REX, Samuel 1834-1908

REX, ACKLEY

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 3/12/2013 at 10:06:24

Samuel Rex – October 1, 1834 – July 2, 1908

IN MEMORIAM

Another of our good citizens is gone. He may have had enemies it is true, probably did, but the fact that he had, only proves the first statement true.

While our community were preparing for the celebration, one of our number quietly laid down the burdens of life, and peacefully passed away.

Samuel Rex, second child of Rudolph and Mary Rex was born October 1st, 1834 in Summit County, Ohio, where his boyhood days were spent. In the fall of 1850 while yet a young man, he, with his people moved to Iowa, and settled here at marble Rock, where he remained the remainder of his life.

At the age of twenty-five, October 16, 1859, he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Ackley. To this happy union fourteen children were born. Five of these preceded their father into the other world, leaving nine, five sons and four daughters. These, with a true and devoted wife, and eleven grandchildren, remain to mourn his loss.

During his last illness the wife and children were incessant in their ministry of love and the deepest solicitude watched at the bedside of their beloved, patiently and tenderly anticipating his every want and endeavoring to add all possible comfort to the life that was slowly slipping away.

Death came to the relief of the sufferer last Thursday morning, at 20 minutes of seven o’clock. Had he lived until the first of the coming October, he would have been 74 years old. Of the deceased it may be truly said that he was a good neighbor, a much respected citizen, a faithful friend, a kind father, and a tender and devoted husband.

Absolute honesty was one of his virtues, as too much generosity and free heartedness was one of his weaknesses. He was ever ready to extend a hand to the needy, and no one ever appealed to him for help that he did not give it, to the extent of his ability and sometimes beyond it. The motto of his life seems to have been, “Peace.” Peace to all mankind and peace to his family. May this great virtue, with many others that he possessed, be emulated by every member of his bereaved family, as well as all others.

The funeral services were held from his late residence, and were conducted by B. W. Hampton, pastor of the Christian Church, assisted by the pastors of the Methodist and Baptist Churches of Marble Rock.

A large concourse of people attended the funeral, and paid the last tribute of respect to one of their oldest citizens and neighbor. All churches dismissed their services, in order that all might have an opportunity to attend the funeral services.

He was laid to rest in the cemetery on the east side of the river in Marble Rock, with members of the family who had preceded him to rest. We bury his body, commit his soul to God, forgive his faults, and endeavor to emulate his virtues.

Marble Rock Journal, Thursday July 9, 1908