Samuel Rich South
Samuel Rich South died in a local hospital Wednesday morning early following a month's illness. He was born September 11, 1871 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Charles and Elizabeth Taylor Rich South.
The life of Samuel Rich South, as remembered in the post register from November 1949, reflects a deep connection to family heritage and the pioneer spirit of the American West. Born in Salt Lake City in 1871 to Charles and Elizabeth Taylor Rich South, his roots trace back to the earliest days of settlement in the region. Such family histories are the bedrock of personal identity, and preserving them through written records ensures that future generations can understand where they came from. This website shares these kinds of stories, weaving together poems, prose, and genealogical accounts that honor the lives of those who came before us.
Family histories offer more than just names and dates; they provide a window into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. Samuel Rich South's passing in 1949 marked the end of a life that spanned nearly eight decades of profound change in America. From the post-Civil War era through two world wars, his generation witnessed transformations that reshaped the nation. By documenting these personal narratives alongside broader historical context, we create a richer tapestry of understanding. The exchange of these stories among family members helps keep memories alive and strengthens the bonds that connect us across generations.
The written word has always been a powerful vessel for preserving personal and family legacies. Whether through carefully crafted poems, thoughtful prose, or detailed genealogical records, the act of writing down our histories ensures they endure beyond our own lifetimes. Samuel Rich South's obituary is just one example of how a brief newspaper notice can capture the essence of a person's life and their place within a family. This website serves as a digital archive for such treasured documents, allowing visitors to explore the stories of their own relatives and discover connections they may not have known existed.
Community and connection lie at the heart of sharing family histories. When we read about the lives of people like Samuel Rich South, we are reminded that our own stories are part of a larger narrative that stretches across time and geography. The exchange of information among family members, whether through email, blogs, or personal correspondence, helps to fill in the gaps and correct the inaccuracies that can creep into oral traditions. This website encourages that collaborative spirit, inviting visitors to contribute their own knowledge and memories to build a more complete picture of shared heritage for everyone to enjoy.
Life & Work
Mr. South lived in Randolph, Utah until 1923, when he moved to Idaho Falls. At Randolph he taught for 13 years in the schools. After coming to Idaho, he and his wife established a sawmill in Island Park, Idaho, which the family operated for many years.
He was married to Hannah Corless on November 10, 1899 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. That month — November 1949 — they had been married fifty years. He died just days after the anniversary.
Samuel Rich South was known as an educator, a sawmill operator, and a violinist.
Family
Samuel and Hannah South were the parents of seven children, five living at the time of his passing. Among them was Dorothy Hackworth of St. Anthony, Idaho.