I am a third great-granddaughter to Freeman WELLS b. 1773 md. 19 Mar 1798 Martha COMBS. I checked the children of Joel and Abram WELLS (sons of Freeman) and could not find a James WELLS b. 1844. The closest I came was Freeman Jr. who married Sally Ann MASON. They had a son James Emanuel WELLS b. 5 Jan 1837 in Henry co., VA who married a Lucy G. WELLS 1 Dec 1877 in Howard co., MO and had a son, James b. 1878. Of course, I do not have marriage or children for Freeman Sr.'s last child, Tom WELLS b. 1813, so that may be the father you are looking for. Best wishes and happy hunting!