Death of Henry Reid

Henry M. Reid, known to nearly all Pikers as Uncle Henry, died at 10 minutes past 10 o'clock, Saturday night, March 28th 1908. His home had been at Cyrene for many years, but a few months ago his health was so poor that he went out to the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. J. Wright, near New Hartford, and there he passed away.

As late as Thursday he walked out in the yard, and seemed in no immediate danger of death. Saturday night his daughter had retired to her room, and he was sitting on his bed, talking with Mr. Wright and John W. Fritz, when suddenly he fell forward, then straightened back on the bed and immediately expired. It was thought death was due to heart failure.

His son, Forest Reid, of Montgomery City, with his daughter, Mrs. Sam Jennings and her husband, arrived here Sunday afternoon and with Miss Edith Ocheltree, drove down to the home of Mr. Wright.

Miss Ocheltree is a granddaughter of Uncle Henry.

Uncle Henry was a friend whom we greatly esteemed, and whose departure makes us very sad. He was a man of high principles and many excellent traits of Character. From the Pike County History, published in 1883, we take the following sketch of him.

Henry M. Reid was born in Maryland, June 12 1825. At about two years of age he moved with his parents to Virginia, where he was reared and educated. After leaving school he went to Kentucky, where he became engaged in flat-boating on the river, continuing the same until 1843, when he learned the Blacksmith's trade, and followed the same until 1845.

Then he returned to Virginia, where he remained following his trade until the fall of 1854, when he came to Pike County, Mo., locating in Ashley, continuing his trade until 1873, when he became engaged in the Mercantile business, following the same about three years, when he commenced farming, owning a fine farm of 206 acres of well improved land, being well watered and fenced, having a fine spring of living water south of his house.

He was married in Virginia, July 16, 1846, to Miss Sarah Wilson, a native of Virginia. By this union they had four children, of whom there are two living, Mary A., and Forest L., and William H., and Luke V deceased. His wife died in Ashley, Pike County, Missouri, Feb. 22, 1860. He was married a second time in Pike County, Mo. They have seven children, of whom six are living, Annie C., Nettie A., Henry C., deceased, Opelia L., Lillian, Charles G., and Paul W.

During the war Mr. Reid followed trading in mules and horses. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for 23 years and is a Knight Templar.

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell