March 6, 1925 - Dixon Telegraph, Dixon, Illinois

Kirby Joseph Reed, son of Joseph and Mary E. Reed, was born in Funkstown, Maryland on the 30th day of August, 1875. He was the sixth in a family of eight children. When he was but a small boy the family, hearing the call of the great West, moved to Nebraska to establish a new home. But after a very short time they came to Illinois and located in Polo, Illinois where the home remained until the death of the parents. In Polo, Mr. Reed grew to manhood, and there on the 7th day of October, 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Unger of that vicinity. The young couple went to housekeeping in Polo. Later, however, a year was spent in Freeport, Illinois. They came to Dixon in April of 1907, and have made their home in this city since that date.

From childhood he was athrill with energy. He never did anything in a half-hearted manner. At a very early age, he secured a position in a grocery store and more than earned his own way as a mere boy. To this line of work he gave his life. He was instinctively a worker. He never spared himself. By self sacrifice, by hard work, and by tireless industry he won a place for himself in the business world.
He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, taking a very active part in Dixon Commandery No. 21 Knights Templar. As a young man he united with the Church and remained a member of the same until he was called by death.

He had not been well for some time and in large measure because of his physical condition the business in which he was a partner was disposed of in order that he might rest and undergo whatever treatment seemed necessary. The disease to which he fell victim developed rapidly and in spite of all that could be done by physician's skill and loving care he gradually weakened until those who were nearest realized that he could not tarry long. He was ready and not afraid to die. On Monday evening at 6:30 o'clock his eyes were gently closed in death. His age was 49 years, 7 months and 6 days.

The members of his immediate family who are left to mourn his passing are: his wife, Mary Unger Reed, his son, Robert V. Reed, their only child; three sisters: Mrs. J. F. Troxell, Funkstown, Maryland, Mrs Cora Thomas, Denver, Colorado, and Mrs. R. C. Adkinson of Florence, Colorado, one brother: Mr. Calvin Reed of Hagerstown, Maryland.

In addition to these there are scores of friends and acquaintances who knew him and loved him and will greatly miss him.
The funeral was conducted from the late residence with his pastor, Rev. Aubrey Shannon Moore, of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in charge. Interment was in Polo, Illinois.

Submitted by Jay Troxell

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