Conversion to Mormonism brought about a total life change for many early Saints from Wales, including John and William Rees. William was an unusually large man for the time, weighing more than two hundred pounds and reaching six feet in height. He was married to a sweet, gentle, liberal minded woman with a tender heart, Maria Mason Rees. They were both moderately religious and attended the Wesleyan Church, which was the dominant church of Wales at the time. They resided at 102 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil and had three children: Naomi, Maria and John.
The family residence was somewhat isolated from the town and schools so the children were left to find an education by whatever means they could. William was busy full time with trying to secure a living for the family and his wife was kept busy with the household duties and caring for the children. Still, they were a happy family despite financial difficulties and hardships. William’s wife, Maria died leaving William alone to care for the children as well as to have to work to sustain them. Their daughter Naomi died in 1849 at Merthyr Tydfil. They are both buried near the front walk of the Old Church there.
[picture of High Street]
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