Obituary
Irvin C. Reeder
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Contributed by Emily
Swanson. Thanks, Emily! A GOOD MAN PASSED AWAY Irvin C. Reeder was born September 7, 1846, and died at James Wilson's, his son-in-law, December 10, 1917, aged 74 years, 3 months and 3 days. Mr. Reeder was married to Miss Anna M. Fulton, April 16, 1869. Two sons and five daughters came to bless this union: Minnie Jane, wife of Ed Donley; Anna B., wife of James R. Wilson; Mary L., wife of James Faulkner; Carrie, wife of Warner Malone; Emma, wife of A. W. Hamilton; Joseph F. of Des Moines, Iowa, and Guy Reeder of Houston, Texas. Mr. Reeder leaves the above named children, fifteen grand-daughters, eleven grand-sons and one great-grand-daughter, and a host of friends to mourn his death. Mr. Reeder was son of James and Sarah Williams-Reeder. Little is known about his parents. The mother died when Irvin was but seven years old and his father died when Irvin was nearing his teens. Uncle John Pratt and his wife, Annie Belle, took Irvin in their home and cared for him as their own son. As soon as he could enlist, Irvin enlisted in the Sixth Illinois Cavalry and remained until the close. He belonged to Co. H. and was a close friend of our late friend, W. J. Rice. He was with Grierson as what is known as "The Grierson Raid". Irvin Reeder has been well and favorably known by the citizens of McLeansboro and vicinities since he became an orphan at ten years of age. After his return from the war and his marriage, Mr. Reeder .............(illegible)............he raised his family and then retired, moving to McLeansboro to where Ed Donley now lives. Of late years, he has spent his time with his grandchildren, going from one to another. Like all good men, Mr. Reeder was a dear lover of children. His greatest pleasure was to be among young people and especially his grandchildren. They will miss grandpa. Irvin, as all called him, was a man who loved the companionship of his fellowmen; loved to joke and pass the time in pleasant conversation. Yet, he never was heard to use profane or obscene language even in telling a joke. His language was pure at all times and under all circumstances. Little did his friends think when he spoke in praise of his comrade, W. J. Rice, that he would be the next old soldier called. But he was and two good men and soldier companions have left the walks of men but have clasped hands on the streets of the New Jerusalem. Hamilton County never had a better man than Irvin C. Reeder. He was a good boy, grew up into a righteous manhood, became a good soldier, returned to be a good citizen, married and was a good husband and a devoted father, discharging his every duty. Charitable to a fault. What more could God of man ask? He loved his church, his fellowman and his God. A glorious life for any man. Peace, peace; unspeakable peace, is Irvin C. Reeder's reward. Interment in Odd Fellows' cemetery.
From: Felty's Legacy of Kin, p. 165 Ibid; p. 143 |
