JOSEPH UTTER.
Joseph Utter, residing in Prescott, is identified with several important business enterprises of the town and is also actively and successfully engaged in farming in Walla Walla county. He was born in the state of New York, February 22, 1855, a son of Alex M. and Alida (Putman) Utter, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They removed to Wisconsin in 1859 and there resided until 1861, when they became residents of Minnesota, establishing their home upon a farm. In 1862 the father enlisted for service in the Civil war, his patriotic spirit prompting his ready response to the country's call for aid. He joined Company G of the Third Minnesota Infantry and served until the close of the hostilities, after which he returned to Minnesota, where both he and his wife passed away. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are yet living.
Joseph Utter was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1882 arrived in Walla Walla county, Washington, taking up his abode on a farm near Prescott which he still owns. His place comprises eight hundred and five acres of rich and productive land, all of which is improved. It is largely devoted to the cultivation of wheat, for his farm is situated in the midst of the rich wheat belt of Washington, famous throughout the entire country. The methods which he employs in his farm work are productive of excellent results. In addition to the growing of wheat he is also engaged in stock raising and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He is likewise a stockholder and manager of the Prescott Warehouse Company and is the president of the Prescott Telephone Company. In all business affairs he displays keen discernment and unfaltering industry and his carefully directed labors are bringing to him substantial returns.
JOSEPH UTTER
In 1878 Mr. Utter was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Pettijohn, a daughter of Thomas and Charity (Wisby) Pettijohn, both of whom were natives of Ohio but spent their last years in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Utter became the parents of eleven children: Arabelle, who is the wife of W. H. James, now of California; Thomas H., who is living on the home farm; Carrie May, the wife of A. W. Reser; Richard, who is married and follows farming; Mildred, the wife of Henry Goe; Juliette, the wife of John Reid; Ralph, who is married and resides in Prescott; Lilian and Walter Wayne, who are living at home and two have passed away. The wife and mother died in July, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Odd Fellows cemetery. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and was most devoted to the welfare of her family. Her loss was also deeply regretted by her many friends.
Mr. Utter holds membership in Prescott Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a republican but not an office seeker. He has through individual effort and determination become one of the prosperous farmers of Walla Walla county and one of its representative business men. His worth is widely acknowledged by all with whom he has come in contact and his business career is characterized by a forcefulness and resourcefulness that is most resultant.