John Wells

Find a Grave

Birth: September 16, 1864, Carlton, Nottinghamshire, England

Death: April 18, 1941, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA

Born in Carlton, Nottinghamshire, England, the son of Thomas Potter Wells and Sarah Cook. In August, 1882, he was baptized into LDS Church at Nottingham, England. President of the Nottingham branch 1885. He left England with his wife, Almena Thorpe (whom he married in 1886 ) and baby and arrived in Salt Lake City July 11, 1889. Obtained work in the Z. C. M. I. shoe factory, and later in the wrapping desk. February 1st, 1890, he entered the office of the Presiding Bishopric as a general office helper; later chief clerk. Presided over the First Quorum of Elders in the Ensign Stake of Zion.

For ten years he was connected with Dr. W. H. Groves' Latter-day Saints Hospital, supervising its construction until the building was opened January 5, 1905. Superintendent of the hospital until August, 1913. Ordained a High Priest that same year. Became a member of the High Council Ensign Stake 1914. Second counselor to President Richard W. Young of the Ensign Stake November 17, 1916 and set apart by President Charles W. Penrose.

Ordained Bishop July 18, 1918, by President Joseph F. Smith and set apart as second counselor to Presiding Bishop Charles W. Nibley. In 1925, Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon was called as Presiding Bishop and he called Bishop Wells to continue as Second Counselor. Bishop Wells served under Bishop Cannon until the Presiding Bishopric was reorganized on April 6, 1938. Also a member of the committee on courses of study for the Priesthood. He was the father of seven children.

Spouse:

Almena Thorpe Wells (1866 - 1929)

Children:

Mabel Thorpe Wells James (1889 - 1984)

Bertha Thorpe Wells Palmer (1891 - 1919)

Alfred Thorpe Wells (1891 - 1891)

Arthur Thorpe Wells (1895 - 1915)

Burial: Salt Lake City Cemetery. Salt Lake City. Salt Lake County Utah, USA

Created by: Carl W. McBrayer

Record added: Feb 25, 2005

Find A Grave Memorial # 10527833

http://www.gapages.com/wellsj1.htm

NOTE: In a 1929 U.S. City Directory, John and Almena Wells were listed living at 531 C Street in Salt Lake City. Also listed with them were their sons John Thorpe Wells, a student, and Lewis Thorpe Wells (no occupation was given.)

Almena died that year from pneumonia which resulted as a complication from a surgery performed for bad tonsils. John later married Margaret Ann Newman in 1931. She was 30 years younger than John. Almena and John's youngest son, Lewis Thorpe Wells, had served an LDS Church Mission to the Eastern States from June 1928 to June 1930, so he may not have been living at home in Utah when his mother passed away in 1929.

At the time of John's death according to his Utah Death Certificate, he and Margaret were living at 1340 Emigration Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. He died at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 2 days. His wife Margaret was 46 years old at the time of his death.