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REES ANCESTORS

Thoms Rees
Mary Ann Prouty Rees
THOMAS REES & MARY ANN PROUTY REES

Thomas Rees, son of Rowland Rees and Elizabeth Musser
- born 4 September 1818, Union Co., Pennsylvania
- died 10 March 1865, Jasper Co., Iowa, of typhoid fever,
- buried at Palo Alto Cemetery near Newton, Iowa.
- married 4 March 1845, Chesterville, Ohio
Mary Ann Prouty, daughter of Anson T Prouty and Elizabeth Carrol nee Helms
- born 25 December 1827, Chesterville, Knox Co., Ohio (that part of Knox Co. that later became Morrow Co.)
- died 22 November 1881, Newton, Iowa.
- buried at Palo Alto Cemetery near Newton, Iowa.

After the death of Thomas Rees, Mary Ann
- married (2) 1 May 1866, Jasper Co., Iowa, to
Isaac Badger.

Thomas was the first settler in Palo Alto Twp., Jasper Co., Iowa. He moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1840, left Ohio in the summer of 1848, arriving in Iowa in November 1848. He ran unsuccessfully for representative (in the state legislature?) in 1859.

Excerpts from
The United Presbyterian Church, Newton, Iowa, Centennial History,
1870-1970

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rees were among the first to dream of a church building near the Palo Alto township cemetery. They were the first family to settle in the area, coming from Hancock County, Ohio, in 1848.

The log cabin now placed in Maytag Park belonged to a son, Roland Rees. It is larger than any cabin his parents ever had. The first Thomas Rees cabin was 18 feet by 20 feet and the second cabin in 1853 not much larger ....

Thomas Rees did not live to see his dream of a church for Palo Alto come true for he died in 1865. However, Mrs. Rees married Isaac Badger on May 1, 1867, and in 1870 they bought a piece of the Ryan property across from the cemetery for the Palo Alto church. They deeded the land to the trustees of the church when it had been built.

...The location of the Palo Alto church became the subject of discussion. The cemetery had been located a few years before, and it was the general opinion that the church building should be near the cemetery. The lot most favored was the one Thomas Rees had talked about many years before, directly west of the cemetery. Conrad Keller offered a lot south of the graveyard free of charge. The lot across from the graveyard was owned by Martin Ryan, a member of the Catholic Church. He placed a price of $60 on the plot of land provided he could harvest the good timber first. Robert Hill stated that this plot might be worth as much as $15.

It might have remained at an impasse except for Mrs. Isaac Badger, the former wife of Thomas Rees. One morning Mr. Hill met Mr. and Mrs. Badger looking over the possible two sites near the Palo Alto graveyard. Mrs. Badger was interested in the Ryan land and Mr. Hill declared he also was favorable to that but that the price of $60 was a hold-up. Mrs. Badger quietly told Mr. Hill that if she paid for the Ryan land it was no one else's business. To which Mr. Hill cheerfully said "Amen." Ryan got his price and the oak timber on the acre and Mr. Rees's dream was fulfilled.

Note: The Palo Alto church building is still standing, and we were told that services are held there on Memorial Day every year.

CLIPPINGS, ARTICLES and MAPS ABOUT THE REES FAMILY
1896 Portrait and Biographical Record
1901 Historical Atlas
1909 Family Reunion
1912 History of Jasper County

CHILDREN OF THOMAS REES AND MARY ANN PROUTY:

