SAMUEL HODGES REESE
Samuel
Hodges Reese was born at Aberdare, Wales, April 11, 1852. His parents were Mary
Hodges and Samuel Reese. When he was very young, his father was killed in a
coal mine in Wales. His mother later married William W. Williams.
After
conversion to the Mormon faith they emigrated to the United States and settled
in Samaria where there were some of their friends. Samuel had a number of half
brothers and sisters. It seems his stepfather was very strict and believed in
whipping his children.
When
Samuel married Mary Ann Morse, he still worked for his stepfather. He was now a
married man and on his own; therefore, he would not allow any more beatings.
This couple had a family of four children: Mary, Maria, Richard, and Emma.
Samuel
Reese owned a farm of about fifty acres. He was also a carpenter and mason. He
worked at carpentry on the Logan Temple while it was being built. He made many
coffins which the Relief Society women trimmed with white cloth and lace.
For
amusement the Ward held dances. For some years someone played chords on an
organ to Joseph Morse's concertina. Also the Mutual put on plays during winter
when men could not farm. Samuel Reese always took a leading part in every play.
No doubt, there were Ward reunions and celebrations on holidays.
When he
was about thirty-three years old, he became ill with appendicitis. Doctors then
had no cure for it and did not operate. After much suffering, he died.
- Viola C. Reese
