My Genealogy Hound

CALVIN WELLS was born in Genesee county, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1827. He came of sturdy New England stock, from which he derived those sterling qualities which have distinguished him through life. His father and mother were both of New England birth. His maternal grandfather, Rev. Samuel Taggart, a Presbyterian minister, was a man of mark in his day, wielding a strong influence upon the political as well as the religious affairs of the community. He represented the western district of Massachusetts in Congress for thirteen years. Mr. Wells’ father’s family was very prominent in Greenfield. His grandfather was Col. Daniel Wells, one of whose sons, Calvin Wells, father of the subject of this sketch, settled in Western New York, and bought a half interest in a mill, and also engaged in farming. Calvin Wells, Sr., was a justice of the peace for many years, and was an elder in the Congregational Church, and afterward of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was a woman of strong mental powers and deep religious convictions, and her teachings and influence did much to shape the future of her children. She died when her son Calvin was but fourteen years of age. In 1842 the latter entered the store of his brother-in-law, P. S. Church, a Detroit merchant, and two years later he went back to Batavia, N. Y., where he remained until 1847. He had always wished for a better education than had been afforded him, and for this reason wrote to a brother in Pittsburgh, Rev. Samuel Taggart Wells, a Presbyterian clergyman, who responded with an invitation to come hither, and make a home with him and attend the Western University. This invitation he gladly accepted, and, packing his goods in a pine box, took a boat to Erie, Pa., going thence by canal to Beaver, and then by boat to Pittsburgh. Here he landed Nov. 19,1847, his worldly possessions being worth, probably, twenty-five dollars.

Mr. Wells entered the Western University and remained there until the winter of 1848-49. Early in the latter year he entered the dry-goods store of Benjamin Glyde as book keeper. The next year (1850) Mr. Wells was thrown into connection with Dr. C. G. Hussey, who had then commenced the copper business, having a mill and warehouse in Pittsburgh. Mr. Wells continued in this line until 1852, when Dr. Hussey started him in a bacon and pork business, the firm name being Hussey & Wells. This was continued until 1858 or 1859, when the firm became Hussey, Wells & Co., engaged in the manufacture of steel, and thus was laid the foundation of one of the great industries that have done so much to build up the city of Pittsburgh. Mr. Wells was made manager of the new business, and went east to learn all he could regarding the manufacture of steel. On his return he gave his entire attention to the enterprise, which grew rapidly, receiving a wonderful impetus during the rebellion, and demonstrated that England had at last found a competitor in the manufacture of steel. Mr. Wells sold out his interest in this concern in 1876, and thus ended his long connection with Dr. Hussey. In 1865 Mr. Wells became interested in railway elliptic springs, and owned a half interest in the firm of A. French & Co., then engaged in their manufacture. This business was a success and grew to large proportions. On leaving the firm of Hussey, Wells & Co. Mr. Wells gave his entire attention for a year or two to the spring company. In January, 1878, he was chosen president and treasurer of the Pittsburgh Forge & Iron company, and yet holds these positions. In 1884 he sold out his interest in the firm of A. French & Co. In 1877 Mr. Wells was induced to join in the purchase of the Philadelphia Press, founded by the late John W. Forney. At first he expected that his associates would manage the affairs of the concern, but a couple of years’ experience convinced him of the necessity for a change, and he took hold of the paper with the same good judgment, business tact and energy that have distinguished him in other enterprises. The result is that the Press is now not only one of the ablest but one of the strongest and most influential newspapers in the country. It is especially noteworthy for its advocacy of a protective tariff, for Mr. Wells is thoroughly convinced that protection is a great blessing to all parts of the country as well as to Pennsylvania.

He has other interests engaging his attention. In 1868 he was led to investigate the subject of spelter. His practical knowledge of metals and his study of this branch of metallurgy led him to unite with some friends in the establishment of the Illinois Zinc company, at Peru, La Salle county, Ill., with a capital of $50,000. From the inception of the enterprise Mr. Wells has been president and treasurer of the company, the capital of which has grown to $400,000. He has been for a number of years, and is now, a director in the Exchange National Bank of Pittsburgh. He was at one time a director in the Consolidated Gas company, and was also connected with the Chartiers Natural Gas company.

All that Mr. Wells has and is are the product of his natural forces. He possesses special skill as an organizer, in systematic management, and in his ability to read and understand men and to put the right man in the right place. He is a man of strong will, resolute courage, and great tenacity of purpose, fertile in resources, alert to take advantage of circumstances as they occur. With all these advantages in business life, he has proven himself of kindly disposition and generous purposes. Though keeping himself posted upon political questions, he has been too busy to take an active part in partisan politics or enter public life. His father was a Henry Clay whig, and the son is a consistent republican.

Mr. Wells was married July 5, 1854, to Annie Glyde, daughter of Benjamin Glyde. She died in 1859, and in 1861 he was married to Mary Chaffey, a sister of his first wife. Two sons and two daughters have been born to him. His eldest son was born in 1866, and died in the same year. His two daughters are married, leaving him, his wife and his youngest son to constitute the family. Mr. Wells is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a trustee for a number of years.