My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM REEDY, of the firm of Lauber and Reedy, general merchants in Yates Center, Kansas, is a son of the late Hon. Michael Reedy and was born in Woodson county December 8, 1860. He represents one of the prominent and pioneer families of the county for his father made the preliminary arrangements for his permanent settlement here in June, 1857. (See history of Michael Reedy.) The days of his youth and early manhood were passed amid rural surroundings and in the free and healthful atmosphere of the farm. His education was confined to attendance upon the country school with one term at the Boys’ School in St. Paul, Kansas. His initial efforts were put forth, on taking up the responsibilities of real and serious life toward the promotion of the affairs of his father’s large estate and a decade measured the time passed in rural pursuits after attaining his majority. July 22, 1892, he was nominated by the Democrats and Peoples’ party of his county for clerk of the district court and at the November election was chosen by the people by a majority of six votes. In 1894 he was re-nominated and was re-elected this time increasing his majority one vote. He carried his home township by eighty majority each election and his candidacy was sufficiently strong throughout the county to overcome the Republican majority which was well known to the county in those days. The four years he served as a public officer marked Mr. Reedy as a faithful and competent official. He gained an experience and an acquaintance which has served him in good stead as a private citizen.

Mr. Reedy engaged in the cattle business with Wm. H. Lauber on returning to civil life and their brief experience in this venture netted them a profit reasonable and commensurate with an earnest and honorable effort. In 1898 the same firm engaged in mercantile pursuits in the county seat and in 1901 it dissolved partnership, Mr. Reedy retiring.

June 22, 1892. Mr. Reedy was married to Julia E. Feeney, a daughter of Martin and Bridget (Connell) Feeney, well known farmers of Woodson county. The issue, of this union is a son, John Martin Reedy, born November 3, 1893.

As a business man and as a citizen Mr. Reedy is regarded highly in Woodson county. He has spent every year of his life within the borders of his native county and it is with pride that the old citizens have watched his onward and upward business and social trend. His business methods are honorable, his views on moral questions are liberal and in his political affiliations and adherence he is as Democratic as modern Democracy can make one.