OBITUARY: Martin J. Reddy, Medford, Jackson County, Oregon *************************************************************************** ********************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE: ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ********************************************************************************* Transcribed and formatted for use in USGenWeb Archives by Elizabeth Corethers 8 April 2003 *************************************************************************** Medford (Oregon) Mail Tribune, Friday, 27 Dec 1918, p. 6 MARTIN J. REDDY LEADING CITIZEN PASSES AWAY One of the most progressive and successful business men of Medford, as well as one of the most kindly and lovable of its citizens, passed away in the person of Martin J. Reddy, proprietor of Reddy's Jewelry store, at 2:40 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27th, after an illness of five years during most of which time he was incapacitated from active business. His loss both in the business community and in local citizenship will be generally deplored. The deceased was 48 years of age and was in his eleventh yr of business in Medford. Martin J. Reddy was born and reared in Cleveland, Ohio, one of a family of six boys and one sister. About 12 years ago he came to the Pacific coast and followed his trade as a watchmaker in Walla Walla, Wash. He was following that occupation when his brother, Dr. J. F. Reddy, who had located in Medford and had just succeeded in selling the Blue Ledge mining property, induced him to come to Medford and start in the jewelry business. Martin opened his store on North Central avenue in a small and modest way, but by his careful attention to business and wide awake and honorable methods the establishment soon grew to be one of the most successful and leading business concerns of Medford. He was also during this time one of the city's most public-spirited men and was until his death one of Medford's most consistent boosters. He was a firm believer in the value of business publicity. About five years ago Mr. Reddy suffered a complete nervous breakdown through overwork and never fully recovered, necessitating his retirement from active business, except for short periods when he felt able to visit the store. Shortly after his breakdown his sister, Mrs. Chas. M. Delin assumed the active managerial reins of the business, a position which she still holds. Mrs. Delin will continue the business and remain its head. Almost up to the hour of his death, Mr. Reddy, although physically incapable of conducting the jewelry store, never lost his keen interest in it and business affairs in general. He assisted Mrs. Delin in the purchases of all jewelry stock and advised daily with her as to the policy and conduct of the store. No matter how much pain he was suffering during his periods of business activity he continued to write the store advertisements which were daily in the local newspapers. Mr. Reddy was one of the most prominent members of the local Elks lodge and of the Knights of Columbus chapter. He had held all the offices in the Elks lodge except that of exalted ruler and his illness alone prevented him from filling that position. Despite the fact that he had been unable to attend its conventions for the past five years the Oregon Retail Jewelers Association last year honored him with election as vice-president of the association. Mr. Reddy was never married and he acted for years as a good father to the daughters of his brother, Patrick Reddy, who died in Cleveland, Misses Florence and Helen. Miss Helen is a student at a leading business college of Portland and Miss Florence is bookkeeper at Schieffelin's grocery. Ever since his return from a short pleasure and business trip to San Francisco on September 14 last, Mr. Reddy had been confined to his home. On the day before Christmas he entirely collapsed and was unconscious for 12 hours, at the end of which period he rallied and it was thought that he had a fighting chance to pull through, as he had gamely battled with death often before and was the victor. Martin J. Reddy is survived by his sister, Mrs. Charles M. Delin, and brothers, Dr. J. F. Reddy and Owen Reddy. He made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Delin and his nieces, Florence and Helen, at No. 1112 East Main street. The funeral services will be held at the Catholic church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and the burial will be in Jacksonville cemetery. The Elks' lodge will have charge of the services at the grave. Medford (Oregon) Mail Tribune, Monday, 30 Dec 1918, p. 4 FUNERAL OF MARTIN REDDY HELD MONDAY MORNING Funeral services over the late Martin J. Reddy held at the Catholic church at 10 a.m. today were very largely attended by all classes of citizens. There were many beautiful floral tributes, including a number from prominent organizations and some from other cities. Father Power conducted the services, and the Medford Lodge of Elks conducted the Elks ritual at the grave. The burial was in the Jacksonville cemetery. There was a large delegation of Elks present at the church and the grave. The popularity and general esteem in which Mr. Reddy was held was illustrated by the fact that all the business places in Medford, with but few exceptions, even the banks and cigar stands, were closed during the hour of the funeral, 10 to 11 a.m. The pallbearers were as follows: Mayor C. E. Gates, John S. Orth, Guy Conner, N. S. Bennett, John H. Carkin and Jonas Wold.