Wells (Charles) is born in Boston.

The son of Thomas and Elizabeth (White) Wells, Charles Wells is subsequently described as “completely self-taught,” and becomes a bricklayer and mason. He marries Nancy Gardner, serves on the Boston Common Council (1822), the Board of Aldermen (1829-30), and as mayor of Boston (1832-33). Wells subsequently serves in the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1826 & 1834) and Senate (1829-32), and as president of the Massachusetts Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He dies on June 23, 1866.