Adeline Lee Perkins
(Submitted by Marie Hosdil)
[Source and date of paper unknown; some text missing due to torn original]
Caldwell, Wis., Feb. 24. -- Adeline Lee Perkins, who in about four months will reach the ninety-first rung on the ladder of her life, is a pioneer with an unusual personal history. Adeline Lee was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county, NY, July 3, 1837. When six years of age she, with her parents and sister and brother, took boat at Buffalo and came to Milwaukee in September, 1843. The trip took two weeks, and the only boat landing at that time was by way of scows, or large flatboats, there being no pier nor other landing. Her first schooling was in a private school. From there she went to Spring street seminary, thence to Milwaukee academy, finishing at Milwaukee Female college, now known as Downer college.
Having relatives in the vicinity of Caldwell, she came to visit them and, liking the country so well, engaged to teach the school in what was then known as the "Miller district", teaching there during the summer as at that time it was thought advisable to have a man teach during the winter. The next season she taught near Mukwanago.....
...years, after which they came to Caldwell, buying the store which they carried on 25 years. The postoffice at that time was in the store, and Mrs. Perkins was postmistress during the time. She traveled quite extensively, attending the G.A.R. encampment at Washington DC in 1892, and having relatives in Ohio, Kansas, Oregon and California, she also made trips to these places.
Mrs. Perkins is gifted with a wonderful memory, is a great reader, and a faithful friend. She commenced teaching a class in Sunday school when 16 years of age, and has contniued until, at the present time, she is teacher of the Bible class of the Methodist church at this place, and she is seldom absent from the class. She is thoroughly versed in the Bible. While looking over her old letters a few days ago, she found those which her Sunday school teacher had sent her every quarter. The following is one which shows how the Bible was taught at that time:
Had Early Bible Training June 3rd, 1851. "This is to certify that Adeline Lee committed to memory and recited eight hundred and seven verses of the Bible since the first of January. Lucy E. Williams, teacher."
For over thirty years Mrs. Perkins has kept a diary, tabulating the weather and the happenings of each day.
Are we proud of this wonderful woman, our friend and neighbor? Indeed we are.
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