REED, Robert Thompson: 1837-1899

REED, CASSADY, HANDSHY, STEEVES

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/4/2013 at 07:36:51

Laid to Rest.

Exceeding sorrow and regret has been shown everywhere by the friends of Robert Thompson Reed, because of his sudden death Thursday morning Dec. 7, 1899. He had been in apparently usual health for sometime, tho' he complained of not feeling the best, on the preceding evening. Thursday morning he went to the grave yard to fell a tree which he desired removed, and was suddenly taken with a severe pain in the region of his heart. He started for his home, which he was scarcely able to reach. His wife with difficulty assisted him to the couch and then rang the bell for help, but death's call was very urgent and in less than three minutes his spirit had taken its flight into eternity. Dr. Sherman was summoned at once, but arrived too late to give any assistances, pronouncing the cause of death neuralgia of the heart. The funeral was held on Saturday Dec. 9, at 2:30. The body was escorted by the Odd Fellows from the home to the church where appropriate services were given in charge of Rev. J.B. Eyestone, pastor, who preached a short sermon from Rev. 14-13: "Write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord," and then spoke at some length in regard to the deceased personally.

Among others, his favorite song was sung by the choir "Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go." Strong men bowed themselves and tears sprang to every eye while viewing for the last time on (line missing) took charge and conveyed the body to the grave where a brief impressive (part missing) whom for so long he had been associated in fraternal brotherhood. The day was rainy yet the church was filled to overflowing. The relatives present from abroad were his son, from Des Moines, brothers, Andrew of Iowa City and David of Lenox, and a niece Mrs. Zeruie Cassady near, Milton. A brother John of Bushnell, Ill., and a sister Maria of Garden City, Kan., were not able to attend.

A few facts from his life are as follows: He was born near Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1837, came to Van Buren co., Iowa, in 1843, died in Pittsburg, Iowa, Dec. 7, 1899, aged 62 years, 3 months and 20 days. At 22 years of age, he entered into a fellowship with the United Presbyterian church, at Keosauqua under the ministry of Rev. Ross. In 1883 he united with the Methodist church at Pittsburg, since which time he has been a most earnest and devoted worker. He was married in 1862 to Mary Ann Handshy. To them were born four children, the eldest Andrew, dying in infancy. He leaves a wife, and three children, Geo. Wm. of Des Moines, Oscar and Mrs. Sadie Steeves of Pittsburg.

Uncle Thomp., as he was always called, was one of the most sociable and kind hearted of men, courteous and kind in his home, pleasant and companionable among his associates, especially earnest in his Christian life, helpful everywhere, his lovable qualities made him beloved by everyone. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 3 of Keosauqua for a number of years and loved the brothers of his order and was heartily beloved by them. Shall we miss him. Let sorrowing wife and children give answer. Let the vacant chair in the home, the vacant seat in the church, make reply; let those who gone to him for counsel, let sorrowing friends everywhere reply "We shall miss him." We have lost, but heaven has gained."

**Handwritten: ROBERT THOMPSON REED

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 133, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA