Chandler
J. Wells
1866-67
HISTORY
The Wells family name originated from ancestors that
were overseers of British and Welsh wells and springs, and
were charged with keeping them pure and poison free.
Chandler Joseph Wells 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. Not long
after that, his mother returned to Buffalo
with little "Chan."
In 1815 Joseph Wells opened a tannery on Main Street
near Allen Street, on part of his farm. It is said that
he also made the first brick in Buffalo
When Chan was young there was no regular police
force in the city, so Wells headed a group of youngsters that
took it upon themselves to maintain law and order. "Evil
doers stood as much in fear of this self-appointed group
as they ever did of a uniformed squad."
Chandler Wells had the advantage of attending private
school when he was young, later attending common school.
During his last two years of school he became a joiner's
apprentice, at age 17, with his brother Aldrich, said to
be the first white boy born west of the Genesee River.
Around this time Wells found employment with Benjamin
Rathbun
He later worked for John Drew, who saw the leadership qualities
that Wells possessed, and placed him in charge of the erection
of a building on Pearl and Tupper Streets.
In 1835 Wells formed a partnership with William B.
Hart as contractors and builders. This partnership would
last for twenty years, during which time they were very
successful.
At one time they owned three saw-mills around western
New York. In 1856 Wells built a saw-mill in West Seneca,
which he ran for six or seven years.
They built many buildings during this time, including
the State Arsenal on Broadway, built in 1857 and the Dart
mansion on Niagara and Georgia Streets.
In 1854 Wells was elected to his first public office,
as alderman for the second ward. He held that office continuously
until 1859.
In April, 1855 the amicable dissolution of the partnership
of Wells and William Hart was made.
Around 1857 Wells became interested in the grain
elevators
with his brother William, who was a foreman. Buffalo
was, and still is, the grain capital of the world, and Wells
thought he could improve upon Joseph Dart
's elevator design.
The first elevator constructed by Wells, "Wells
Elevator
," and later known as the "Wheeler Elevator
," had a storage capacity nearly double the Dart
Elevator, and could transfer nearly six times the amount of
grain an hour. This first elevator was built in 1857-58
and stood opposite the New York Central Railroad
freight house on Ohio Street. It became known as the Wheeler
Elevator.
On August 27, 1860, Wells leased what was known as
Coburn Square, at Buffalo
Creek
, Indiana and Ohio Streets. Here he built the Coburn Elevator,
which was destroyed by fire in 1863. On September 11, 1860,
he purchased additional property where he immediately erected
the "C. J. Wells Elevator
" Stone, brick, and lumber were used to reinforce the
elevator. It was made to be the model elevator of its day.
It had storage capacity of 350,000 bushels, and could elevate
8,000 bushels an hour.
The Buffalo
Academy of Fine Arts
was organized in November, 1862 by raising a picture fund of
$6,000 from thirteen men, including C. J. Wells, Bronson
C. Rumsey, and F. H. Root. The initial exhibition was held
on December 23, 1862, allowing Buffalo
to be only the third city in the country, other than Boston
and Philadelphia, to establish a permanent public art gallery.
In 1863 Wells was the unanimous Union Republican
candidate for Mayor. He was defeated by Democrat William
Fargo
on November 3, 1863, 6,431 to 5,986, as the Democrat ticket
was elected
Therefore, when the Union Republican Convention was
held on October 17, 1865, Wells was again their nominated
candidate.
He responded to this selection: "Having been
informed that my name has been selected by your body as
the Union Republican candidate for Mayor, it is due to yourselves
and myself that I should at an early moment indicate my
purpose in this regard. I had hoped another would have been
selected for this canvass-but as you have voluntarily honored
me with this nomination, I do not feel at liberty to decline
it."
The Democrats held their convention on October 14,
1865, nominating William Fargo
for a third term as mayor.
LIFE AS A MAYOR
Election day was held on November 7, 1865. This year
the Republicans were victorious as many of the local, county
and state nominations were elected.
Wells defeated Mayor Fargo
5,570 to 5,348. When he was elected, "a group of his friends
and supporters brought a small cannon to Swan Street, set
it up before his home, and saluted him."
Mayor Wells
' salary was $1,600 per year, approximately $133 a month.
The 1865 Common Council
met for the last time on January 3, 1866. After thanking the
appropriate people, the Mayor-elect was administered the
oath by Mayor Fargo
Mayor Wells
then swore in the aldermen and city officials.