  1. Anson Brewster Rees, born 18 April 1846 in Hancock County, Ohio
    - farmed in Palo Alto Twp., Jasper County, Iowa,
    - died 7 April 1910 in Jasper County, Iowa
    - buried in Palo Alto Twp., Jasper, Iowa
    - married 17 September 1866 in Jasper County, Iowa, to
    Margaret Hill, born 06 May 1841 in Tyrone Co., Ireland,
    - died 6 July 1925, buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery. CHILDREN:
    • Archie C. Rees, born June 1869 in Iowa
      - 1900 census, farmed in Rice County, Kansas - 1910 census, farmed in Linn County, Oregon
      - married about 1899, to Carrie B. ---, born July 1877 in Kansas. CHILDREN
      • Vernon (or Elsie) W. Rees, born December 1899 in Kansas (The 1900 census gives the name Vernon; 1910 census lists this child as Elsie
      • Hugh B. Rees, born about 1902 in Kansas
      • Georgia W. Rees, born about 1904 in Kansas
    • Edward Rees, born September 1870 in Iowa
      - farmed in Jasper and Louisa counties, Iowa
      - married about 1898, to
      Vera --. Known Children
      • Hazel Rees, born March 1900 in Iowa
      • Stewart Rees, born about 1905 in Iowa
      • Margaret Rees, born about 1908 in Iowa
      • Clifford Rees, born about 1921 in Iowa
    • Almira Rees, born about 1875 in Iowa
    • Margaret Rozella Rees, born 3 May 1880, died 8 March 1882
    • Harvey Rees, born June 1883 in Iowa
    • Howard A Rees, born 15 May 1885, died 7 March 1886
    The parents Anson B. and Margaret Hill Rees are buried at Palo Alto Cemetery in Jasper County, along with children Margaret and Howard

  2. Spencer Harris Rees,
    - born 4 August 1847, Williamstown, Hancock County, Ohio
    - enlisted 21 May 1864, Jasper County, Iowa, in 48th Inf. Batt.
    - was an insurance agent in Newton, Jasper County, Iowa
    - died 21 August 1920, Jasper County, Iowa
    - buried in Palo Alto Cemetery, Jasper County, Iowa
    - married 24 October 1877, to
    Margaret Holmes, daughter of Ransom P. and Mary A. Holmes
    - born 11 April 1858, Salem, Washington County, Indiana
    - died 20 Mar 1928, buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    CHILDREN
    • Maud Rees, born 1878, died 28 July 1879, buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    • Maurice Holmes Rees,
      - born 27 April 1880 in Newton, Jasper, Iowa
      - occupation 1910, teacher, Tarkio, Atchison County, Missouri
      - occupation 1912 Biology Professor, Tarkio, Missouri
      - occupation 1920 University teacher, Vermillion, South Dakota
      - occupation 1925-1945, Dean, Colorado School of Medicine
      - died 25 May 1945
      - married 21 June 1911 in Tarkio, Atchison County, Missouri,
      Elizabeth M. Prather, daughter of Silas and Anne Prather
      - born 3 August 1884 in Missouri
      - died March 1981, had lived in Denver, Colorado. SON:
      • Maurice P. Rees, born 20 August 1912 in Missouri, died 25 Dec 1999
    • Fred T. Rees, born 1882, died 29 August 1882, buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    • Edna Glen Rees, born 08 Jan 1884
      - married about 1924 to
      John E. McAninch, born 13 June 1886, Brooklyn, Iowa
      - chiropractor in Newton, Jasper County, Iowa
      Glen and John McAninch are both buried in the Palo Alto Cemetery, Jasper County, Iowa
    • Floy Naoma Rees, born 17 October 1887
      - married about 1914 to
      Walter D. Heki, born about 1886 in Iowa. SON:
      • Herbert Heki, born about 1924

  3. Henrietta Elizabeth Rees, first white child born in Palo Alto Township.
    - born 25 March 1849, Jasper Co., Iowa., Palo Alto Twp.
    - died 17/18 July 1913, Appanoose County, Iowa
    - married (1) 20 May 1866, Jasper County, Iowa
    James (Wm. James) Garland. See GARLAND.
    Henrietta married (2) Henry McVeigh/McVey.

