If this is his first match, he was now 28 years of age, which is rather late in life for so good and successful a cricketer, and for one who afterwards played so long, to commence his career. He was one of the 'crack' players of England for several seasons and of the Hambledon Club when in its prime. His batting was good and effective, and to be depended on. His bowling was fast with a good delivery, being very successful. His fielding also was exceeding fine, and he was a dead shot at the wicket, being a noted single-wicket player; likewise was a short thick-set man, active and laborious, possessing an excellent knowledge of the game. When questions were mooted his opinion would often be appealed to. His character was plain, simple, and uncompromising, civil, and differential, yet no cringer. He always went by the name of honest John Wells. He married the sister of William Beldham, and was born at Wrecclesham near Farnham, always residing there, following the trade of a baker. To show that this cricketer as well as his famous brother-in-law are not yet forgot in their native village, it may be stated that a small public house exists (1861) at Wrecclesham bearing the following extraordinary sign, 'The Rendezvous of the Celebrated Cricketers Beldham and Wells.' His name will be found in a great match as far on as 1815, and his brother James also, who played occasionally. His son (?) George Wells participated in some of the great contests of the day from 1814 to 1821. It may be here also mentioned that Farnham, or rather 20 miles circuit of that town, produced at that time most of the famous cricketers of the day. Wells died at his native village, but is buried at Farnham and in the churchyard there his tombstone (along with that of his wife bears the following inscription):—
also
JOHN WELLS
Who died December 15, 1835
Age 76.
