WILLIAM ANTES REED GRAVESTONE PHOTO
The Wichita Daily Beacon, Monday, Feb. 3, 1908
Died: Feb. 2, 1908
William Antes Reed died Sunday morning, February 2, at his home in Wichita, age 63 years.
William A. Reed was born in Canandaigua, Ontario county, New York, March 4, 1844. As a rollicking lad of fine physique, light hearted and happy, generous almost to a fault, he passed his boyhood days at home among the woods and hills and beautiful lakes of western New York. At the age of 19 he offered his services to his country and became a member of the 126th regiment New York volunteer infantry, company K. with a patriotic heart and the enthusiasm of youth he marched away to taste the glory of a soldier’s life. Soon followed the routine duties of camp, the daily drill, the order to the front, and engagement with the forces of the opposing enemy at Harpers’ Ferry. In which the regiment suffered severely, and especially his own company, a large per cent of the officers and comrades being either killed or wounded, and our young soldier receiving a wound which made him a helpless sufferer for many months and from which he never fully recovered.
After the close of the war he returned to Canandaigua and established himself in business, and later married Emma L. Hoff, of Syracuse, N. Y. Subsequently Mr. Reed entered the government service with headquarters at Toledo, Ohio, where by his energy, efficiency and strict integrity under the most trying circumstances he made himself popular with his business associates and received commendation from the department at Washington. From Toledo he removed to Kewanee, Ill., for a few years, later removing to Wichita where he engaged in real estate and insurance business, and for nearly twenty years had been closely identified with business interests and development of this city.
About four years ago a dark shadow crossed the threshold of his home, and a deep sorrow fell upon his heart, when his amiable and faithful wife, was called to her reward, since which time Mr. Reed had not participated actively in business affairs. About two months ago lurking disease assumed a serious form, confirming him to his room and bed, until Sunday morning when he peacefully passed away. Mr. Reed was for many years a member of St. John’s Episcopal church of this city, and a worker in Masonic orders. He was a master of Wichita Lodge No. 99 in 1894 and high priest of the chapter the same year. He was thrice illustrious master of the council in 1897. He was an active worker in Mt. Olivet commandry; also 32 degree Mason in the Scottish Rite and an active worker in a number of degrees.
The deceased leaves surviving him two daughters, Mrs. Calvin H. Hettinger, of Kansas City, Mo., and Florence B. Reed, of this city; also two sisters, Miss Elizabeth E. Reed and Mrs. Wm. C. Little, of Wichita.
The funeral services will be held at the residence, 321 North Lawrence avenue, at 2:30 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon. Internment will take place at Maple Grove cemetery, Blue Lodge No. 99 will have charge of the services at the house.
Pall bearers will be chosen from the community and his commandry will act as escort. So has passed the father, brother, citizen, soldier and friend. The day’s march is ended, arms have been stacked, the tents pitched, taps sounded, and the weary soldier lies peacefully at rest, awaiting the trumpet call which shall awaken him to the duties of the morrow.