After a recess, a committee was appointed to wait
upon Mayor Wells
and receive any communication "he might be pleased to make."
The Deputy Clerk read Mayor Wells
' Inaugural Address
to the Council.
"Gentlemen - In entering upon a new year, it
is proper that we should interchange congratulations upon
the present improved condition of our common country. The
year that has just [ended] has been full of startling events.
A...conspiracy has culminated in the assassination of a
much-loved and deeply lamented Chief Magistrate. A wicked
and unprovoked rebellion has yielded to the power of our
gallant army and navy, and the alarms and struggles of that
bloody conflict have given place to the blessings of peace.
"This change from war to peace demands of us
the most devout gratitude to Almighty God, through whose
intervention the Republic has been saved from the perils
that beset it.
"It is our duty to provide for a rigid enforcement
of the laws, and thereby secure the rights of person and
property and afford ample protection to the lives of our
fellow citizens.
"It is equally important also that we should
guard the finances of the city with strict and judicious
economy in expenditure, and as far as practicable occurs
the benefits of good government without extravagances and
consequent oppressive taxation.
"I desire to call your attention to two sources
of expense which greatly increase the burdens of taxation
and which, in my judgment, may, under a more wise and economical policy, be greatly reduced.
I refer to the items of water and gas. These are indispensable
to public safety, to health and to property, as well as
to general comfort. The expense of supplying the city with
water for fire and other public purposes, amounts to more
than thirty thousand dollars annually. It is the right of
the city to take from the Buffalo
Water Works
Co. their franchise and property at a given valuation at any
time within twenty years from the time it had permission
to occupy the public affairs for the laying of the pipes;
and I am gratified to notice that the Council has already
taken the initiative to provide, at the earliest practical
easement, for taking possession and control of the water
works, at the same time respecting the legal rights of the
company which now operates them. I hold that the city should
possess itself of this important element of public health
and agent in securing the safety of property from destruction
by fire and alleviate the burdens of taxpayers. In this
way I trust a pure and wholesome supply of water may be
secured for public and private use.
"The supply of gas now furnished in the city
for purposes of lighting its streets, squares and public
buildings, costs annually fifty thousand dollars. This sum
is large, much larger, I apprehend, than it should be and
I regard it a duty we owe to those who pay the taxes
incident upon the enormous expenses, to ascertain if the city
should not own the gas works upon which it depends for a
supply. The prices charged for gas are high, for the reason
that the supply is a monopoly, and makes its own demands.
The city would relieve itself of a great source of expenses,
if it would establish gas works and supply its own wants,
and those of our citizens who may choose to patronize it.
"The Police Department is a very important branch
of the city government - being the appropriate guardian
of life and property - and it is a duty
we owe to every citizen, whether high or low estate,
to bring it to as perfect a condition of efficiency as possible.
"I beg leave to call your attention...to the
importance of providing liberally for the wants of the public
schools. Our school houses are fine edifices, and should
at all times be rendered comfortable and desirable resorts
for our children, The teachers who are expending their best
energies...should be generously rewarded for the service.
Money judiciously expended in the dissemination of learning
among the children and youth of our city affords the best
possible generation for the welfare
of society.
"The prosperity and growth of our city is a
great degree owing to its nature and artificial commercial
advantages, and it is a duty we owe...the...future to provide
amply for keeping the harbor in a condition that will accommodate,
at all times during the season of navigation, vessels of
the greatest draught of water that navigate the Lakes.
"We are already admonished of the probability
of a visit...from...the Asiatic Cholera. Our safety depends
entirely upon a thorough system of cleanliness, that shall
pervade and purify every section of the city; and it is
your duty...to exercise the strictest vigilance in enforcing
the sanitary laws and ordinances relating to public cleanliness
and health.
"I congratulate you upon the introduction of
the Fire Alarm Telegraph into the city, as an agent in the
extinguishment of fires. This will soon be completed, and
when added to the extensive and perfect apparatus now in
use, and the efficient officers and intrepid and untiring
members of the Fire Department
, will afford an assurance that our city will be saved from
destructive configurations."
In September, 1866, Mayor Wells
received General Ulysses Grant, President Andrew Johnson, and
members of his cabinet. A few choice guests from Western
New York were guests of Mr. Wells while he entertained the
President at his home.
