Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1893-02-24
OBITUARY.
GEORGE W. REID.

Last Sunday theremains of Major George
W Reed, tne oldest citizen of this town,
were taken to their last resting place in
the North Cemetery. The day will be one
long to be remembered ON account of the
| severity of the weather. An unusual snow
storm prevailed most of the day and scarce
was the funeral over until il became a
whirling, binding. drifting one, such as
was never before known here. Nature
seemed as if it were making an effort to
prevent the dead body of Mr.. Reed from
being taken from the view OF
a people who so much desired
to see il and to honor his memory. But
nevertheless men, women and children
came TO pay their last respects in unusual
numbers.
The reason for this great tribute must be
found in the life ami character of Mr.
Reed. A man who was 80 general favor
ite must have had peculiar merit. And so
indeed he had life of singular purity,
nature the most genial and sociabie, a
rectitude and integrity without a stain.
temperate and moral in all things, an act
i've and useful citizen, he had earned the
regard OF all and passed away at the ad
vanced age of nearly ninety years without
leaving an enemy behind.
Major Reed was born in Bedford Coun-
ty this state in July 1903. and died here
Feb. 16, 1893 making his age SO years and
s months. He came to this town in 1924
Previous To Coming here he had lived and
worked al his trade in Zelienople, this
county. The first record we have of his
acting in any public capacity after coming
TO Butler Il in 1928. In that year the
turnpike road from here t. Kittanning was
laid out and q W Reed is found n eerv-
ing as one of "the axe men," whose duty
it was TO clear away the path and blaze the
trees for the location OF that road. In
1912 we find him member of the Town
Council of this place. In lS45 he was
elected Sheriff of the county and in the
same year was one of the viewers to lay
out the State road from here to Brsdy's
Bend. In 1861 he was elected Treasurer
Of the County.
His military life and services commenced
shortly after his coming to this place and
continued until 1855, period of about 80
years, in which he filled almost every Office
under the militia laws of those days. His
military spirit and love of duty in the same
were proverbial and were the pride Of his
life. His efficiency and his gsllantry,
especially on horse back, were admired by
all In fact the gslantry and gentleman
ly bearing of Maj Reed in all the walks
and departments Of life had much to do
with the admiration and respect of his fel
low citizens for him.
Major Reed was married in 1882. Mrs
Reed died some years ago and was buried
at Pittsburg. BY his owp special request
his remains were inferred her. at Butler,
among and with the people he had so long
lived and served so well All our people
are much gratified TO know that bis tomb
il tO be here. The remains Of his wife are
to be brought back and laid beside the
faithful husband.
Two Sons and four daughters survive
their father. Capt. Alfred G.. Reed, HE
oldest son, was killed in the Frederick burg
battle OF the late Rebellion. After and in
honor OF him is named the A. g Reed
Post Of the Grand Army of the Re-
public here. The survivors Of this Post,
carrying the flag of our country, attended
the burial Of his father last Sunday in a
body Nelson p Reed, the second son.
went TO Pittsburg some years ago and his
success there in connection with the Pitts
burg Commercial Gazette ID well known to
all He died some two years ago. Joseph
r. Reed and George " Reed, his living
sons, reside in Pittsburg. Mrs. Anne Jane
Lane, his oldest daughter, q widow, lives
at Denver Col Mrs. CathariDe Walker,
widow Of Simpson Walker, lives in Pitts
burg; Mrs Charles a. Sullivan, Esq. late
Of this place, lives with her husband in
Pittsburg; Miss Agnes Reed lived with her
honored father here to the day Of his
death.
Rev. John s. Mckee. pastor of the Z
p. Church. OF which Major Reed was a
member. performed the funeral services,
a ssisted by the aged Rev White OF the
Episcopal Church and Rev. Oller Of the
Presby Church. Rev. White made
the prayer at the grave. And thus ends
the lite Of citizen OF whom I'll can say,
''rhis was Man" j. ii N.