  4. Rowland Rees,
    - born 10 September 1850, Jasper County, Iowa
    - 1880 census, farming in Turner County, Dakota Territory
    - 1910 census, farming in Palo Alto Twp., Jasper County, Iowa
    - died 1942, Houston, Texas
    - buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    - married 18 June 1871, Jasper Co., Iowa
    Laura Mead, born 10 September 1851, Michigan
    In 1900 Laura Rees was living in Hurley, Turner County, South Dakota. She was listed as married but was living alone. I have not found Rowland Rees listed in the 1900 census.
    Rowland is believed to be the builder of the Rees log cabin that now stands in Maytag Park, Newton, Iowa.
    CHILDREN
    • Elmer V. Rees, born about 1872 in Iowa
      - was a newspaper linotypist in Denver, Colorado
      - married about 1905, to
      Jennie V. --, born about 1880 in South Dakota. DAUGHTER
      • Helen E. Rees, born about 1908 in Colorado.
    • Mary L. Rees, born September 1873 in Iowa
      - narried 10 Sep 1891,
      Edwin Joseph Basye, born October 1867 in Wisconsin
      - 1900 census, Well Driller, Rock, Lyon, Iowa
      - 1905, patented a strainer for pumps and deep tubular wells
      - 1910 census, Irrigation well manager, Stuttgart, Arkansas
      - 1920 census, Foreman, Stuttgart, Arkansas, Arkansas
      - 1930 census, Farmer in Madero Pct, Hidalgo County, Texas
      CHILDREN listed in the 1900, 1910 and/or 1920
      • Laura E. Basye, born Jun 1892 in Nebraska
        - lived with parents in censuses of 1900 and 1910
      • Guy E. Basye, born Nov 1893 in South Dakota
        - 1920 census, Farmer, Roc Roe, Monroe County, Arkansas
        - 1930 census, Sales manager, Handle Factory, Heber Springs, Arkansas
        - married about 1916, to
        Mary Ethel ---, born about 1893 in Missouri
        CHILDREN
        • Guiola Basye, born about 1917 in Arkansas
        • Regina Basye, born about 1920 in Arkansas
        • William Basye, born about 1928 in Arkansas
      • Pearl L. Basye, born November 1895 in South Dakota
        - married about 1919, to
        Ernest King, born about 1895 in Texas - 1930 census, living near Pearl's parents in Hidalgo County, Texas
      • Melvin W. Basye, born 6 April 1898 in Iowa
        - 1930 census, Sand pit operator, Hidalgo County, Texas
        - died September 1978
        - married about 1924, to
        Edris ---, born about 1902 in Tennessee
        CHILDREN as of the 1930 census
        • Bertha Basye, born about 1920 in Arkansas
        • Verna Basye, born about 1922 in Tennessee
      • Esther C. Basye, born about 1901 in Iowa
        - married about 1925, Albert Ehren, born about 1897 in Germany
        - immigrated 1920
        - 1930 census, Farm Laborer, Hidalgo County, Texas.
        One Child, as of the 1930 census
        • Fritz Ehren, born about 1929 in Texas
      • Donald S. Basye, born about 1906 in Texas
        - 1930 census, Clerk, Irrigation Company, Hidalgo County, Texas
      • Ruth M. Basye, born about 1909 in Arkansas
        - census 1910, 1920 in Stuttgart, Arkansas County, Arkansas.
      • Faith M. Basye, born about 1912 in Arkansas
      • Warren Basye, born 2 December 1913 in Arkansas
        - census 1930 in Hidalgo County, Texas, but listed as 27 years old, when he was really only 17
        - died January 1967
      • Edwin J. Basye, born about 1917 in Arkansas
        - 1930 census in Pct. 4, Hidalgo County, Texas.
      The following children were members of the household in 1930. Some of the names and some of the ages don't match the children that were in the previous censuses.
      Warren Basye, son, 27, born Arkansas, (therefore born about 1903)
      Guy E Basye, son, 24, born Arkansas, (therefore born about 1906)
      Eugene M Basye, son, 22, born Arkansas (therefore born about 1908)
      Edwin J Basye, II, son, 15, born Illinois, (therefore born about 1915
      Lois B Basye, daughter, 12, born Iowa, (therefore born about 1918)
      Anna E Rees, daughter, 26, born Iowa, widowed

