[1] He was born in Utica, New York on June 10, 1814, where his mother had gone to recuperate, while Buffalo was being rebuilt after the December 1813 burning.

[citation needed] He became a joiner's apprentice and found employment with Benjamin Rathbun.

In September 1866, Mayor Wells received General Ulysses Grant, President Andrew Johnson, and members of his cabinet on their visit to Buffalo.

In 1870, Wells began importing sand for paving and building purposes from property purchased at Point Abino on Lake Erie.

[citation needed] He died on February 4, 1887, and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery.