Rolla Wells

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Rolla Wells (1856-1944), also called "Rollo", was an American politician. He served as Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri twice, was named an officer of the Democratic National Committee in the 1912 Wilson campaign[1], and served as Governor of the St. Louis branch of the Federal Reserve Bank.

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early life

Born in St. Louis in 1856, son of Erastus Wells. His father Erastus was the founder of the Wells-Fargo stagecoach line, and a representative from Missouri. He studied at Washington and Princeton Universities, and later in life received honorary degrees of M.A. from both institutions.

[edit] Early political career

His name first makes its appearance in the New York Times on Oct 9, 1892 where he is called "President of the Fair Association" for St. Louis. On Mar 18, 1893, he is quoted as "President of the Jockey Club" of St. Louis. On Jul 16, 1896: "Rolla Wells, President of the Jefferson Club, resigned last night, announcing that he could not support the Chicago platform", referring to Bryan.

On April 1, 1901, the New York Times reports: "One of the hardest fought municipal campaigns in the history of St Louis closed to-night...". The candidates were: "Rolla Wells, Democratic; George W. Parker, Republican; Chauncey I. Filley, Good Government; Lee Meriwether, Public Ownership; Leon Greenbaum, Social-Democrat, and Lewis C. Fry, Socialist-Labor."

He was Mayor of St. Louis for eight years, during which time, the World's Fair was held there. In 1912, Gov. Woodrow Wilson, Democratic candidate for President, named Wells to be treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, a position he held for a number of years.

[edit] Later political career

Sometime around 1914 or 1916 he was named Governor of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. He was in that position until 1919 when he was named receiver for the United Railways of St. Louis.[2]

[edit] Family life

His first wife Jennie Howard Parker died in 1917. He later wed Mrs. Carlotta Clark Church, widow of Alonzo Church on Nov. 18, 1923 in St. Louis.[3]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ New York Times, Aug 7, 1912
  2. ^ New York Times, Nov. 19, 1923, pg 15
  3. ^ New York Times, Nov 19, 1923, pg 15

[edit] References

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