Walter Montresson Wells

• American

Walter M Wells led a distinguished life, beginning his career engaged in real estate in Greenville, South Carolina, where he moved from his birthplace in Lynchburg, Virginia. Eventually becoming a partner in a Certified Public Accounting and Auditing firm in Greenville, Wells later was appointed Chief Accountant of the steel section of the War Industries Board during the First World War. Having served the nation with distinction during the war years, he found a brief role in the Federal Trade Commission, then went on to a post as Chief Accountant at John A Roebling and Sons Company in 1919. Wells was there as comptroller from 1931 and Assistant Secretary from 1936, a role in which he was considered a valuable member of the famed company's executive staff. Known for sound judgement and complete sincerity, Walter Wells was highly respected, and a natural asset to the town of Eldora in the early twentieth century. He improved the home that Marion Moulton had built by landscaping the grounds, maintaining its outbuildings, and cultivating a substantial garden and citrus grove. In virtually every photograph made of him by his family at Eldora, Wells is wearing a suit, thus exemplifying the dignity that he brought to the old village site. - NPS