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Wells, Edward C., 1910-1986

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1910-1986

Biographical Note: Edward C. Wells

Edward Curtis Wells was born on August 26, 1910 in Boise, Idaho. He graduated from Grant High School in Portland, Oregon and attended Willamette University for two years. Wells transferred to Stanford University and graduated in 1931 with a Baachelor of Arts in Engineering.

He was hired by Boeing in 1931. Wells and fellow engineer E. Gifford Emory designed the protoype Boeing Model 299, the protoype B-17 Flying Fortress. On July 28, 1935, Wells was an observer on the first test flight and subsequent test flight of the 299, flown by Boeing chief test pilot Leslie "Les" R. Tower.

Wells was named Boeing's chief engineer in 1943. In addition to the B-17, he helped design the Boeing 707 and 747. During his time at Boeing, Wells also served as senior vice president and on the board of directors.

Wells married Dorothy Evangeline Ostlund (1911-1995) on August 25, 1934. The couple had a daughter, Laurie Jo. Edward C. Wells died on July 1, 1986 in Bellevue, Washington.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

William Hough "Bill" Cook Jr. Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 2017-10-26
Abstract The William Hough “Bill” Cook, Jr. Papers are comprised of documents, photographs, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia pertaining to the life and work of Bill Cook, Jr. A significant portion of this collection is made up of correspondence, both personal and professional. Major topics include the Boeing high speed wind tunnel, the B-29, B-47, and B-17 bombers, the development of the YC-14 short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, and research on supersonic transport.

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