Death of Elder J. M. Rees

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 15, 1909

Death of Elder J. M. Rees

WE are deeply pained to announce the death of Elder J. M. Rees, president of the West Virginia Conference, which occurred at Washington, D. C., April 8. Brother Rees had but recently returned to his conference work from the Washington Sanitarium, where he had successfully passed through a serious surgical operation. The day before his death he had brought his wife to the Sanitarium for treatment. The next day he went to Washington to transact some business. Standing on the street-car tracks at the corner of First Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, he stepped aside to avoid an approaching car. In so doing he was struck by a car coming from the opposite direction, and hurled violently against the car he was seeking to avoid. The collision resulted in the breaking of three ribs, a severe fracture of the skull, and other injuries. He was taken to the Emergency Hospital, where he died three hours after the accident, not having recovered consciousness. This terrible accident comes as a severe blow to his invalid wife, and children. Prof. D. D. Rees, of the Mount Vernon (Ohio) College, came immediately to Washington to take charge of the funeral arrangements. A funeral service was held in Washington, Sunday, after which the body was taken to Kokomo, Ind., for interment. Elder Rees has been long associated with this cause, for years holding important official positions, and his tragic death will be deeply and widely regretted. More extended notice of his life and labors will be given later.