Rhys Samuel

ROBERTS, REESE, BAXTER, NEWELL, LEWIS, OHARE, WUMKER, BRYSON, COOPER, REMY, VILLONT, MICK, PLUM

Posted By: Reta Lancaster (email)
Date: 6/1/2016 at 23:43:14

Rhys Samuel
Mr. Rhys Samuel, the subject of this sketch, who died at his home in Hiteman, Iowa, August 6, 1910, at the age of 67 years, was a native of Wales, born at Cefneithin, Parish of Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, on March 3, 1843, where he lived until reaching young manhood and migratinng to the "works" at Aberdare and vicinity. While there he was a member of the famous Caradog Choir.

August 18, 1861, he was united in marriage to Martha Roberts. To them were born 13 children, six sons and seven daughters, three of whom died in infancy; and there remain to mourn the loss of a good husband and a kind and loving father, his wife, four sons and six daughters, all of whom were present at his death.

He united with the Congregational Church in the year 1865, and continued to be a faithful and loyal member of the church until called to the great church beyond. Those who knew him best loved him best, and think of him as a loyal friend, a kind and loving husband and father, a good citizen and a Christian. He was peculiarly and intensely devoted to his family and his home, to the church and to music. He was passionately fond of music, without ever thinking of compensation. It was to him a labor of love, and given freely. He like many was not properly appreciated, and quite often received scant courtesy for what he did. He performed good service, and was a valuable man to the church and to the community.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Samuel began to dream dreams of America, "The land of the free and the home of the brave," and in the year 1869 made the journey and cast his lot in Brookfield, Ohio, where he and his family lived for about 15 years. When mining began to wane in and about Brookfield, the family moved to Lucas, Iowa; thence to Cedar Mines; and in 1891 they moved to Hiteman, at which place he died, surrounded by his loved ones.

The funeral service was held at the Congregational Church. A selection of Scripture was read by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Artz; Rev. Mr. Williams of Hiteman led in prayer; the choir sang "Rock of Ages;" Rev. Lloyd Williams of Oskaloosa read the obituary, and for the benefit of the Welsh friends and of the family preached in Welsh. Mr. David Davies sang a beautiful solo, entitled "The Heavenly Land," composed by Mr. Peter Welch, an old and dear friend of the departed, who with Albert Harrison accompanied on the violin, Miss Bessie Thomas presiding at the organ. Then followed a short address by Rev. Mr. Artz. Burial was in Oak View Cemetery. Rhys Samuel, though dead, still speaketh. His life was not lived in vain; and the world is better for his having lived it.
--From a Welsh-American newspaper, 1910.