Daniel Hanmer Wells

DANIEL HANMER WELLS.

My first remembrance of "Squire" Wells, whose one hundredth anniversary we celebrate, was in the days of my childhood, during" the troublous times prior to and after the martyrdom of the Prophet. "Squire" Wells was a household name in my father's home, and subsequently in his widow's home, as a friend of the Prophet and of the Church. Young as I was, and bitter as the experiences of those times were, his name, though he was not at that time a member of the Church, was indelibly impressed — upon my mind, as doubtless upon the minds of all who knew him, — as a stanch friend of the Saints, and one most choice and beloved among the prominent men in those times. In 1846, while we were slowly dragging along with ox teams over the rolling prairies of Iowa, "Squire" Wells passed us on his way to the Camp of Israel, on the eastern and western banks of the Missouri, at Council Bluffs and Winter Quarters, the place to which we were also destined. During the experiences of the Church in the subsequent forty years or more (or until his death, — March 24, 1891) the name of "Squire" Wells, undergoing various changes from time to time, such as Elder, Superintendent, General, Mayor, and President Daniel H. Wells, — was inseparably associated with all the interests of the Church, and the development, guidance, and protection of the commonwealth of Utah. In every capacity in which he acted, he was the embodiment of wisdom, integrity, and honor, and a man knowing no fear. As a statesman, he had no superior in the commonwealth, or in the Church. Hon. Jesse N. Smith, a statesman himself, and one of the best read men of Utah and Arizona (which latter was his home), though he was little known, once said in words to this effect

"Since George Washington's time, the United States in my estimation,has produced only two great statesmen; one of whom is Abraham Lincoln, and the other is Daniel H. Wells."

President Daniel H. Wells' friendship and love for the — Prophet Joseph Smith was like that of the redeemed immaculate. His friendship for his friends knew no bounds, and would brook no taint. And in such measure he loved his Country and the Church. He was charitable towards his enemies, of whom he had a few, as all strong men have. To know President Daniel H. Wells, was to admire, love, and honor him. Joseph F. Smith.

PRESIDENT DANIEL H. WELLS 1814-1891 Taken fifty years ago, when he was fifty years of age.