A Good Man Called To His Reward

William Reynolds was born in Wales July 3, 1838. He came with his parents to America when six years of age, locating in the state of Ohio near Columbus. A few years later the family moved to Illinois in which state he resided for a number of years. He was married to Miss Nancy M. Holmes November 7 1861, in Hillard, Ohio. To this union were born eight children. Three died while quite young. His wife died December 26, 1875. A daughter, Mrs. J. F. Bardett died in September 1900. The living children of this union are:
Charles R. Reynolds of Claudell, Kansas
Joseph Reynolds of Kirwin, Kansas
Evan Reynolds of Stockton, Kansas
Mrs. F. M. Ruby of Stockton, Kansas

He was again married April 12, 1876, in Ludlow, Illinois, to Miss Mattie Morgan. This union was blessed with three children. They are:
Mrs. Henry Freeman of Kirwin, Kansas
George Reynolds of Kirwin, Kansas
John M. Reynolds of Beloit

His faithful wife survives him.

Mr. Reynolds was converted when 17 years of age and ever after lived a consistent Christian life. For sixty years he was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During all these years he was a tireless laborer in the Lord's vineyard. When health permitted he was always found as was his custom, in the place of public worship. The last Sabbath of his life on earth he attended Sabbath School and preaching services. But not only in public worship but also in his home life it had been his lifelong custom to read the scriptures and pray with his family about the family altar. For more than forty years he kept a daily record of current events. These things speak volumes concerning the integrity of his character as a Christian and citizen.

Mr. Reynolds came from Illinois to Smith County, Kansas in 1882. He lived a number of years in Thomas county, returning to Kirwin about six years ago. He died at his late home in Kirwin Sunday morning, May 26, 1918. All his children were present to make his last hours as comfortable as possible. The funeral services were held from the Methodist Church conducted by his pastor, Rev. A. W. Dick Monday afternoon and interment made in the Kirwin cemetery.

Since the return of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds from Thomas County, they have lived just across the street from the Editor's family, and we are sure we speak the truth when we say that another good man has been called to his reward. During these years we have come to know him well. He was a man of strong religious convictions and one who lived up to these convictions in a truly conscientious manner. The past few years the added weight of his age and the natural infirmities of these years told on his health but notwithstanding this he always seemed cheerful and disposed to look on the bright side of life. He called at this office only a day or two before his death to get some exchanges and left with a cheery word. This we think is the last we saw him.

He was taken violently sick Friday morning and the doctors called in consultation agreed that his only chance was an operation. A specialist from Concordia was summoned and Saturday the operation was performed. This gave him a few hours' respite and comparative comfort but the shock was too great and at about the Sunday School Hour, he passed on to worship in the new Jerusalem.

The high esteem in which he was held was shown by the large number of his old friends and neighbors who paid tribute to his memory at the funeral service.

His five sons and one son-in-law as pallbearers performed the last service dutiful sons could do.

There were 35 or 40 relatives from Kirwin, Beloit, Stockton, and Claudel and Alma, Nebraska, present at the funeral besides a host of Kirwin friends.

The card of thank is signed by Martha A. Reynolds and children.