[2] He enlisted in the Confederate States Army in 1861 and served throughout the American Civil War, attaining the rank of captain in Company B, Fourth Georgia Cavalry.

[2] He studied law, was admitted to the bar and entered private practice in Atlanta from 1866 to 1871.

[1] Wellborn was elected as a Democrat from Texas's 3rd congressional district and Texas's 6th congressional district to the United States House of Representatives of the 46th United States Congress and to the three succeeding Congresses, serving from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1887.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 1, 1895, and received his commission the same day.

[2] Wellborn's daughter married Burton E. Green, a co-founder of Beverly Hills, California.