R. G. Rees

REES, ERDMAN

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/11/2012 at 17:54:23

R. G. Rees

The proprietor of the Rees Carriage Works, was born in Cardiff, Wales, May 18, 1850, and came with his parents to America in 1855 settling in Clayton county, Iowa. They moved shortly afterwards to Jo Daviees county, Ill.

Mr. Rees entered the carriage factory of Tom Connelley, at Davenport, and there learned the trade of carriage smith, serving three years. He worked at that business in carriage factories at Plattsville, Wis., McGregor, Iowa, Prairie du Chien, Wis., Rockford, Ill., Davenport, Dubuque, Animosa, and Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

He was married Jan. 14, 1873, at Galena, Ill., to Carrie Erdman. They have two children, Herbert and Harry.

They came to Bonaparte July 14, 1874, when Mr. Rees formed a partnership in the carriage manufacturing business with D. W. Riggle, continuing till 1886 when Mr. Riggle retired.

During their partnership they erected a building 20 x 30 and afterward Mr. Rees increased it by erecting a brick structure 30 x 50 and two stories high. This he enlarged in 1895 to 30 x 100 and four stories high, the upper story occupied by the Knights of Pythias as a lodge room.

Mr. Rees's factory has a capacity of one finished vehicle in every ten hours, and he makes nothing but the very best of work.

[Note: Grave marker dates read 1851-1901]

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