RICHARD WELLS, Drummer in the American War for Independence

My GGGGGgrandfather, by James A. Strain, © 2004

I'll post more on Richard Wells after I receive permission from my best sources.  The basic facts are contained in the Haynsworth family information, and the Haynsworth-Furman book by H. C. Haynsworth.  He was a drummer in the Revolutionary War, and is said to have been a traveling music teacher.

As a drummer, Richard Wells is documented by several sources and rolls in the company (or companies) of Capt. Matthew Singleton.  Capt. Singleton's personal files are in the South Caroliniana Collection at the University of SC.  Richard Wells' Compiled Military Service Record (CMSR) is available on microfilm from the National Archives. Wells CMSR

In addition, Richard Wells signature (above) appears on an early document in the SC Archives agreeing to take up arms to defend his rights and freedom from oppression against Great Britain.  This predates the Declaration of Independence, and contains many names of his neighbors and relatives, as well as men who would serve with him in the Company of Horse while he was a drummer. 

The entire document, bearing the signatures of over 100 men and called the Revolutionary Association For Public Welfare for the District East of Wateree, was signed just after 19 Apr 1775 (the Boston Massacre).  It states:

Association~

South Carolina__

The actual commencement of Hostilities against this Continent, by the British Troops in the bloody Scene on the 19th of April last, near Boston & the Increase of arbitrary Impositions from a wicked and despotic Ministry - and the Dread of Instigated Insurrections in the Colonies, are Causes sufficient to drive oppressed People to the use of Arms:  We therefore the Subscribers, Inhabitants of South Carolina, holding ourselves bound by the most Sacred of all Obligations, the Duty of good Citizens toward an injured Country, and thoroughly convinced, that, under our present distressed Circumstances, we shall be Justified before God and Man, in resisting Force by Force, Do unite ourselves, under every Tie of Religion and of Honor and associate as a Band in her Defense against every Foe: Hereby solemnly engaging that, whenever our Continential or Provincial Councils shall decree it necessary, we will go forth and be ready to sacrifice our Lives and Fortunes to secure her Freedom and Safety.  This obligation to Continue in full Force until a Reconciliation shall take place between Great-Britain and America, upon constitutional Principals -- an Event which we most ardently desire.  And we will hold all those Persons inimical to the Liberty of the Colonies, who shall refuse to subscribe this Association.

The first record of Richard Wells is when he receives a grant for land from King George III, of England for 100 acres of land, dated 22 Aug 1771.

After the Independence of the United States, Richard appears on Jury Lists for the District East of the Wateree for 1778-79.

Richard Wells was married to Mary Haynsworth, and family information is preserved in the Bible of their son, Edward Wells.

Richard Wells and Mary Haynsworth had the following children:

Edward Wells (26 Feb 1770 - 12 Nov 1842)

Love Wells (b. 26 Jun 1775)

Henry Wells (b. 8 Dec 1777)

Elizabeth Wells (31 Jul 1780 - 24 Jul 1860)

Rachel Wells (b. 21 Dec 1782)