REED, Charles James 1841-1886

REED, HAMMOND, CANFIELD

Posted By: Richard K Thompson (email)
Date: 8/24/2010 at 16:44:28

Fairfield Ledger
June 2, 1886

Death of Charles J. REED.

Charles J. REED (sic. Charles James REED), whose protracted and serious illness is known to most of our people, died at the home of his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles REED, in this city of Friday last. Mr. REED was born at New Philadelphia, Ohio, August 14, 1841. The earlier years of his life were spent at that place and at Masillon, his parents removing to the latter place early in the 50's. In 1856 the family removed to this county, and Charles joined them a few months later. Here he resided until the outbreak of the war of the rebellion. The opening guns of the war roused his young blood and he was one of the first to respond to his country's call for troops. He was unable to join the first regiment of Iowa troops, but was early in the field for the second one, and was a member of Company E of that famous regiment. He was with his command throughout its eventful campaign, serving the full three years for which he had enlisted. Returning to Iowa he again resumed his occupation as a farmer. March 20th, 1866, he was married to Adeline HAMMOND, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip HAMMOND. Several children were born to them and they lived a very happy life. Some time in 1869 Mr REED removed to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where for six years he was engaged in the government surveys of that territory. Upon the completion of this work he again returned to Fairfield, and engaged in the breeding of fine stock. His specialty was Jersey cattle, and his judgement was so good, his perseverance so great, his labors so well rewarded that his Meadow Brook herd was give a wide reputation and was probably the finest in Iowa. Two or three years ago misfortune fell upon his family and since their sickness and affliction has been such as few families are called upon to suffer. First, May 10th, 1883, the only daughter, a child of tender age, was called to her long home (sic. Mary Harriet REED, Jan. 10,1883-May 10,1883, buried in Old.P.332 at Evergreen cemetery with the rest of her family). The mother, prostrated by the blow, failed gradually until February 15th, 1885, when she too, passed away. Then illness attacked the father, and in the summer of last year the scourge of diphtheria visited the family, and three sons, Francis, Edward C. and Silas A., were stricken down in quick succession, on August 17th, August 23, and September 13th. From his own illness and the shock occasioned by the visits of death to his home circle the father scarcely rallied. Consumption fastened its hold upon him, and he steadily sank under it until he passed quietly away on the date noted. Two children, boys of two and nine years, survive. Mr. REED was known throughout this county as a man of excellent character. Twice he was elected county surveyor by large votes, and in other places of public and private trust he discharged his duties faithfully and well. His remains were interred in this city Saturday, Rev. M.E. Dwight conducting the service, Mr. REED having connected himself with the Congregational church in February last.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes. I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Charles James REED died on May 28, 1886. He was buried in the Reed family plot at Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, Iowa. Old.P.332. A single four facing monument has inscriptions of the names and dates for Charles James Reed and his family: wife Adaline, and their children Edwin Clark, Silas A., Francis, and Mary Harriett. Also buried on this plot are Charles James' parents, Dr. Charles and Ann/Anna CANFIELD REED.

Each of these REED family members also have individual headstones in place for them with their first names on the top edge, except for the elder REED's who have "Father" and "Mother" engraved on the top edge of their individual headstones.

The names of the two surviving sons were not disclosed in the obituary.