    • Minnie Rees, born about 1876 in Nebraska
      - married about 1909, to
      George R. Hill, born about 1854 in Ireland
      - immigrated 1856
      - farmed in Jasper County, Iowa
      - died between 1910 and 1920 censuses
      Minnie married 2) Daniel Matheson Johnston, widower of Estella Rees, who had died in 1922
      - born September 1856 in Mt. Vernon, Iowa
      - physician, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, later Grady County, Oklahoma
      - 1930 census in Newton, Jasper, Iowa
      - died 23 Jun 1949 in Chickasha, Grady, Oklahoma
      - buried in Rosehill Cemetery, Chickaska, Oklahoma
      Historical article about Dr. Daniel Johnston. Click your browser's BACK button to return here.
      CHILDREN of MINNIE REES AND GEORGE HILL
      • George Hill, Jr., born about 1912 in Iowa
      • Marjorie Hill, born about 1913 in Iowa
      • Eugene M. Hill, born about 1914 in Iowa
      • Mary Hill, born about 1915 in Iowa
    • Ernest L. Rees, born 10 September 1877 in Iowa
      - worked for the railroad in Eagle Grove Iowa, and later in Casper, Wyoming
      - married about 1899, to
      Anna --, born November 1878 in Iowa.

  5. Franklin Pierce Rees
    - born 12 October 1852, Jasper County, Iowa
    - 1885 state census, lived in Cameron, Audubon County, Iowa
    - 1900 census, merchant in Braman, Kay County, Oklahoma
    - 1910 census, merchant in Wann, Nowata County, Oklahoma
    - died 29 March 1917, Oklahoma
    - buried in Palo Alto Cemetery, Jasper County, Iowa
    - married 15 July 1874, Jasper County, Iowa
    Rebecca Bovaird, born 10 September 1852 in Pennsylvania
    - 1920 and 1930 censuses, lived with son Forest in Tulsa, Oklahoma
    - died 16 November 1939, buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    CHILDREN
    • Dora Ethel Rees, born 29 May 1875, died 14 September 1906
      - buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    • Mabel Fay Rees, born 22 July 1879, died 15 April 1882
      - buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    • Delmer Robert Rees, born 17 April 1884 in Iowa
      - married about 1909, to
      Carrol J. ---, born 28 January 1888, died October 1977
    • Forest Ray Rees, born 9 September 1885 in Iowa
      - 1910 census, laborer in Pueblo, Colorado,
      - 1920 census, geologist in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
      - 1930 geologist with an oil company in Tulsa, Oklahoma
      - died November 1969
      - married 6 January 1913, to
      Ione Goucher Wood, daughter of Joshua and Emmaline (Barrett) Wood
      - born 17 August 1886 in Long Run, Green, Pennsylvania
      - died Sep 1979, had lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma
      CHILDREN
      • Katherine Rebecca Rees, born 7 December 1914 in Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
        - died 8 September 1974 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma
        - married John Payne Hammond,
        - born 19 April 1913, died 1 March 2003, had lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma
      • Forest Bovaird Rees, born 14 December 1920 in Oklahoma
        - died 4 March 2000, had lived in Humble, Harris County, Texas
        - married and had 2 children.
  6. Charles Rees
    - born 21 July 1854, Jasper Co., Iowa
    - died 26 July 1854, Jasper Co., Iowa., Palo Alto Twp.
    Charles Rees was the first white death in Palo Alto Twp.

