Marie _____

      Marie was born circa 1619 in England. Marie married William Welles II, son of William Wells [Welles] and Elizabeth (?), circa 1654 in the Town of Southold. Marie died April 1709 at the Town of Southold. Marie was also know as Mary, there are traditions that say that her maiden name was Youngs, but there is no evidence and there is no obvious place that she would fit into the known Young families on Long Island. Marie has been noted by historians as an extradinary woman of her time for those qualities necessary for colonial life such as energy, courage, and endurance, but more importantly for her learning and business capacity so unusual in her day and place. In fact her second husband entrusted her with the preparation of his legal records and documents because of her knowledge and skill. Marie had obviously learned well from her first husband, William. A point that speaks well of both William and Marie, especially considering the conservative society of which they were a part.