REEVES OBITUARIES
Xenia Review July 7, 1892
Gone Home
Mrs. L M Reeves died Friday after noon at her home in this place after a long illness. Mrs. Reeves was a true Christian woman, and was highly respected by all her acquaintances. The funeral occurred Sunday after noon from the residence, conducted by Elder Carmichael, of the Christian church. Burial followed at the I. O. O. F. cemetery. The following obituary was kindly been furnished is:
Julia, daughter of Joel and Milly Bradford, was born in Windham, Portage county Ohio, July 12, 1819. Died at her home in Xenia, Indiana July 1, 1892, aged 72 years, 11 months, and 19 days. She was united in marriage with L M Reeves, her now bereaved companion, January 25, 1842, and for more than fifty years they have walked together the pathway of life. In the autumn of the year 1843 they made their home in Darke county, Ohio, near the present site of Union City, and in May 1868, they came to Xenia, and here they have lived for the past twenty four years. She was the mother of five children, four sons and one daughter. One son went before her to the spirit land. To her was given the joy of seeing every child and grand child a professed follower of Christ. At the age of seventeen she united with the Christian church and for more than fifty five years she walked before the world as a consistent follower of Jesus Christ. She was an ardent and consistent student of the Holy Bible, drawing from its great comfort and consolation. For a number of years she has been in failing health but quietly and patiently she went on until her work was done. Her bodily suffering during the last few days was severe, but with a well grounded hope, she looked to Christ, patiently waiting his call, and when it came, with her companion and children around her she fell asleep in Jesus.
Converse Journal May 5, 1898
L J Reeves spent Sunday in Kokomo. Learning of the death of his brother in law, Martin O'Day, he returned Monday accompanied by his daughter Mrs. Effie Truax.
Converse Journal December 14, 1899
Julia Louisa (Reeves) O'Day, the only daughter of Lemuel M and Julia (Bradford) Reeves, was born in Hill Grove, Darke Co Ohio, August 17, 1855. Died at the home of her brother, John M Reeves at Jolietville, Ind., Dec. 8, 1899. Age 44 years, 3 months and 21 days. September 22, 1874 she was married to Martin O'Day. May 2, 1898 he died, leaving her to walk the path of life alone for a few short months. She united with the Christian church at Converse in December 1873, under the pastorate of Elder W. N. Trowbridge and was baptized in Taylor creek, within a few rods of the beautiful cemetery in which she will find her final resting place. All the years since she entered upon the Christian life she has tried to be a true disciple of the Divine Master, walking in his ways with gladness. The end came suddenly, but she was not found unprepared, for she had long ago set her house in order, and sh calmly met the messenger whom men in their blindness sometimes call the "King of Terrors". Death had no terror for her, for in the power of Him who has conquered death and the grave, she overcame. She leaves an aged father, three brothers and many other relatives besides a large circle of sorrowing friends, but they mourn not as those who have no hope for we feel assured that her eyes now behold the "King in his beauty".
The Converse Journal January 22, 1902
AN OLD PIONEER L. M. Reeves Borne to His Last Resting Place ... A Large Funeral -- Three Lodges Pay Their Last Respects to a Departed Brother Services at M E Church.
The funeral of Lemuel M. Reeves from the M. E. Church last Sunday was largely attended. Samuel W Traum, of the Christian Church was the officiating minister. Mr. Reeves had characterized himself as a great lodge worker and the Mason, Odd Fellows, and G. A. R. attended in a body. The remains were laid to rest in the I. O. O. F. cemetery.
Obituary:
Lemuel M. Reeves, son of Lewis and Hannah (Miller) Reeves, was born in Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, December 18, 1818. Died at his home in Converse, Indiana, January 17, 1902, aged 88 years, and 30 days. He was the oldest in a family of four sons and two daughters. The youngest son of this family, Edwin R Reeves, whose home is at Redkey, Indian, was present at the funeral.
