NEWS CLIPPINGS Newton (Iowa) Journal 15 Sept 1909

The Rees Family Reunion

The Rees family, who were among the early settlers of Palo Alto township but who are now scattered to many different places, have the past week been enjoying a very happy family reunion, the first time that so many of them have had the privilege of being together for a long time. The gala day of the reunion was on last Saturday when they met at the Palo Alto United Presbyterian church, about which cluster many happy memories of their younger days. There they met the brothers, sisters and all the relatives who could be here and enjoyed the day. Although it was a happy time, it was a very sad one for it brought back memories of days that shall be no more and loved ones who used to be with them but can never return again. In the afternoon they all went over to the old home, now known as the Lawton farm, and once more saw the many favorite haunts of their childhood times. Although years have made a number of changes, the old place still looks familiar.

Those who were present were: Frank Rees and wife of Wann, Oklahoma; Stella Rees now Mrs. Dr. Daniel Johnson and her husband of Chicasha, Oklahoma; and Mrs. Effie Rees Byington and daughter Dorothy of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Three brothers, Anson, Spencer and Rowland Rees, and one sister, Mrs. Steve Guessford, reside in Jasper county so that all of the original family were present with the exception of one sister, Mrs. Henrietta McVey [McVeigh] of Rathburn [Rathbun] Iowa, and the half brother, Hannibal Badger, who lives in Canada.

Yesterday they all gathered at the home of Mrs. Guessford and spent the day enjoying a family dinner at noon. Several of the children of Rowland Rees from other places were also present.

Four Occasions Celebrated

Last Friday, September 19th, was a notable occasion at the George Hill home south of Town. It was a family reunion of Mrs. Hills' people, the Rowland Rees's. The children were all here and some of the grand children. Besides Mrs. Hill there were the father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Rowland Rees, a daughter, Mrs. Mary Bayse and two children, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, and two sons, Elmer Rees, of Denver, and Earnest Rees, wife and two children, of Eagle Grove, Iowa.

September 10th is a very important day to the Rowland Rees family. On that day, Mr. and Mrs. Rees both celebrate their birthdays, also the son Earnest. The daughter, Mary, was married on September 10th, so that makes four occasions to be celebrated on the same day.

All the family were together at the George Hill home and had a big family dinner.

In the afternoon Mr. J.R. Hall went out to the Hill home and took a picture of the family together.

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