According to the bill of sale, Peter was about 22 years old when Thomas Wells of Deerfield, Massachusetts purchased him in 1731, from John Cook of Windsor, Connecticut. In 1734, Peter and Wells's enslaved man, Adam, confessed wrongdoing before the church. Both men were baptized the following day. Peter was treated by Dr. Thomas Williams in 1749 and 1750. Wells's nephew, Thomas Dickinson (1718-1814) inherited his uncle's estate, including Peter, who was listed in Wells's probate inventory: "a flail 8d, Peter Negro £160, two bagg & a Portmanteau 4/9, Cyder 21/8..."
| Entry | Source | Vol Name | Date | entry id |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ...sell & Dispose of my Negro man Peter, (aged about Twenty Two years,) to him Said Thomas Wells... | Deerfield Town Records | Deerfield Town Records 5-VIII, Box 11, Folder A-1 | 1731 Nov 4 | 2390 |
| Mr Cooks Bill of Sale to Capt Wells [?] 1731 of his "Negro Man Peter" | Deerfield Town Records | Deerfield Town Records 5-VIII, Box 11, Folder A-1 | 1731 Nov 4 | 2391 |
| 2 visits Peter 1/4 | Dr. Thomas Williams Acct. Book | 1750 Oct 26 | 727 | |
| To Emp. Corrab [?] 10/ for Peter | Dr. Thomas Williams Acct. Book | 1749 Dec 24 | 913 | |
| Peter Wells to a Cotton [check] 6/6, Cr by spaying a pig | Elijah Williams Day Book | Oct 22, 1753 - Dec 25, 1754; Volume 4 | -- | 932 |
| • ...and Peter his Servant Confessed Sins of drunkeness & stealing and they were received into Charity with people" | First Church of Deerfield [MA] | Single | 1734 Jun 15 | 1022 |