Adelaide Elizabeth Utter was born on Markham's Mountain, in the town of Plainfield, N. Y., May 26, 1835. She was the oldest of four children born to John and Ann Bloodgood Utter. The brother, DeEsting Utter, lives at Watertown, N. Y. The only survivor among the three sisters is Mary, the youngest, the wife of Eli Kellogg, of Adams, N. Y.
She attended DeRuyter Institute and there met Adoniram Judson Wells to whom she was married June 6, 1854. For two years they lived on a farm near Sackets Harbor, N. Y. They moved west in the spring of 1856 and settled in Berlin, Wis. During one winter of the three years her husband served in the army she lived with her father. Aside from this, her home was continuously at Berlin until 1880 when the family moved to Milton to provide educational advantages for the children.
Four sons were born to them, all of whom are living, Frank Wells of Milton, Fremont, Welcome and Will, residing in Riverside, Cal. She passed through great sorrow in the loss of her three daughters, Mrs. Addie Babcock, Mrs. Fannie Hills and Emma who passed away in young womanhood. There are eight living grandchildren, the eldest of which is Principal Edward Saunders of Lodi, Wis. There are two great-grandchildren.
She was baptized in early life and joined the Hounsfield S. D. B. church. Her religion was a vital force in her life, making her unselfish, kindly, gentle and helpful. She was an inspiration to her children. In the words of one of them, 'Anything we may have accomplished is due to her.' A mother is usually brought into closer relations with the children than anyone else. This was especially true here. She was the mainspring of their development. She was not self assertive, but quietly persisted in keeping those she loved true to the higher aims of life. Her voice had a kindly tone, an expression of the spirit within. 'If mother ever said an unkind word to any of us,' says one of the boys, 'I do not remember it.' 'She threw out a protecting line round everyone to shield them from harsh words or feelings.' Although living such a busy life in her home she had time to help others, and always seemed glad to have the opportunity. The memory of her sweet, gentle spirit is a benediction.
Since the death of her husband in 1911 Mrs. Wells has remained in the old home with her son Welcome. Over a year ago they went to Riverside, Cal., where she was in the household of her son Dr. Will Wells. She enjoyed the automobile rides and the companionships there, but as the shades of evening drew on her heart turned back to the old home, and it seemed good to her to be surrounded again by the old friends of Milton. On the Friday before her death she received a large number of birthday postcards which she prized very much.
She passed away May 29. Funeral services were held at the home of her son, Frank J, Wells, and in the S. D. B. church June 2, conducted by Pastor L. C. Randolph. His text was Prov. 31: 26. 'And in her tongue was the law of kindness.' Among the songs sung by the quartet was 'Asleep in Jesus,' sung many times by her on similar occasions.
Asleep in Jesus, Peaceful rest.
Whose waking is supremely blest!
No fear, no woe, shall dim that hour
That manifests the Saviour's power.