The subject of this memoir was united in marriage with Julia Bradford at Windham, Portage county, Ohio, Januray 25, 1842, and together they walked life's way for a little more than fifty years, the wife passing less than six months after they had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. To them were born four sons and one daughter, the second son, Joel M., died February 22, 1880 and the daughter, Julia L., widow of Martin O'Day, died December 8, 1890, leaving still on the earth three sons of the family, Lewis, Lemuel J. and John M. B., who with nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, mourn for the death of a loving parent. About the year 1845, he with his young companion came to the then almost unbroken wilderness of the farther west, settling in Darke county Ohio, not far from the present site of Union City, where he engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits for fifteen years. In 1860 he removed to Union City, Randolph county, Indiana, where he lived till the spring of 1868, when he came to Xenia, (now Converse) Indiana, and in this town he has since resided, living for thirty two years in the house in which he finally passed away. For sixteen consecutive years he served as justice of the peace in Jackson township, Miami County, Indiana. April 21, 1861, at the first call for volunteers, the the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in the United States army and was assigned to Company I, 17th Ohio regiment, and served till the end of his term of enlistment, in the following August. In Early manhood, he with his companion confessed the Lord Jesus as a Savior and united with the Christian church, and in its communion he ever after lived having the joy of seeing every child and every grandchild of adult years take their places in the Master's earthly kingdom to live a Christian life, three of the sons having been called of the Lord to preach the Gospel. It had been apparent to all of his friends, for some months past, that his bodily powers wee failing quite rapidly, yet none were quite prepared for the end, and it was a real shock to many when the news went forth that he was dead. He had for some time been arranging for the coming f the messenger whom he knew would not be long delayed, and he had his house set in order and was ready.
I. O. O. F.
Lemuel M. Reeves, P. G. and P. C. P., died January 17, 1902. He was a resident of Converse since 1868. He was an Odd Fellow for fifty years, having joined the order in Ohio. He was a charter member of Beacon lodge, No 320, instituted in 1869, a charter member of Noah's Dove Rebekah lodge, No 85, instituted in 1872, a charter member of Converse Encampment No 211, instituted in 1892. He was a good worker and faithful member, having served the lodges in every capacity, honest and upright in all of his dealings. Whereas, As our order has lost in the death of Patriarch Reeves an exepemplary Odd Fellow and one of the father our lodge. Therefore be it resolved. That we humbly submit to Him who doeth all things well and many we cherish his memory the profit by the Christian example he has left for us. Resolved, that the charters of our lodges be draped in mourning for thirty days, that we extend our sympathies to the bereaved family and that a copy of these resolutions be presented to them and that a copy be sent to the talisman and that they be spread on our journal.
Com. Will J Shinn, J. B. Aydelott, C. G. Babcock
CARDS OF THANKS
We in this way extend to our friends and to the F. & A. M. , the I. O. O. F., and G. A. R. orders our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude for the aid rendered and comfort given during the last illness and at the funeral service of our dear father and brother. We also wish this to include the ministers, the choir and the people of the M. E. church, who so kindly opened their doors to us. Lewis, Lemuel J., John M. B., Edwin R. Reeves.
The Converse Journal June 25, 1926
DEATH OF L. J. REEVES
Lemuel J. Reeves, aged 74, died at his home Friday morning after a brief Illness of two weeks duration. The funeral was held from the M. E. church Monday morning, conducted by Rev. O. J. Beardsley. Interment was made in the I. O. O. F. cemetery, these ceremonies being in charge of the Knights of Pythias, of which order the deceased was a member. During his many years of residence here Mr. Reeves was particularly active in church and lodge work. Being of an unusual religious inclination, his influence in both circles was always in the direction of holiness, cleanliness and fidelity. In his dealing with his fellow man honesty and consideration were cardinal virtues. His was a conciliatory spirit toward all mankind and, likewise he received the honor of all who knew him. The church has lost an ardent member, the family is without is devoted head, the lodge loses a faithful champion and a steadfast friend to all is gone. We extend our undivided sympathies to the family and other relatives of this sterling citizen.