  7. Lewis Rees
    - born 11 January 1856
    - died 2 January 1865, of typhoid.

  8. Estella Marie Rees
    - born 2 September 1857, Jasper Co., Iowa
    - died 26 February 1922 in Chickasha, Grady, Oklahoma
    - buried in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Rosehill Cemetery
    - married 14 March 1878 in Iowa, to
    Dr. Daniel Matheson Johnston,
    - born September 1856 in Mt. Vernon, Iowa
    - physician, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, later Grady County, Oklahoma
    - 1930 census in Newton, Jasper, Iowa
    - died 23 Jun 1949 in Chickasha, Grady, Oklahoma
    - buried in Rosehill Cemetery, Chickaska, Oklahoma
    Historical article about Dr. Daniel Johnston. Click your browser's BACK button to return here.
    DAUGHTER
    • Blanche Johnston, born December 1878 in Iowa
      - died 1940, buried 10 Apr 1940 in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Rosehill Cemetery
      - married about 1909, to
      Joseph Dews, born 1863 in Arkansas
      - 1910 census, Clerk, City of Chickasha
      - 1920 census, bookkeeper at a creamery, Chickasha, Oklahoma
      - died April 1930, buried 13 Apr 1930 in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Rosehill Cemetery
      Joseph had several children by first wife, Laura Gatlin, (14 August 1863 - 1 October 1907)
      CHILDREN of Blanche Johnston and Joseph Dews
      • Johnson Rees Dews, born 6 March 1910 in Oklahoma
        - died 11 October 1943, buried in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Rosehill Cemetery
      • Maude Dews, born 25 August 1913 in Oklahoma
        - died 24 June 1992, buried 26 June 1992 in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Rosehill Cemetery
      • Dana Jo Dews, born 4 July 1917 in Oklahoma

  9. Effie Cilia Rees
    - born 24 August 1863, Iowa
    - married about 1884 to
    George W. Byington, born September 1858 in New York
    - died 9 August 1938, in Johnson County, Arkansas
    They lived in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Arkansas
    - divorced between 1910 and 1920
    Effie then lived in Memphis, Tennessee, where she managed a cafeteria
    TWO DAUGHTERS
    • Nina Byington, born December 1885 in Kansas
      - married James H. Ancrum. Had one son, James Ancrum, Jr.
    • Dorothy Byington, born April 1896 in Arkansas
      - married Mr. Cates. Divorced.
      In the 1930 census, Nina Ancrum (widowed), Effie Byington (divorced) and Dorothy Cates (divorced) were living together in Memphis, Tennessee. Effie managed a cafeteria, Nina was a cashier at a cafeteria, and Dorothy was a clerk at a telephone office.

    CHILDREN of Mary Ann Prouty Rees and Isaac Badger:

  10. Hannibal Joseph Badger
    - born 12 February 1867, Jasper County, Iowa.
    - 1910 census, farmer, Chinook, Blaine, Montana
    - died 6 December 1922 in Battlecreek, Saskatchewan, Canada
    - buried in Chinook, Blaine, Montana
    - married about 1886, to
    Alice Ida Luse, born 28 September 1867 in Missouri
    - 1930 census, farmerette, Little Elk, Lincoln County, Oregon
    - died 1947 in Corvallis, Oregon
    CHILDREN
    • Earl Donald Badger,
      - born 28 August 1887 in Jasper County, Iowa
      - died 26 February 1946 in Vidora, Saskatchewan
      - married 27 April 1914 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to
      Sarah Cecelia Hathaway
    • Mary Badger, born about 1890 in Montana
      - married Albert Sterling, born about 1882 in Canada, immigrated 1919
      - 1920 census, in Chinook, Montana
      CHILDREN:
      • Alice Sterling, born about 1914, Montana
      • Joseph Sterling, born about 1916, Canada
      • Lois Sterling, born about 1917, Canada
    • Stella Mary Badger, born about 1893 in Montana
      - married Francis Hubert Bellamy, born in England
      Two sons, Richard and ??. (Census record is difficult to read.)
    • Joseph Badger, born about 1895 in Montana
      - died 17 September 1910, Montana
    • John Badger, born about 1897 in Montana
    • Jesse G. Badger, born about 1903 in Montana
      - lived in Montana and Oregon.

