Background
Wells, John Walter was born on March 30, 1848 in near Davenport, Iowa, United States. Son of Alexander and Julia (Carter) Wells.
Wells, John Walter was born on March 30, 1848 in near Davenport, Iowa, United States. Son of Alexander and Julia (Carter) Wells.
Public schools and commercial college.
Began as bookkeeper with Menominee River Boom Company, 1869, and later served in all departments of lumbering and milling. Organizer, 1882, and vice-president and general manager, Girard Lumber Company. Organized, 1887, Bird & Wells Lumber Company, operators at Wausaukee, for 22 years.
Bought interest in I. Stephenson Company, Wells, Michigan, 1898. Organized and built the Escanaba & Lake Superior Railway (145 miles). Bought and operated Fort River Lumber Company.
Reorganized and placed these companies under own management, selling interest in same, 1908. Built, 1893, became vice-president and general manager Dunbar & Wausaukee Railway (55 miles), and, 1903, president Wisconsin Northwestern Railway (40 miles). President White Pine Lumber Company, Wells-Lloyd Company, Northern Hardware & Supply Company (wholesale).
President Menominee River Sugar Company Mayor of Menominee 3 terms. Progressive.
Mason.
Married Isabelle Crawford, December 1873 (died 1909). Married second, Catherine Jamfeson, December 1911.