The Ottawa free trader., 1885-03-14
commitiee headed by chairman E. G. Lewis

a committee headed by chairman E. Q. Lewis:
Resolved, That having been born and reared
under the depressing influence OF civliiZation
peculiar TO that class Of Ireland before the con-
summation Of modern improvements IN raii'
road and steam navigation, Wiiiiam heuelckk k
showed remarkable enterprise ana foresight
in emigrating to a new country ana becoming
as he did one of It's most useful and energet-
ic pioneers. ,.
RESOLVED, That although oppressed by power
ty and unusually anxious to secure compe;,
tency of this worlds goods, he early showed
himself to be a broad.spirited citizen, mindiul
at all times Of the welfare Of the community
in which he lived.
Resoluod, That in the country's trying hour
when party rancor SO often blinded patriotism,
II was clear to all observers that this man lov-
ed his country. The soldier and soldiers WI
dow and orphan were his especial care and in
terest. As helpful, generous citizen he serv,
ed his country not less than II he had carried
a musket in the front of the battle.
Resolued, That although OF crude and unhn-
ished educational attainments, William Ked.
dick was man Of unusual intelligence ana
Information, with breadth Of mind that ena-
bled him to grasp affairs Of state as with a
master hand. Thus he marked his usefulness
| In his first term in the senate OF Illinois as
pioneer railroad legislator, and commenced
the work, which at later term OF service IN
the same body, he saw successfully consum-
mated as the Reddck temperance law; Ihis
law has been copied by other states ana forms
! national monument to his memory OF more
value than the most enduring marble.
Rfsol,ed, That rs a business man william
! Reddick was energetic, honorable and falr,
and'when to this is added that he was to an un-
usual degree successful, II is all that need be
said of him In that regard.
Resolped, That William Redick was public
benefactor. This has been attested by the
thought he gave to humanity in making the
final disposition Of the accumulat!ons OF
lifetime. Let it be remembered OF William
Reddick that he spent half century in the
city of Ottawa and La Sale county, accumu-
lated by honorable business and rigid econo-
my handsome fortune, and then chose to dle
on the field of his ife's labors leaving the bulk
| of his fortune as a perpetual incentive 10
higher intelligence and better life to all who
choose to avail themselves of 1t. Language
will not enable us to do justice to the tribute
he has thus paid to learning. He bequeathed
| valuable addition to the county farm where
we make home for the poor Of our people.
| He did this not that the county needed his aid
hut to testify his love for the principle that
induces the prosperous to burden themselves
with the care of the unfortunate. 1t Is said OF
him that he was not lavish but that he was al
ways Just. Let us initiate his example. ,
Resolved, That 1t Is as nelghpor ana irlenu
that William Reddick will be most deeply
mourned. He never forgot the class from
which he sprung. With his wealth and op.
portunities he might have sought and obtain
ed a social recognition for which by education
and habits of life he was not fitted. he never
did. He will be long and tOuchingly spoken
of as friend and neighbor to the people OF
his race, charitable ond helpful as occasion
demanded, always kind and living example
of consistent temperance and affection.
IN ali that was mortal of William Reddick, We
are deeply touched, having each known hin
personally and well. That we believe the spi
rit of his life, by methods provided by biz
own care, will continue to manifest itself II
our county for generations to come and W.
contentedly leave 1t there.
s.No longer seek his merits to disclose,
Or draw his frailties from their dread abode
There they alike in trembling hope reposeJ
The bosom of his Father and his God