The Common Council
met on January 7, 1867 to start the new year and Mayor Wells
delivered his annual address
"In conformity to a well established and wise
custom. I have the honor herewith to submit to your Honorable
Body for consideration and action such statements and recommendations.
"It is a matter of congratulations that our
city has enjoyed continued prosperity throughout the past
year. Business of all kinds has been active and successful;
manufacturers have increased among us, and labor has demanded
and obtained ample reward. Although a dreaded and fearful
pestilence has visited our shores...its terrible results...have
hardly been felt in our own immediate vicinity. In a word,
law and order have reigned supreme, and we have enjoyed
throughout the year a season of general prosperity and peace.
"The absolute necessity for a revision of that
portion of the Charter relating to the collection of taxes
, must by this time be apparent to all. That our present
system is defective and faulty is evident, and it is highly
important that it be controlled at an early day.
"The present system of drawing city orders needs
revision. At present all orders are drawn in the office
of the City Clerk, and signed by the City Clerk and
Mayor, and countersigned by the Comptroller. This plan has
been in operation many years, and worked advantageously
when the number of orders drawn was small. Now that a large
number of orders are drawn weekly, the system has become
cumbrous and unwieldy. It is believed that all warrants
upon the City Treasury should be drawn by the Comptroller.
"The Fire Alarm Telegraph was completed and
put into operation in July last, and bids fair to become
a complete success. It is well known that much valuable
property can be saved, and fire can be kept from spreading
to other property if the Department can be upon the ground
promptly. The telegraph, by apprising the entire Department
of the locality of each fire, accomplishes this purpose
and is therefore of great value to all owners of property
and residents.
"It is also recommended that you will take under
consideration the subject of providing a floating steam
fire engine, to be kept in commission during those months
when our harbor is free from ice. Experience has repeatedly
shown the many [times] the Fire Department
has to encounter in combating large fires upon the docks of
the city.
"It will be noticed that the amount collected
from licenses during the past year exceeds the amount collected
in any previous year.
"It is believed that some definite market system
should be matured and put in practice that will tend to
protect the markets and render them gradually more remunerative.
"By the provisions of Chapter 404 of the laws
of the State of New York...the City of Buffalo
, and the town of Tonawanda, in the county of Erie, and
the town of Wheatfield in the county of Niagara, were constituted
and territorially united for the purpose of Police government.
...The powers and duties connected with the Police government
of...Buffalo
, previously belonging to the Mayor and Common Council
were vested in a Board of Commissioners appointed by the Governor.
"The police
force, as organized under the law in question, assumed control
of the police
arrangements of the city on the 7th day of May last, and has
exercised the powers and duties required by the law up to
this date.
"The territory embraced within the city limits
is sub-divided into five precincts, and a suitable police
force under the charge of a Captain is assigned to each precinct.
"One of the strongest arguments used against
the present police
system is that of its increased cost over that of the old system.
Whether or not the present police
organization is more thorough and efficient, more truly adapted
to the constantly increasing and growing wants of our city.
The old system was considered to be worth what it cost,
and if the new system is worth more, it is reasonable to
believe that it will not cost more, and I have no doubt
but that if it shall prove to be a real improvement and
a success, our citizens will cheerfully approve and endorse
it.
"During the year one new school District (No.
35) has been created...and a new school building is already
in process of erection in that district. A new school building
has also been erected in District No. 14.
"Fears were entertained that our city would
be visited by cholera...but...we have been spared its fearful
results.
"I desire to renew my recommendation of last
year relative to the city authorities assuming control of
the arrangements for lighting the city and supplying it
with water. In March last the Board of Directors of the
Buffalo
Water Works
Company, submitted to the Common Council
a proposition to sell to the city its entire property and works
as thus in operation...[including] all property connected
with it. In September last, the City Surveyor...prepared
and submitted estimates of the probable cost of constructing
new works.
"The Committee on Water on reporting upon these
communications, declared that in their opinion it is inexpediant
to purchase the present Water Works."
The city did not purchase the Water Works until August
1868. At the time the city took possession of the works,
the water supply taken from the Niagara River was "so
close to shore that it was more or less impregnated with
the filthy sewage discharged into the river above."
It was determined to construct a new larger tunnel under
the Niagara, extending 1,000 feet from shore with an inlet
near the center of the river, "where it was ascertained
by practical tests, that the water was always pure."
