Richard Griffith Rees 1850-1901

REES, ERDMAN, RIGGLE

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/1/2001 at 20:06:33

Richard Griffith Rees was born in Carduf, Wales, May 18, 1850.

At the age of six years he sailed for America and was shipwrecked and upon the water sixteen weeks. He came first to Chicago, Ill., with his parents in 1856. They moved to Northern Iowa and finally located in East Dubuque, Ill.

At the age of seventeen years he entered on his apprenticeship as carriagesmith at Dubuque, Iowa, with the Thomas Conley carriage Manufactory.

He moved to Pladville, Wis., when 21 years of age. There he met Miss Carrie Erdman to whom he was married at Galena, Ill., January 14, 1873. To this union was born two sons, Herbert E. and Harry, who with their mother and one grandson survive to mourn their loss.

In July 1874 he came to Bonaparte and engaged with D. W. Riggle in the business of Carriage Manufacture. In 1891 he assumed the whole business, Mr. Riggle retiring from the firm. By industry and fair dealing he has built a fine business and commanded the respect of all with whom he has been associated.

He was a member of the Knights of Pithaes, Modern Woodmen and Rathbone Sisters.

He enjoyed the confidence of the people of the community and was twice elected a member of the town council, being a member at the time of his death.

He died in Bonaparte, Dec. 22, 1901, having lived 51 years 7 months and 4 days.

Funeral services were held in the M. E. church, Dec. 26, 1901, Rev. G. W. Barber of Drakesville conducting the service. Interrment [sic] was made in the Bonaparte cemetery.

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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.