Obituary for Johw W, Reynolds, Hardin County, Illinois Johw W, Reynolds, who was born and reared on a farm in Rock Creek district, being the third child and only son, born to Asa and Anna Reynolds July 2, 1892. He was an obedient, industrious child, qualities indicative of an honest, upright and well respected citizen, which became more prominent in his character as he advanced in life. John was always ready and anxious to help his parents in any way he could and began very young to do many of the things to be done on the successfully operated hill farm, that many older boys loathed to do. Being the pride and joy of his parents, naturally they took a great interest in his future welfare and anxiously sought for the vocation to which his life should be given and as he had developed a great interest in education in his teens, they decided to educate him with some of the professions and after attending a spring term of shcool at Elizabethtown was prevailed on and finally induced by Professor J.H. Oxford one of Hardin county's most successful teachers, and instructors of youth, to accompany him to Carbondale to attend the summer term there where he made great progress. Professor Oxford taking a great personal interest in his work. John being of weak phisique the indoor work hindered his health having had the healthful influence of outdoor life on the farm and his father seeing the effect of the change began to cultivate his interest in live stock, which needed but little encouragement and helped him own some of his own and under his supervision saved the proceeds until in a short time he had accumulated a pretty good amount for a farm boy in the length of time. During which time he had become engaged to Miss Ida Sullivan of Yellow Springs, most respected girl and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sullivan and learning of Mr. Sullivan's intention to sell his farm he bought it and was making rapid progress preporatory to furnishing and a good home and in happiness and comfort. After their wedding which was consumated August 23, 1914 at the home of her parents where they now live, Mr. Sullivan having purchased their farm and moved to it from his old home. To this union were born two little girls, Wilma aged 4 and Ima aged 2 years. Having been reared by christian parents, John was always of a good moral character and took an active part in church and Sunday School. His death which occurred April 6, 1919 resulted from influenza and complications following. During his last days here his whole mind, when not distracted by a burning fever, was centered on a life beyond, but seemed to have a loneliness or a sensation of some kind which caused him to feel that there was something lacking, something required of him that he had not done, and talking to his sisters, Janie Love, who had been with him the last four days of his sickness giving attention a devoted sister is always ready to give, told her of the feeling and his desire to become a christian and in her anxiety for his recovery, she directed his attention to getting well, wishing to keep everything of an exciting nature from his mind as long as there was any hope, but before he died he called for the Bible and taking it in his arms earnestly prayed to God expressing his willingness to complete the necessary requirements. Having prevously spoken to his sister of leaving his wife and little ones a comfortable living, called his wife, who was in another bed afflicted with influenza and told them that he felt like his petition had been granted, after which he talked to his friends of his change, taking some of his friends by the hand and earnestly requesting them to become christians and not to put it off so late declaring if he be spared, he would try to live in a way that would make up for his omissions, as that was about all the sins he had. He was an active member of the IOOF at Rock Creek and his funeral, which was largely attended, was conducted by that order. In behalf of the relatives, I will say that they are very thankful he many friends and neighbors who assisted in the care of their son, brother and husband and assure you that your many attentions are greatly appreciated. J.A.L. >From the Hardin County Independent 19 June 1919 ------------------------------------------------------------- UGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Wanda Patton Reed