My Genealogy Hound

DAVID WASHINGTON REED died July 12, 1893, on his farm in Chilhowee Township, Johnson County, which he purchased in 1874, and which is still in the possession of his family. After the war he served as Mayor of Warrensburg for some time, and then was Magistrate for several years. In his early manhood he was a Whig, but subsequently became associated with the Republican party. Socially he was a member of the Sons of Temperance, and was always foremost in all measures relating to the general welfare.

David W. Reed was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., September 7, 1818, and was a son of Jesse Yocum Reed, who died in that county. Young David passed his boyhood in eastern Tennessee, and learned the tailor’s trade in Morristown. In 1840 he emigrated to Bates County, Mo., and worked at his trade, and later came to Warrensburg, continuing to be thus employed. For a short time he resided in Marshall, Saline County. In 1849 he went across the plains to California, starting with ox-teams from Independence, Mo., and taking six months on the trip. He worked in the mines and was fairly successful, bringing back with him a good sum of money as the result of his two and a-half years’ work. In 1851 he returned home by way of Panama and New Orleans, resuming his old calling in Warrensburg. At the same time that G. W. Houts was Sheriff, he served for two terms as County Treasurer. During the war he belonged to Emery Foster’s company of militia.

September 29, 1846, Mr. Reed married Mary H. Lee, who was born in Grainger County, Tenn., May 18, 1829. By this union twelve children were born, six of whom are living. Horace Leslie was born April 17, 1855, and is a farmer in this vicinity. John Albert, born June 12, 1857, is a blacksmith of Warrensburg. Charles C., born August 29, 1859, lives on the old farm. Addie M. is the wife of Joseph Gruver, and was born October 30, 1864. Edwin L., who is at home, was born March 22, 1867; and Susan Josephine was born July 16, 1869. Those deceased are Thomas Rufus, who was born August 4, 1847; James William, who was born March 27, 1849, and died August 14, 1850; Mary L., whose birth occurred December 27, 1852, and who died September 24, 1853; Martha Virginia, born March 18, 1854, and who died December 17, 1855; Lew Wallace, born March 26, 1862, and who died February 13, 1864; and Francis Milton, born December 8, 1873, and who died February 14, 1893. Thomas R., a member of Battery L, Second Missouri Volunteers, was in the battle at Independence. About the close of the war he was transferred to the United States Cavalry, and as such participated in several engagements with the Indians on Powder River and in the Black Hills. On being discharged from the service, he returned home, November 20, 1865. While working in the field, he was shot by persons unknown, and died ten days later from the effects of his wounds. May 26, 1866. Horace married Annie, daughter of Peter F. Craig; John married Ella M., daughter of Elisha Henry, and a native of this county; and Edwin married Alice, daughter of William Lovel, a farmer of this neighborhood.

Our subject was twice honored with the position of Mayor, the first occasion being when Warrensburg was only a small village, and the last time after the close of the Rebellion. He also served as Postmaster of the place, and was popular with all classes of citizens. His good wife is a member of the Methodist Church, which meets at Houts’ Chapel.