Payette Enterprise
Thursday, March 09, 1922
EDITOR'S MOTHER CALLED BEYOND
MRS. ALEXANDER WELLS
Payette has again been saddened by the passing of one of its oldest and most respected residents, Mrs. Alexander Wells. Her spirit passed to the great beyond late Thursday afternoon, March 2nd., at the age of 79 years, five months, closing a long and useful Christian life. She is gone, but the influence of her loving disposition, kindly deeds, and true Christian principles, still lives in the hearts and minds of many friends and descendants.
The deceased was born near Scheffield, England, and came with her parents to Moline, Ill., when she was seven years old. Sixty years ago she was married in Illinois to Alexander Wells, a pastor of the Christian Church who filled many pulpits in Illinois and Iowa. They moved to Payette from Iowa 22 years ago, where Mr. Wells continued his Christian work, frequently assisting other pastors by filling their pulpits, always assisted by his ever-willing wife and helpmate. The Reverend Wells passed away here on Oct. 2nd. 1916, leaving a bereaved widow and three stalwart sons who have ably carried on the work he so well started.
Funeral services were conducted at the Christian Church, Sunday afternoon, the church was crowded with those who came to pay their last respects to one who has been generally loved and respected by all. Rev. Mowe preached a touching sermon, and emphasized the value and usefulness of a true Christian life such as was lived by the deceased who had been a faithful member of the church for 60 years. His words gave comfort solace to the mourners, that the deceased has now passed to her Greater Reward.
Mrs. Wells is survived by three sons, six grandchildren, and 5 great-grand-children. Her surviving sons are: B. L. Wells, who conducts an orchard east of Payette, William Wells, Editor of the Enterprise; and Sterling Wells, a prosperous real estate dealer of Schaller Iowa. The latter arrived in Payette in time to attend his mother's funeral.
"By their fruits, ye shall know them".
In addition to the above article written by Mr. Bartlet who kindly gave his assistance during our absence from the office, the Editor desires to add a few words -- the last sad right of a dear mother.
It has been our privilege for more than a half century to live in the same community and to know almost every thought and act of the mother we have just lain to rest. Her life was one of devotion to others, almost her last words were expressing her wishes that those about her be made comfortable. In all her life we cannot recall one harsh word. It is a sad thought that she has gone forever from this world, but a consoling thought that for more than 60 years she has lived a true Christian life and that she was permitted to live so long and to do so much good. While it brings sadness to our hearts, we rejoice that her earthly sufferings are done and that she has gone to reap the rewards. We wish to express our gratitude to the many friends for the words of sympathy and other kindness extended to us during our sad bereavement.
