REESE, JOHN H. (deceased), for some years a resident of Cotton Hill township, Sangamon County, where he was known as a highly respected and substantial citizen, was a native of North Carolina, born January 9, 1829, a son of Samuel and Mary (Rhodes) Reese, both natives of the same State. The parents became early settlers of Shelby county, Ill., where the father purchased land and engaged in farming. He died there and his wife afterward moved to Dallas, Tex., where she purchased land and there her death occurred about thirty years ago. She had two other sons besides John H. - Joseph and Henry, both of whom remained in South Carolina.

Mr. Reese acquired his education in the public schools of Shelby County, and when old enough began to help in the work on his father's farm, continuing in this occupation during the remainder of his life. For a number of years he lived on a farm three miles southeast of the place occupied by his widow. Upon his marriage, he lived for a time near Pawnee, Ill., and also owned land southwest of the present home place, which he sold and then purchased sixty acres of land on Section 8 of Cotton Hill Township, where he lived from 1878 until his death, which occurred on his birthday in 1885. He was a Republican in politics and an active and useful member of the Methodist Church, living an earnest and consistent Christian life. He improved and cultivated that farm and was successful in his operations. It is now owned by his widow.

Mr. Reese was married in Cotton Hill Township, October 10, 1863, to Phoebe Funderburk, daughter of David and Hannah Funderburk, and a native of Sangamon County. Her father served three years in the war of 1812 and came to Sangamon County in 1819 before there was any Springfield, and two years later married Hannah Hinkle. He and his wife had five sons and three daughters and besides Mrs. Reese those living are: Alfred N., David, Sarah (Mrs. Voyles), now living in Jefferson County, Mo., and at present writing ninety years of age. Mrs. Reese has had five children of whom four sons are living: Samuel D., George Washington, Edward G. and William Warren. George W. lives with his mother. Mary Frances died in infancy. Mrs. Reese has nine living grandchildren. She has reared her children to honorable man and womanhood and is much esteemed by her many friends. Besides her home in Cotton Hill Township, Mrs. Reese owns land in the vicinity of Glenarm.