Born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 7, 1817. When a lad of fourteen he entered the wholesale store of Avery, Sharpless & Company in Cincinnati. After several years poor health caused him to start for California. But when he reached Des Moines the stories of Indian troubles on the plains decided him to locate in Iowa. One of the representative business men of Fort Dodge he came to this city at the opening of the United States land office, to represent the real estate firm of Hoyt, Sherman & Company of Des Moines. Early in 1858, Mr. Rees was doing business under the firm name of Samuel Rees & Company. Three years later he engaged in the mercantile business, and then in 1862 formed a partnership with Angus McBane and W. M. Marlett, engaging in general merchandise, banking and real estate. After three or four years the general merchandise line was dropped, and later Marlett withdrew. About three or four years after the withdrawal of Marlett, a new partner was taken in, and the firm name then became Rees, McBane & Grant. After 1870, Mr. Rees was alone in the real estate and insurance business. He was twice married, first in Connersville to Rebecca Reed, who died in 1853. Then on February 6, 1856 he married Eleanor Youse. In politics he was a democrat. During the Civil war he was a strong Union supporter. Always identified with the politics of the state, he was a zealous worker for his party. In 1857 he was elected judge of Webster county, serving with marked ability. For personal reasons he refused reelection. He served during the Iowa legislative session of 1860, the special session of 1861 and in 1867 and 1876. He was elected mayor in 1877. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
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