Yavapai County AZ Archives Biographies.....Wells, E. W. February 14, 1846 - living in 1896
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Author: McFarland & Poole

p. 459-460

  HON. E. W. WELLS. He whose name heads this sketch is regarded as one of the
leading lawyers and capitalists of Arizona Territory, commands the respect of
all who know him and is a living refutation of the popular idea that "there is
no honest lawyer." His attention has not been given wholly to his profession,
however, for he is the capable vice-president of the Bank of Arizona at
Prescott. Mr. Wells is a product of Lancaster, Ohio, where he was born February
14, 1846, a son of E. W. and Mary L. (Arnold) Wells, who were also natives of
the Buckeye State, the former of whom was a merchant the greater part of his
life. In the public schools of his native place the subject of this sketch
acquired a practical education, but at the early age of sixteen years he began
depending on his own resources for a livelihood, left the shelter of the
parental roof and went to Colorado, where he was engaged in mining and other
employment for two years. In 1864 he came to Arizona and located in Prescott,
where he followed various occupations, such as mining, ranching, stock raising,
etc. For a number of years his earnings were largely invested in mining
interests. The population of Prescott at that time numbered a few hundred and
the country surrounding it was very wild and rough, inhabited by hostile
Indians, who very often committed serious depredations, himself suffering
losses, etc., at their hands, but Mr. Wells stayed on, made the most of the many
opportunities that came in his way, and eventually success crowned his efforts.
   He has been engaged in mining more or less continuously since he came to the
place and shortly after locating here began the study of law under the
instruction of Chief Justice William F. Turner, and in 1875 was admitted to the
bar. In 1867 he was appointed clerk of the District Court and. held the same
until his admission to the bar, and during the same time held the office of
county recorder for several years. In 1875 he was elected district attorney of
Yavapai County, in which capacity he served one term and a portion of another
term, when he resigned, having received the appointment of United States
Assistant District Attorney for the Third District of Arizona. The duties of
this office he discharged with fidelity and intelligence for two years, when he
resigned, but continued the practice of his profession, for which he seems to
have a natural adaptability, for in his practice he has shown a high degree of
learning and proficiency. His reputation and record are first-class for
integrity and trustworthiness in all matters entrusted to him, he is careful and
painstaking in all pleadings and court proceedings, and for clearness and
accuracy of all legal instruments drawn by him ranks high in his profession. He
served with distinction for two terms as councilman in the Legislature of
Arizona and in 1887 was appointed one of three commissioners by the Governor to
revise the statutes of the territory, Mr. Wells being the only Republican on the
committee and receiving his appointment from a Democratic Governor. The work was
brought to a very satisfactory conclusion and received general praise from the
public. For thirteen years he was professionally associated with Hon. John A.
Rush and for some time was also associated with Chief Justice Sumner Howard on
his retiring from the Supreme Bench of the Territory, with whom he became well
known. Mr. Wells retired from the practice of law in 1883, but in 1889 was
appointed United States District Judge, receiving his commission from President
Harrison, and during the two years that he served in this capacity he showed the
utmost impartiality and his decisions were always considered just.

While wearing the judicial robe he made a fine record and won many friends, but
in 1891 he resigned his judgeship on account of his pressing private business,
to which his entire attention has since been given. In 1883 he was made
vice-president of the Bank of Arizona, a position he has since held. He is
interested in various mining companies and also owns considerable real estate
and property throughout the Territory. He is an. exemplary citizen,
public-spirited and ever alive to progress, and labors unceasingly for Arizona's
welfare. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of the Mystic Shrine.
Mr. Wells was married in 1869 to Miss Rosa G. Banghart, a native of London,
Canada, and this marriage has resulted in the birth of five children, two sons
and three daughters.


Additional Comments:
From:

A Historical and Biographical Record of the Territory of Arizona
Published by
McFarland & Poole, Chicago, 1896

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/az/yavapai/bios/gbs21wells.txt

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