leaving the son to support his mother and two sisters. Pursuing opportunities in the West, Wells enlisted as a second lieutenant in Sidney Sherman's company of volunteers December 18, 1835 and proceeded to Texas from Kentucky. Wells was commissioned a major and fought in a position of cavalry command at the Battle of San Jacinto. He advanced in rank to colonel by 1838 and received command of the first regiment of cavalry January 30, 1839. After participating in the Council House fight March 19, 1840, Wells fought a duel with Captain William D. Redd. Both men were killed.

From the description of Lysander Wells papers, 1836-1840, (bulk 1839-1840). (San Jacinto Museum of History). WorldCat record id: 46953096

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Smith, John W. (John William), 1792-1845. John W. Smith papers, 1822-1934. Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library
creatorOf Wells, Lysander, 1812?-1840. Lysander Wells papers, 1836-1840, (bulk 1839-1840). San Jacinto Museum of History
creatorOf Lysander Wells papers MC017. 46953096., 1836-1840, (Bulk: 1839-1840) Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library,
referencedIn Smith, John W. (John William), 1792-1845. John W. Smith papers, 1822-1934. Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Daingerfield, William Henry, 1808-1878 person
associatedWith Dunlap, Richard G., d. 1841 person
associatedWith Evans, John S., d. 1841 person
associatedWith Smith, Erastus, 1787-1837 person
associatedWith Smith, John W. (John William), 1792-1845. person
associatedWith Texas. Army corporateBody
associatedWith Tod, John Grant, 1808-1877 person
associatedWith Wells, Adaline, fl. 1839-1840 person
associatedWith Wells, Adelia, fl. 1839-1840 person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Middletown (Conn.)
Galveston (Tex.)
Texas
Galveston (Tex.)
Texas
Middletown (Conn.)
Subject
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1812

Death 1840

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