Wellman Family Genealogy & History

Thomas Wellman, born around 1615 in England, was a pivotal early settler of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the forefather of the New England Wellman family. His journey began at age 21 when he sailed from London to Barbados aboard the Hopewell during the Great Migration of Puritans. Eventually, Thomas made his way to Lynn, Massachusetts, where he settled around 1640. As a respected landowner, Thomas accumulated 180 acres in Lynn, leaving a significant legacy. His descendants played notable roles in the Salem witch trials and the American Revolutionary War, where at least thirty-four of his descendants participated, including Joseph Wellman of Wrentham and Thomas Wellman of Lynnfield.

Thomas Wellman's family expanded significantly through his marriage to Elizabeth, with whom he had five children: Abraham, Isaac, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Mary. His lineage continued through Abraham, who married Elizabeth Cogswell and inherited half of Thomas's land. Isaac, another son, inherited the other half and participated in King Philip's War. The Wellman family became deeply rooted in Massachusetts, with their homestead on Summer Street in Lynn remaining in the family for generations.

William Augustus Wellman was a renowned American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and military pilot, celebrated for his contributions to crime, adventure, and action films with a focus on aviation themes. He directed the first Best Picture Oscar winner, "Wings" (1927), and earned four Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Original Story for "A Star is Born" (1937). Wellman's aviation expertise stemmed from his decorated service as a World War I combat pilot, where he earned the Croix de Guerre with two palms.

Wellman was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, to Arthur Gouverneur Wellman, a Boston Brahmin and Cecilia McCarthy, an Irish immigrant. His lineage traces back to Puritan Thomas Wellman, an early settler of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and Francis Lewis, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

Manly Wade Wellman (1903–1986) was a celebrated American writer, renowned for his contributions to the fantasy and horror genres, especially stories set in the Appalachian Mountains. His work in pulps like Weird Tales earned him the title "the dean of fantasy writers" by Karl Edward Wagner. Wellman's versatility extended across genres, including science fiction, historical fiction, and detective fiction. He received prestigious accolades such as the World Fantasy Award and Edgar Allan Poe Award. A long-time resident of North Carolina, Wellman left a legacy that inspired the North Carolina Speculative Fiction Foundation to create an award in his honor in 2013.

Born in Kamundongo, Portuguese West Africa, Wellman was the son of Frederick Creighton Wellman, a medical officer who was adopted by a local chief. Manly's ancestry included Confederate South ties, colonial Virginia roots, and a mix of Gascon French and Native American heritage. His brothers were also notable figures: Paul Wellman, a well-published author, and Frederick Lovejoy Wellman, a distinguished plant pathologist. His multicultural background and rich family history played a significant role in shaping his literary career.

Phillip Lane Wellman, born on December 5, 1961, in Marlin, Texas, is a renowned American baseball coach and manager. Known for his passionate approach to the game, Wellman has had a storied career in minor league baseball. He currently serves as the bench coach for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, a High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wellman's career highlights include managing the Mississippi Braves to a Southern League championship in 2008 and gaining international fame for a memorable on-field tirade in 2007. His roles have spanned various teams, including Springfield Cardinals and San Antonio Missions, showcasing his extensive experience and dedication to the sport.