Edmund W. Wells

Edmund William Wells was an American jurist, businessman, and politician. Known as Arizonas first millionaire, he was considered the richest man in Arizona during his attempt to be elected Governor. He served as Attorney General for Arizona Territory before being appointed as a judge. He also served as a member of Arizonas constitutional convention.

Wells was born to Edmund William and May Louise Wells on February 14, 1846 near Lancaster, Ohio. In 1852, his family moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa where he attended public schools. Following his mothers death when he was sixteen, Wells and his father traveled to Pikes Peak Country to prospect for gold. Failing to find riches, the pair moved south and arrived in Prescott, Arizona Territory on July 6, 1864. The senior Wells was appointed alcalde by Governor John N. Goodwin while the younger Wells worked a series of clerk positions. The list of clerking positions included work for the 1st and 2nd territorial legislatures, the U.S. Army, Chief Justice William F. Turner, and the county board of supervisors. In 1870, Wells was elected county recorder and he also served as United States commissioner from 1871 to 1875.

Source: Wikipedia