Heber Manning Wells

Heber Manning Wells (August 11, 1859 – March 12, 1938) was an American politician and banker who served as the first governor of the State of Utah. Utah gained statehood on January 4, 1896; Wells served as governor from January 6, 1896, until January 2, 1905.

Biography Wells was born in Salt Lake City on August 11, 1859, to Daniel H. Wells and Martha Givens (Harris) Wells. He was a descendant of two Connecticut governors, Thomas Welles and John Webster. His father was a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served as mayor of Salt Lake City. Heber Wells attended the schools of Salt Lake City, graduated from the University of Utah in 1875 and began a career in banking and local government. In the general election, he defeated Caine, the Democratic nominee, his former superior in the Salt Lake City recorder's office, and a former territorial Delegate to Congress.

Wells' first term dealt with the formation and organization of the new state government, including courts and executive branch departments.