Lemuel J. Reeves, for more than forty years a fellow townsman and a familiar figure in Converse, is with us no more. His white soul was translated from the twilight of earthly existence to the radiant dawn of eternal day at the late home in Converse in the early morning of June 18, 1926. The subject of this sketch was the third son of Lemuel M. Reeves and Julia Reeves, late residents of Converse. He was born in Darke County, Ohio. January 9th, 1852 and with his parents, three brothers and one sister, removed to Indiana and resided near Union City until September 1867, when the family removed to the site of the present village of Mill Grove in Blackford County, Indiana. The residence there was of brief duration as in May of 1868 the family removed to the vicinity of Converse, then Xenia, and took up residence on the farm of J. N. Converse. He experienced conversion at the age of fourteen years and lived in the joyous consciousness of acceptance with this Savior until he was called from earth to the heavenly home. He united first with the Disciples Church in Union City, Indiana. On coming to Miami county he, with his parents, joined the Disciples Church in Xenia. Later he identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church in his home town and continued in that fellowship until his crowning in the Church Triumphant. He was quite active in the service of his local church until bodily infirmities forbade further activates. He had served in all fo the offices of his chruch open to laymen. He had been for many years a member of Custer Lodge No 339, Knights of Pythias, of Converse Indiana and the fact that he had held all of the offices in his local lodge and had represented it in the Grand Lodge evinces and esteem in which he was held by his lodge brethren. He also belonged to the ladies auxiliary of that order. On September 20, 1874 he was joined in marriage to Miss Margaret J. Thompson in Blackford county, Indiana and they were favored to walk together in that union for almost fifty two years. The relation thus set up was gladdened by the birth of three daughters, all of whom survive. Mrs. Effie M. Truax of Kokomo, Mrs. Julia M. Vincent, and Mrs. Clara R Overhultz of Converse. His schooling was but that afforded by the district school of sixty years ago, but he was a most studious reader, acquiring an immense store of information and was able to converse intelligently on all themes of general interest. He was not obtrusively sociable, yet he found and kept friends and to have an intimate acquaintance with him was to experience an enjoyable fellowship. Peacefully, and in Keeping with the lovely June morning, his weary body found rest at the age of seventy four years, five months and nine days. Many are the relatives, friends and acquaintances who cherish him memory.
Hartford City News April 1927
LEWIS REEVES CIVIL WAR VET CALLED BEYOND
ONE OF CITY'S MOST HIGHLY ESTEEMED CITIZENS DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS
RETIRED M. E. MINISTER
Similar to the dignified and peaceful life which he had lived, Rev. Lewis Reeves, 80, retired Methodist minister, ex-county clerk and one of Hartford City's most highly esteemed residents, died suddenly at his home here, 923 North Walnut Street, about 5:10 o'clock Saturday morning. His death came at the time when he was believed to be improving from a three weeks critical illness. Rev. Reeves was first taken ill about three weeks ago with an attack of influenza, which developed into complications with jaundice. He revived from teh apparent crisis of his illness, and had been able to be out in the yard. During his illness, Rev. Reeves was always optimistic and held steadfast to his faith that he would recover. Friday evening he appeared somewhat restless and unable to sleep, but his concern was only about the welfare of his wife, who had been constantly in attendance. Saturday morning, shortly before death, he grasped the hand of Mrs. Reeves asking her to remain with him. He then lapsed into unconsciousness and his reward a peaceful death. Rev. Reeves had been in declining health for about five or six months. His public life, from his early ordination into the ministry to his career as a public official, had been extremely active and in his later years, perhaps too much of a strain upon his rugged health. IN all of his undertakings, Rev. Reeves gave his entire devotion and time and any project which he undertook was graced with unusual success.
Public Record
Rev. Reeves served twelve years as deputy county clerk in Blackford county and for four years clerk, being succeeded a year ago last January by Wirth Gadbury, precint incumbent. He was a member and a officer in the Jacob Stahl Post of Grand Army of the Republic a member of both Council and Chaper of the Masonic Lodge of this city, and was a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Swayzee. Surviving besides the wife are one brother, John Reeves, a retired Methodist minister, attorney and insurance broker residing at Converse Ind. and a number of nephews and nieces. Asbury Robbins, 94, of Como, Ind. and W. H. Robbins, 91 of Millgrove are brother of Mrs. Reeves.
In all his dealings Mr. Reeves was known as an honest, upright and frank citizen. He was possessed of that sterling quality and personality, which won him immediate friendship with all whom he came in contact. Although serving in public office as a republican, he was non partisan in his square dealings with the public. He is perhaps best known in this and surrounding cities and the Northern Indiana conference, as a minister of the Methodist faith. The funeral services will be conducted Tuesday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the Grace Methodist Church in charge of Rev. L. W. Kemper. The body will be taken from the home at 8:30 o'clock to the church where it will lay in state until the funeral hour. The pall bearers have been selected, three from the Methodist church and three from the Masonic Lodge as follows: Finley Geiger, C J M Lieber, Charles Eastman, from the church and Lawrence Forkner, Walter Maddox and William Klugh from the lodge.
