The morning call., 1891-07-31
THOMAS J. REED.
One Of the Pioneer Printers and
Journalists Passes Away.

residence, 1135 Myrtle street, Oakland,
Thomas Jefferson Reed. pioneer printer
and journalist. after years of intense suf-
fering, passed. away, surrounded by his
family and a few of his intimate friends,
who, in anticipation of the event. had gath
cred around his bedside. For seven years
he had been great sufferer, and there was
scarcely any time during that period that
he would not have welcomed death as a
release from suffering. During the last two
years OF his life paralysis attacked the
muscles of his throat, so that it was with
the greatest difficulty that he could swallow
food or even drink water. The disease
from which he suffered is known to the pro-
fession as writers palsy, and was brought
on by excessive use Of the pen. He was a
hard and conscientious worker, and it was
his devotion to the business of his life that
first untitled him for its duties and finally
carried him off.
Thomas Jefferson Reed was born in Cam
bridge, Mass, about siXty-seven years ago.
When quite young man he went to New
York, and there found employment in the
cOmpoSlnS-room OF the Evening Post, edited
by the distinguished man and oct, William
Cullen Bryant. Mr.. Reed frequently spoke
OF the habits of his former employer, and
would tell how they would find Mr.. Bryant
at his desk when they went to work at
v " SAONn AZ ulOIH.uSs WIN Al pie
given out In takes 1t was while
Mr.. Reed was engaged as printer
OF the Evening Post in 1850, that Michael L.
OConnor went from San Francisco to New
York for the purpose of purchasing material
for paper to be started in this city by B.
X. Bnckalew. Mr.. OConnor met Mr.. Reed
while there, and engaged him as foreman of
the san Francisco venture, aud in the latter
part OF 1850 they arrived here, and shortly
% h D.ln hi
ance with Eugene Casserly in the editorial
chair. After Mr.. Reed had been in
the composng-roOm of the Public Opinion
awhile, he went TO the office of the Alta
California as compositor and shortly after
ward became member of joint stock
company of printers which started the Cali
fornia Chronicle in 1853, of which paper
the late. Frank Scule was the principal edi-
tor and William Ii. Newell business man.
ager. In 1856, owing to the peculiar condi-
compelled to suspend publication aud MIR.
Reed went to Sacramento, where lie
became foreman of the State Print
ing Office at the time that John
O'Meara held the position of State Printer.
He remained there until 1853, when he re-
turned to San Francisco and was employed
by the Evening Bulletin as foreman of the
composng-rOom. Toward the close of 1859
he was engaged as foreman of the cOmpos-
ing-room of the DAILY MORNING CALL,
WHICH pUSlliUu lie IctdIucu u1ltll FeDTuhTY
/, 1870. when the present proprietors of the
paper made number of changes,
anu among others promoted Mr.. Reed
to the position of telegraph editor. 1t was
while acting in this capacity that lie de-
veloped his greatest aptitude for work,
even stealing the hours that should have
been devoted to rest and sleep in order that
no Item of the duties devolving upon him
might be neglected. In a word he forced
nature beyond endurance. and, as is always
tI,A t,,rn III,
of November, 1882, he WAS compelled to lay
down his pen and yield his position to
younger man.
At this time his employers made an en-
deavor to persuade him to cease any at
tempt at work, but his work had become
second nature to him, and lie could not live
idle. They then made light position for
him, where his labors would be light and
where he could take his own time, but it
was no use. A stroke of paralysis COM
pletely disabled him, and then, and not till
then. did he realize the fact that his working
days were over
Sadly he laid down the weapons of lfe's
battle, and perforce remained at home
with his family. Four years ago. in the
vain hope that the milder climate OF Oak
land would benefit him, he removed there,
and took possession of the residence in
which he died, and where his family has
lived ever since. Slowly but surely his con-
ditiOn became worse, until it was evident to
All, ulu4ocll luCIuutu, tlic Gnu Nto iOb
far off. For him death had no terrors. He
lOnged for it as release from the
sulferingS he was compelled to endure.
His friends sympathized deeply with
him in his suffering, for he had endeared
himself to many by his excellent qualities
of head and heart. His private character,
like his public life, was without reproach.
Candid, truthful, honorable in all of
his relations in life, he was universally
respected md beloved by his old col
leagues and acquaintances, many of
whom have gone before, and were
waiting for him on the other side He
was modest and unassuming was man of
perfect practical knowledge, was endowed
with sterling qualities of mind and heart,
and was all that a man should be.
Mr.. Reed was u prominent member of old
Eureka Typographical Union, which was
organized November q, 1850. and was an
honorary member Of San Francisco Typo
graphical Union, No q, he having been
one of the two honorary members who were
not employers. His funeral viii take place
on Sunday afternoon next, August I'd. at
O'clock. from Typographical Union Hall,
Shiels Building b OEarrell straat