On January 14th there was a short piece headlined with the following: “W. V. REED DEAD”, and the following: “As the New North goes to press a telegram is received from Chicago announcing the death in a hospital in that city of Warren V. Reed, agent for the American Express Company here and an old resident of Rhinelander. The following week’s edition included the information transcribed below.
From The New North—Rhinelander, WI newspaper, Thursday, January 21, 1915 edition page 1:
WARREN V. REED, DIES IN CHICAGO
Prominent Citizen is Stricken While on Way to Panama
The telegram from Chicago last Thursday afternoon conveying the shocking news of the sudden death of Warren V. Reed, veteran agent for the American Express company and one of this city’s old and highly esteemed residents, caused the most profound sorrow among his large circle of friends here. Seldom in this city has the sadness of death touched so many hearts. Mr. Reed passed away at 3:15 Thursday afternoon in the Iroquois hospital, Chicago, following a stroke of apoplexy on the streets of that city. He was on his way to Panama for his health and had left Rhinelander only the night before. He would have left Chicago for New Orleans Thursday evening.
Those intimate with Mr. Reed had known for some time past that his health was not of the best. A few days before Christmas his condition became such as to alarm his family and friends and he was obligated to abandon his duties in the express office. Physicians diagnosed his case as Bright’s disease and he was advised to seek a change of climate. As Mr. Reed’s brother-in-law, George Whitney, resides in Panama, it was thought that a sojourn in that country might prove beneficial to him. Accordingly he prepared to take the trip. With his spirit full of hope and assuring his family and associates that he felt able to stand the long ride Mr. Reed departed from Rhinelander Wednesday night. Then Thursday afternoon came a message stating that he was critically ill in a Chicago hospital and an hour later the announcement of his death.
Mr. Reed’s body arrived in this city Friday afternoon and was met at the Northwestern station by an escort of Elks. The funeral was conducted from the residence, 422 S. Pelham St., at 2:30 Sunday afternoon. Rev. Fr. Casse had charge of the services. Interment took place in St. Mary’s cemetery, the Elks taking charge at the grave. The large number of friends who attended the funeral testified to the esteem in which deceased was held. There was a profusion of handsome floral tributes.
Particulars of Death
W. C. Morgan, superintendent of the American Express Company in Milwaukee, received from W. A. Naylor, manager of the company in Chicago, the following statement regarding Mr. Reed’s death. A copy of this letter was forwarded to Mrs. Reed in this city:
Confirming conversation over the telephone today, have to advise that Mr. Reed, enroute to Panama, had an Apoplectic stroke at 1:15 p.m. today, while walking along Adams Street, between Dearborn and State Streets—was picked up by Officer Wetzel of the Traffic Division and taken to the Iroquois Hospital, 23 N. Market Street, in an ambulance in charge of Officer Doyle and is in charge of Dr. McClay, Superintendent of the hospital, telephone Franklin 2075. Have just talked with two officers in person and with Dr. McClay over the telephone and he says Reed’s condition is serious. Mr. Reed will be retained at the Iroquois Emergency Hospital until he is able to be moved and then taken to the West Side Hospital. Dr. McClay said he would let us know when done and also keep us informed as to Mr. Reed’s condition.(continued on page four)
WARREN V. REED DIES IN CHICAGO (continued from first page)
We told Dr. McClay to see that Mr. Reed had every attention and also Dr. McClay thought it advisable that we communicate with Mrs. Reed at Rhinelander, which please do by telephone
. Yours truly, W. A. NAYLOR, Manager.
P. S.—Since telephoning you and writing the foregoing, Dr. McClay of the hospital, at 3:15 p.m. advised that Mr. Reed had passed away. Asst Gen Agent Whittle, Chicago, very kindly volunteered to attend the Coroner’s inquest, he being personally acquainted with Mr. Hoffman, the coroner. We will look after the remains and forward them to Rhinelander, as per request, just as soon as possible and also advise Mrs. Reed by telegraph on what train they leave.
Warren V. Reed was born in Sheboygan county, Wis., in 1862. He spent his boyhood in that locality and when a young man entered the express business. Seventeen years ago last September he was placed in charge of the American Express Company’s office in this city and had held the position continuously since. In 1896 he was married to Miss Ella Dunn of this city, who survives him together with four daughters, namely, Maxine, Margaret, Helen and Phyllis. He also leaves three sisters and two brothers. They are Mrs. William Foster of Milwaukee, Mrs. Chas. Volquarts of Plymouth, Mrs. Walter Gunstone of Sheffield, Eng., Frank Reed of Irownwood, Mich., and Stephen Reed of the town of Pine Lake, this county
Mr. Reed was a true friend, a kind husband and father and a good citizen. He was interested in all public matters pertaining to the betterment of the community and had a keen insight to political affairs, county state and national. He was a deep thinker, possessed a kind heart, and his friends were legion. As an employe of the American Express company he was ever painstaking and faithful and was regarded by the officials as one of their most valued men. Mr. Reed’s death is a real loss to this city.
Mr. Reed was secretary of the Rhinelander lodge of Elks and was a member of the F. R. A., E. F. U. lodges. He also belonged to the K. of P. lodge here.
submitted by Jeanne Williams
