Eddie, From my VA files I have some information, of which all need to be confirmed. 1792 Richard Wells of North Carolina low lands, brought a large family and settled in the upper Powell Valley in the present limits of Wise County. William Wells probable son of Richard was one of the first men to purchase land in Wild Cat Valley. 1805 Zachariah Wells, son of Richard Wells purchased a tract of land at the mouth of Looney's Creek. The lower part of the town of Appalachia is now built on this land. 1819 Robert Wells purchased 100 acres of land "near the three forks of Powell river," from Zachariah Wells. I gotta go, get ready for church. I will chech the remainder of my files and census records later today. Regards, Skip