Micajah Reeder 1811-1896

REEDER, EDMONDSON, STIRLEN, EDMUNDSON, SNYDER, LEE, SPURGEON

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/16/2021 at 13:40:58

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Wednesday, July 1, 1896
page 4

Micajah Reeder was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1811 and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. H. Edmondson of Concord township, May 29, 1896, making him at the time of his death 84 years and five months old. When six years old he moved with his father's family to Wayne county, Indiana; from there to Tippecanoe county, same state, and there passed the remainder of his childhood. He was converted at 19 and united with the M. C. church. He soon began studying for the ministry believing that God required this of him. He entered the ministry in 1833 and traveled two years on the Princeton work; it covered three hundred miles and took one month to go over, preaching every day and evening through the week, and three times on Sabbath.

On Dec. 10, 1836, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Stirlen, near Terra Haute, Indiana. The next year he, with his father and some friends, came to Iowa territory, and settled in Grandview township. The most of his time between 1837 and 1852 was passed in improving his farm and traveling in the cause of his Master.

In Aug, 1852, the democrats of Louisa county, elected him as representative to the State Assembly to convene at Iowa City the following winter and which office he filled to the best wishes of his constituents, always keeping the Golden Rule in view. He filled various offices of trust in both church and state.

In September, 1852, he was called upon to mourn the death of his beloved wife, she leaving him with five small children. One son, James Wesley, who died a soldiers death at Corinth, Miss Jane, now Mrs. R. H. Edmundson; Ellen, now Mrs. S. S. Snyder of Fredonia; Amanda, now Mrs. J. E. Lee of near Letts; and a little infant daughter, who was soon laid to rest beside its mother.

In Feb., 1856, he was again united in marriage to Miss Harriette Spurgeon. One son was born to them, John M., who is now living in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was of a roaming disposition and loved travel, having been in almost every state in the northwest; lived with his family two years in California and five years in Kansas. He traveled eight years for the M. E. church in Iowa and many years as a local minister. Eleven years ago he changed church relations and united with the Church of God. In this church he has found many warm christian friends. Nine years ago his son, John, wishing to move west, he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Edmondson, spending a part of his time with his other daughters. He spent one season in Texas with is daughter, Mrs. Lee. When 20 years old he had the misfortune to lose his left eye. two years ago the sight of the remaining eye failed, leaving him in total darkness. At bed-time on the eve of May 27, he retired in his usual health. near morning he called and the family on going to his room found he was suffering from a paralysis in the left side, which soon obliterated his sorrows in death. He was buried May 30 in Indian Creek cemetery. He leaves 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grand-children to mourn his loss. Funeral at Indian Creek school house, by Rev. Osman of the Church of God.