The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
April 4, 1900
Page 5
Column 4A number of Woodmen from here went to the home of their brother, Stephen Reed of E. C., last Saturday and split 35 loads of wood -- enough for two years usage. Stephen has been sick for two months, but the kind aid and sympathy thus shown him will go a long ways toward relieving pain. The Woodmen speak loudly of the hospitality shown them by Mr. Reed and his family. Surely, "'Tis well to be a Woodman."
The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
July 18, 1900
Page 1
Column 5Again the reaper of death has come and plucked from among our circle a kind and indulgent father, an affectionate husband and an upright and honorable citizen. Stephen Sylvester Reed, son of Isaac and Mary McConnell Reed, was born in McDonough county, Illinois, Sept. 25th, 1862; died at his home in E. C. July 12, 1900, aged 37 years, 9 months and 17 days. He was married to Vina F. Fortney Dec. 29th, 1887. Of the four children born to them, Bernice, Archal and Mary are living -- Clarence having died in infancy. He is also survived by his wife, his aged mother, only brother Melvin, and two sisters, Maggie and Mrs. A. L. Callihan, all of whom reside in this village, and while they deeply mourn their loss, realize that great gain has come to him. In early life, bereft of a father's counsel, he was carefully trained by a wise mother and in boyhood developed those habits of industry and fidelity to duty which characterized his maturer years, and which, with the principles of truth and honor he possessed, made him a useful citizen recognized as faithful and true to all his obligations in life. Upon profession of his faith in Christ, Stephen Reed was received in the Presbyterian church of Ft. Green some 12 years ago, during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Bruce. He loyally lived the religion he professed. While devoting his energies to the support and comfort of his loved ones, and while yet in the full tide of his manhood, he was suddenly called to lay aside his busy plans and enter upon a long sickness, the nature of which he realized from the first. Without murmur or complaint he cheerfully submitted to the will of Him who doeth all things well. He patiently endured pain and suffering with a constant looking forward to the time when he would be at rest in his "Father's house," and when the time came for him to lay down the burden of pain and disease he triumphantly entered the "rest which remaineth for the people of God." Rev. Mr. Tower, Presbyterian minister of Carthage, held a short service at the home, Saturday at 1 o'clock after which the remains were brought to the Presbyterian church at Ft. Green where Rev. Dr. Pugh spoke comfortingly from words found in John 14:27, "My yeace I give unto you." Deceased was a member of the M. W. A., who were present in a body and took charge of the remains, marching to the grave in the family burying ground northwest of town, where head counsel, J. W. McConnell, read the sad burial rites of their lodge in an impressive manner. The tear bedimned eyes and the trembling voice of their leader showed the love that the aching hearts felt for their departed brother. After the salute in honor of the dead and also for the lonely widow and children was given, Dr. Pugh pronounced the benediction and the last tribute of respect was shown to one who, though gone, will never be forgotten. The floral tributes were beautiful in the extreme and the funeral cortege the largest that ever left Ft. Green. Among the relatives who were present from a distance were noticed, Charles Fortney, of Kirksville, Mo., brother of Mrs. Reed; Hon. O. F. and M. P. Berry and their wives, of Carthage.
