Benjamin W. Wells

Benjamin Williams Wells (October 15, 1861 – January 18, 1912) was an American government official and political activist who served as commissioner of the Boston Fire Department.

Early life Wells was born in Boston on October 15, 1861. He attended Hopkinson's School and graduated from Harvard College in 1884. He became chairman of the both organizations in 1894. For many years he was Ward 11's representative to the Democratic state committee. He was unanimously confirmed by the Board of Aldermen on February 3, which The Boston Globe described as an "unusual complement". He took office the following day. In October 1899, Wells was appointed acting water commissioner after John R. Murphy resigned to enter that year's mayoral election. Republican Thomas N. Hart won the election and Wells was replaced as commissioner on February 1, 1900.

In 1905, Wells was appointed commissioner of the Boston Fire Department. He succeeded acting commissioner Patrick J. Kennedy, who took over the department following the death of Henry S. Russell. Republican George A. Hibbard was elected in the 1907 Boston mayoral election. In January 1908, the finance committee of the board of alderman issued a report which contended that during the tenures of Daniel A. Whelton and John F. Fitzgerald, political influence affected appointments to the department and that the "malign influence of politics" was interfering with its efficiency. On January 30, Hibbard wrote to Wells that he was "strongly of the opinion that the organization of the fire department at the present time is sadly lacking in discipline" and requested his resignation. Wells objected to Hibbard's criticisms and refused to resign. Later that day, Hibbard removed Wells from office "for the good of the service" effective the following day. He was replaced by Samuel D. Parker.

Later life After leaving the fire department, Wells worked in the real estate business. On January 18, 1912, he went to the Puritan Club after several days of illness. After exiting his vehicle, Wells collapsed and died of heart disease.