  11. Mary Belle Badger
    - born 23 October 1869, Jasper County, Iowa,
    - died 8 January 1963, Newton, Jasper County, Iowa
    - married 27 February 1890
    Stephen A. Douglas Guessford, died 20 May 1941
    CHILDREN
    • Pearl Guessford, born about 1892 in Iowa
    • Florence Guessford, born about 1894 in Iowa
    • Bliss Prouty Guessford, born November 1895, died 1904
      - buried in Jasper County, Iowa, Palo Alto Cemetery
    • Colleen Guessford, born about 1905 in Iowa
      - married about 1928 to
      Verne F. Snook, born about 1901
      - 1930 census, mechanic in Newton, Jasper County, Iowa
      One child as of the 1930 census, Beverly Snook, born about 1929, Iowa
    • Catherine Guessford, born about 1905 in Iowa

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ROWLAND REES & ELIZABETH MUSSER REES

Rowland Rees, son of Lewis Rees
- born 7 September 1783, Union Co., Pennsylvania
- died 30 May 1868
- married in 1816
Elizabeth Musser
- born 15 July 1793, Pennsylvania
- died 5 February 1862

    Children of Rowland and Elizabeth Rees:
  1. Jacob M. Rees
    - born 29 January 1817, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 10 July 1841
    - buried Williamstown, Ohio.

  2. Thomas Rees
    - born 4 September 1818, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 10 March 1865, Jasper Co., Iowa
    - buried at Palo Alto Cemetery, Jasper Co. Iowa
    - married 4 March 1845, Chesterville, Ohio
    Mary Ann Prouty
    - born 25 December 1827, Chesterville, Knox Co., Ohio
    - died 22 November 1881, Newton, Iowa.
    - buried at Palo Alto Cemetery, Jasper Co. Iowa

  3. Rebecca Rees
    - born 7 March 1820, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 26 September 1842.

  4. Lewis Rees
    - born 2 July 1822, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 22 November 1893, Central Point, Oregon
    Killed by a vicious bull.

  5. Charles M. Rees, a physician,
    - born 5 October 1824, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died June 1854, Carthage, Missouri

  6. Hannah Rees
    - born 10 November 1826, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 7 February 1892.
    - buried at Eagle Creek Cemetery, Ohio.

  7. Ann Eliza Rees
    - born 7 June 1829, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 30 December 1892.

  8. John L. Rees
    - born 29 December 1831, Union Co., Pennsylvania.
    - buried at Williamstown, Ohio.

  9. William Rees
    - born 2 June 1835 or 1855, Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 25 November 1881,
    - buried at Williamstown, Ohio.
    If this William was born in 1855, he probably was not a child of this couple.

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Lewis Ress, son of Thomas Rees,
- born 1740,
- died 1810.
Lewis Rees's father Thomas Rees is the earliest REES ancestor that we have knowledge of. Thomas was born about 1700 in Wales, and is believed to be buried in Lewisburg, Union County, Pennsylvania.

Lewis Rees was the father of:

  1. Thomas R. Rees
  2. Alexander Rees
  3. Nancy Rees
  4. John Rees, born June 1770 Union Co., Pennsylvania, died May 1850.
    Surveyor and teacher.
  5. Hannah Rees
  6. Rowland Rees
    - born 7 September 1783 Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 30 May 1868
  7. Elizabeth M. Rees
    - born 15 July 1790 Union Co., Pennsylvania
    - died 5 February 1868 Williamstown, Ohio
    (Is this the sister or the wife of Rowland Rees?)

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Information from family records, Mrs. George Hill of Newton, Iowa,
the Jasper County (Iowa) Genealogical Society, and census and other records.

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