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John J. Reese Pioneer of Montana
John J. Reese is one of the well-known and estimable pioneers of Montana who have triumphed over the misfortunes of an earlier days unsuccessful mining venture and lived to enjoy the fruits of diligent and judicious attendance to agricultural interests as proprietor of one of the handsomest farms in Gallatin Valley. He is surrounded by all the comforts of life, and in the enjoyment of the regards of the people of his community. He was an eye-witness to some of the most tragical events of the early settlement.
He was born in Wales on Oct. 22, 1841, one of a family of sons and daughters. His parents were John E. Reese and Mary (Davis) Reese, the former a native of Carmarthenshire and the latter of Morristown, New Swansea, Wales. The paternal grandfather was Evan Reese, also of Carmarthenshire. John E. Reese came to the U.S. in 1856 when his son, John J. was 15 years old and located at Pittston, Pennsylvania where for a year he was employed in the coal mines.
Father and son removed to Illinois, the rest of the family remaining in Pennsylvania. Both secured work in the mines at La Salle, and in 1858 they returned to Pittston and the family home was changed to Scranton. In 1860 they started for Salt Lake City by ox teams, overland from Omaha, and experiencing no trouble from Indians, arrived at their destination in October. For three years they engaged in farming until the gold discoveries in Montana attracted their attention and they arrived in Bannock on May 26, 1863. Here is first heard of Col. W.F. Sanders, attorney for the Montana Vigilance Committee who was prosecuting George Ives, the noted road agent and desperado. Mr. Reese describes the effort as the finest piece of forensic eloquence he ever heard. His father having gone on to Gallatin Valley, In the fall of 1863 he went to Alder Gulch, and followed mining until 1866, when he rejoined his father in the Gallatin Valley and located his present home. John remained in Alder Gulch in 1866, when he rejoined his father in Gallatin and located a ranch on Reese Creek, so named in honor of his father.
He secured a squatter right, and after it was surveyed, took up a homestead claim. He raised his first crop in 1867 and added to his property over time until he had 300 acres of land with wheat, oats and hay. He also had a promising grand orchard of 350 trees. On November 19, 1864, he married Polly Ann Andres late of Nauvoo, Illinois, the daughter of Seth Andres, a basket maker from Missouri. Mr. Reese had officiated as postmaster 7 years, of courts 9 years, school trustee 5 years, then elected Justice of the Peace. He was known as Rocky Mountain Jack and was a witness to the hanging of George Ives, Boone Helman, Left Foot George, Hage Lyons, Frank Paris, Jack Gallagher. John J. Reese owned 240 acres of farming land. He belonged to the Vigilantes, Knights of Honor and Knights of Pythias, and was a Granger. John J. Reese born 22 Oct., 1844 born in died Feb. 21, 1921.
Sources: History of Montana 1739-1885 and Progressive Men of the State of Montana