Biographical Note
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1828, June 17 | Born, Springfield, Mass. |
| 1847 | Graduated, Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. |
| 1848 | Joined staff of Springfield Republican, Springfield, Mass. |
| 1851 | Graduated, Lawrence Scientific School, Cambridge, Mass. |
| 1857 | Partner, G. P. Putnam & Co. Compiled The Science of Common Things. New York: Ivison & Phinney; Chicago: S. C. Griggs & Co. |
| 1858 | Published Wells's Principles and Applications of Chemistry. New York and Chicago: Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor Co. |
| 1860 | Married Mary Sanford Dwight |
| 1861 | Published Wells's First Principles of Geology. New York: Ivison, Phinney & Co.; Chicago: S. C. Griggs & Co. |
| 1863 | Published Wells's Natural Philosophy. New York: Ivison, Phinney & Co.; Chicago: S. C. Griggs & Co. |
| 1864 | Published Our Burden and Strength. New York: Loyal Publication Society |
| 1865 | Appointed chairman, National Revenue Commission Appointed special commissioner of the revenue |
| 1869 | Chairman, New York State Tax Commission |
| 1871 | Published Local Taxation. New York: Harper & Brothers |
| 1876 | Unsuccessful candidate for Congress Receiver, Alabama & Chattanooga Railroad |
| 1878 | Member, Board of Arbitration of Associated Railways |
| 1898, Nov. 5 | Died, Norwich, Conn. |