A. G. Rex, who is actively and successfully engaged in the stationery business in Evanston, was born in Sherbourne, England, May 11, 1848, a son of William and Mary (Mead) Rex, who in 1850 bade adieu to friends and native land and came to America, taking up their abode in St. Louis, Missouri. The father died the following year at the age of thirty-five. He had devoted his attention to the bakery business, in which he continued until the time of his demise. At a later period his widow removed to Wyoming and died at Randolph, Rich county, Utah, when eighty-four years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, two of whom are still living, William Rex being a resident of Randolph, Utah.
    The younger, A. G. Rex, spent his boyhood in St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended the public schools, pursuing his studies in the Elliot school at Eighth street near Cass avenue. He afterward learned the machinist's trade in St. Louis, serving a regular apprenticeship and gaining an expert knowledge of the business. He came to the west in 1869, making his way first to Salt Lake City, while later he settled upon a ranch near Randolph, Utah, where he remained for a year. He then abandoned that property and removed to Evanston, where he continued to work at his trade for the Union Pacific Railway Company from March, 1872, until July. 1894, or for a period of twenty-two years. He then retired from the employ of the Union Pacific and established his present business as a stationer and dealer in newspapers, magazines and notions. He has one of the leading stores in his line in this section of the state and his trade has reached substantial and gratifying proportions.
    In August, 1872, Mr. Rex was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Smith, of Randolph, who passed away in March, 1893. She was a daughter of Hugh and Agnes smith, there was one child, Nellie, nuw the wife of JoUn R. Nielson, and who was born in Evanston in 1880. For his second wife Mr. Rex chose Miss Emma Josephine Carpenter, who was burn in Brooklyn, New York. She was a daughter of Elliott Carpenter, now deceased, and is a representative of one of the oldest New England families, the original American ancestor having come to the new world during the Mayflower period. The family was represented by those who rendered active service in defense of the cause of independence during the Revolutionary war and Mrs. Rex is eligible to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also the Colonial Dames. She is a great-great grandniece of Benjamin Franklin and on the pages of the family history appear many other illustrious names.
    Mr. Rex is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been grand master of the state of Wyoming. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and in 1882 he was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature. Again, in 1890, he was chosen to that position, so that for more than two terms he has been actively Connected with the work of framing the laws of the state. His has been a busy and useful life, not only in connection with business interests but in a public way as well, and his worth is widely acknowledged by all who know him.