William Reel (1842-1918)

REEL, CRANE, CHASE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/16/2010 at 23:16:26

Maquoketa Excelsior-Record, September 27, 1918

WILLIAM REEL, CIVIL WAR VETERAN, ANSWERS LAST CALL

William Reel, a highly respected citizen of this city, passed away at his home on South Second Street on Wednesday evening at six o’clock, after a long illness of Bright’s Disease. Mr. Reel was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 9, 1842, coming with his parents to Jackson County in the year 1857. He was reared at home, acquiring a common school education, which was supplemented by two years study in the city schools of Maquoketa. He was a young man of twenty years when on the 11th of August, 1862, in response to the country’s call, he enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company I, 24th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He took part in every engagement in which his regiment participated, numbering 72 in all. He was captured at the Battle of Cedar Creek and again at Champion Hill, but managed to make his escape each time. For three years Mr. Reel bravely defended the Stars and Stripes on southern battlefields, making a creditable military record by his unfaltering devotion to duty and his love for his country. He was mustered out of service on July 17, 1865 at Savannah, Georgia.

After his return from the war he accepted a position as teacher in the Baldwin Schools remaining there for nine years. For many years he was engaged in the mercantile interests of Maquoketa, being employed in the C. M. Sanborn store. On the third of July, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Marian L. Crane of Maquoketa and they spent their entire married life in this city.

Mr. Reel was an honored member of Peerless Lodge No. 60, Knights of Pythias; Ben Meer Temple No. 12, D. O. K. K.; and A. W. Dripps Post No. 74, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he served as senior vice-commander. He was held in the highest confidence by all who knew him and had gained the admiration and good will of his comrades in arms.

Besides the wife, one son, Asa D. Reel, survives, a;lso the following brothers and sisters: John of Los Angeles, Wilbur W. of Maquoketa, Mrs. George Chase of Onslow, Miss Laura Reel of Ohio, and Miss Bianca Reel of Maquoketa. Funeral services will be held from the home this afternoon at four o’clock, Dr. J. G. Morgan will officiate. Interment will be made in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

William Reel Grave
 

Jackson Obituaries maintained by Nettie Mae Lucas.
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