The Fenian
uprising also occurred during 1866, with thousands of Fenians
gathering in Buffalo
Their plan was to enter Canada from Buffalo
and destroy the Welland Canal, crippling Canadian trade. Mayor
Wells
kept the mayors of Hamilton and Toronto informed of the Fenians
movements. General Grant arrived along with the Battleship
Michigan to guard the Niagara River. The situation was over
in a week, but rumors kept Buffalonians on edge for months.
Mayor Wells
did not seek a second term in office.
Upon his retirement, the Buffalo
Evening Post said: "One of the first official acts of...Wells...was
to veto an appropriation of $1,000 to this paper for publishing
a synopsis of the proceedings of the Common Council
At the time we commented upon the veto in such terms of
condemnation as we deemed demanded by the circumstances.
The frequency with which Mr. Wells...exercised the veto
power against his political friends as well as opponents...has
satisfied us that in vetoing the resolution...he was actuated
rather by a sense of his duty as a public officer than by
personal ill-will against us."
PERSONAL LIFE
Prior to 1836 Wells had built a home at 150 Swan
Street where he, his mother, and sisters all resided.
On April 20, 1837 Chan married Susan Jane Wheeler.
The first child born to the Wells' died after six weeks,
in 1838. Their second child, born in 1838, died of Asiatic
Cholera in 1854, at 16 years of age. After the death of
their daughter, the Wells' adopted Mr. Wells' two grand-nieces,
who became like real daughters to them.
The Wells built a home in 1844 on Michigan Street
between Seneca and Folsom Streets. In 1858 Wells erected
a red brick house at 77 Swan Street. Later, Mr. Wells built
a home at the corner of Washington street and Lafayette
Square
, which was later replaced by the Lafayette Bank. In 1866
he had built a more impressive home at 683 Main Street,
near Tupper. While that home was being built, the Wells
family took a suite at the newly opened Tifft House, where
the old Hengerer's store is.
Although the apartment had all the amenities, it
did not suit Mr. Wells, so he bought a temporary home. This
home was located facing Washington Street.
In 1868 the Board of Water Commissioners was created
and Wells was appointed to the commission and held that
position for six years, most of the time as chairman of
the board. While he was on this board, the inlet pier and
tunnel were completed, "undoubtedly due to his indomitable
perseverance." The first contractors spent nearly $150,000
on the project and then abandoned it. A new contract was
made with John Heckler, who was discouraged many times and
threatened to abandon his contract. It was at this time
that Mr. Wells financially became involved. Mr. Heckler
suffered a great misfortune
when a $10,000 crib intended for the foundation of the inlet
pier was lost into the river. Wells gave the project constant
attention, supervising operations, and neglecting his private
business. Wells had faith in the engineer in charge, Louis
H. Knapp, who contended the project was feasible and provided
many suggestions. "According to eminent physicians,
the ample supply of pure water, resulting from this improvement,
greatly reduced the average of certain diseases and generally
promoted the health of the city."
In 1870, Wells began importing sand for paving and
building purposes, since the city could not provide enough
for the demand. On September 20, 1870, together with Isaac
Holloway, Wells purchased a farm on Lake Erie
, at Point Abino, in Canada. From here barges full of sand
could be brought to Buffalo
On December 24, 1872, Wells and his brother William
purchased property from William Fargo
located at Buffalo
Creek
, Commercial, Water, and Dock Streets known as Williams
Elevator. Here they reconstructed, enlarged, and strengthened
what they called the "William Wells Elevator
" Altogether Wells built five grain elevators
in Buffalo
He was active in many local interests and enterprises.
He was a founder and director of the Erie County Savings
Bank
; the Young Men's Association
; the Buffalo
Historical Society
; the Falconwood and Beaver Island Clubs, and to the Buffalo
Club
, to which he contributed largely to its permanent success.
Wells was extremely fond of horses, and always had
the best in his possession. He was the founder of Buffalo
Driving Park
, where one of the first inter-city polo matches in this
country was played.
He was the
head of management for 15 years. This organization was incorporated
on March 30, 1868, being the first of its kind, and was
the model for similar organizations throughout the country.
It brought some of the best trotters in the world, and the
mile world record was once recorded from it.
In 1881 Wells sold his interest in the sand and farm
industry, at Port Abino, keeping three or four acres for
a summer home.
In 1882 Wells gave up the presidency to the Buffalo
Driving Park
Association due to ill health. On February 4, 1887 he died after
an illness and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery
.
Resolutions of sympathy were made by the Common Council
and the
Merchant's Exchange upon his death.
