Bezaleel Wells

Bezaleel Wells (January 28, 1773 – August 14, 1846) was an American politician, judge, surveyor and landowner from Ohio. He was known as the founder of Steubenville and Canton. He was a member of the Ohio Senate, representing Jefferson County from 1803 to 1804.

Early life Bezaleel Wells was born on January 28, 1773, in St. Thomas Parish near Baltimore, Maryland, to Leah (née Owings) and Alexander Wells. His father was a self-taught surveyor. His grandfather James Wells emigrated from England. At the age of 10, Wells's family moved to Cross Creek in Washington County, Pennsylvania, but Wells remained with an uncle. At the age of 13, Wells moved with his parents to Wellsburg, West Virginia (then Charles Town). His father was the namesake of Wellsburg. His father bought property in the area, including a tannery, grist mill, fulling mill and distillery. Wells studied surveying and graduated from the William and Mary College. He then moved to Cross Creek to live with his family. Wells was appointed as probate judge by Winthrop Sargent. He served in that role from 1797 to November 29, 1802. In 1797, he was also appointed prothonotary to the court of common pleas and clerk. He tried again in 1814, and again finished second.

Other endeavors In 1800, Wells built a copperas works in Steubenville near Wells Run. He later partnered with Augustine Koelb. That business lasted until 1843. The factory closed in March 1830. Wells's business ventures were not successful and led him to go to debtors' prison in Steubenville. He was a trustee of a female academy that opened in Steubenville in 1829. His daughter Rebecca married Philander Chase Jr., son of Philander Chase. Wells was a senior warden at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

From 1798 to 1800, Wells built a manor house called "The Grove" in Steubenville. In 1830, due to bankruptcy, Wells sold "The Grove" to Samuel Stokely. In 1832, Wells lived at a new home on his son Alexander's farm.

Wells died on August 14, 1846. He was initially buried at a graveyard on 4th Street in Steubenville. He was re-buried at the family lot at Union Cemetery in Steubenville.

Legacy In 1853, the locomotive Bezaleel Wells of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad arrived in Steubenville, named after Wells.

A school, built in 1876, originally called Plum Street School and for a time named Wells School, was named after Wells. The school was later renamed the McKinley Grade School. In 1918, the McKinley High School was built and the McKinley Grade School was renamed the Wells School. Wells Avenue in Canton was also named after Wells. Wells Township was named after Wells.