Rev. Reeves was born on a farm near Union City, Darke county, Ohio on June 24, 1847, his lineage being directly traceable to staunch English origin. He was named in honor of his grandfather, Lewis Reeves, a native of New Jersey, who served with distinguished honor during the war of 1812. He was the son of Lemuel M. Reeves and Julia Bradford Reeves, both natives of Ohio. His father died January 17, 1902, his mother preceding his father in death in 1892. Mr. reeves was the eldest of five children, four boys and one girl and one surviving brother being the youngest in the family.( paragraph missing but then continues as follows:)
In 1870, at Millgrove, Rev. Reeves claimed Miss Mary Robbins as his bride. Although they never were blessed with children, Rev. and Mrs. Reeves raised as foster parents, Etta Thorp, wife of Will Lanning of Grant county, William Stewart, deceased, and Urita Moorehead Sprong, of Cincinnati O. Mrs. Sprong will arrive here Sunday. During their residence in Hartford City, both Rev. and Mrs. Reeves took active part in the affairs of the Grace Methodist church. At the time of his death, he was a district steward in the church, a clerk leader and frequently filled the pulpit as supply pastor. In Rev. Reeves death Hartford City loses a valuable citizen and Grace church loses a worker whose place will be hard to fill. Other relatives residing in and near Hartford City are, Mrs. Will Sinclair, Mrs. O. P. Sample, Ruth Bowman, Mrs. Luther Gucker, Ivan Knight, John Robbins, of Redkey: Miss Portia Reeves, of Muncie: Charles Reeves of Detroit, and Mrs. Mary Toppin, of this city, are among the many nieces and nephews. Rev. Reeves served as deputy county cleerk under his nephew Charles Reeves, Samuel J. Farrell and Earl Reasoner. In 1880 to 1881, Rev. Reeves also served as Justice of the Peace in Jackson township.
Hartford City News Times April 19, 1927
REV. REEVES IS BURIED TODAY
One of the more largely attended funeral services conducted in this city were those for Rev. Lewis Reeves, widely known church man, Civil War veteran and former county clerk, held Tuesday morning at 10:30 o'clock from teh Grace M. E. Church, in charge of Rev. L. W. Kemper. Pallbearers who officiated were as previously announced. Burial was made in the I. O. O. F cemetery. Among the out of town relatives and friends in attendance were: Ollie Jenkins, Emma Gruber, Dave Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Flatter and Mr. and Mrs. Russell, of Union City: Dr. Hawkins, Mrs. Ammons, Mrs. George Fry, of Swayzee, Mable Brown of Clinton, Ind.: Effie Traux of Kokomo, Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Knight, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Knight, Melvin Knight, of Elkhart, Ken Knight, of Ft. Wayne, Mrs. E. O. Overhultz, Mrs. L. J. Reeves, John Reeves and family, George Vincent and family, of Converse, Marble Reeves and family of Detroit, Mich., Lawrence Shroyer, Ralph Robbins and family, Bert Robbins and Family, William Robbins, all of Millgrove, Rev. Ed Greenwalt, of WInchester, Portia Reeves of Muncie, Frank Weaver and family, Asbury Robbins of Como, Ind, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cline, of Upland, William Bobo, of Muncie, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Robbins of Marion, Mrs. Walter Sprong and Luzerne and Mable James of Cincinnati, O. Various officials of the Northern Indiana Methodist conference ere also in attendance.
LEGIONNAIRES STAND GUARD OVER BODY OF REV. LEWIS REEVES
Robert Hart and Clifford Fees, members of the local post of the American Legion, stood guard at the casket of Rev. Lewis Reeves Tuesday morning while the body lay in state at the Grace M. E. church. The Legionnaires were in uniform and armed, one representing the navy and the other the army. Rev. Reeves was a Civil War veteran. Members of the Legion attended the funeral services in a body.
The Converse Journal December 9, 1927
JOHN M. B. REEVES ANSWERS SUMMONS
A NOBLE, USEFUL CITIZEN BIDS GOODBYE TO EARTHLY RESPONSIBILITIES
Converse has lost one of her most valuable citizens and those who were accustomed to receive his cheery smile and wholesome counsel will henceforth appreciate them through memory's veil. Wide has been the activities of our lost citizen. From our early childhood we knew him -- first, as we remember as a tile worker, a molder of clay, and he playfully teased the youngsters who clustered about the primitive mill -- always in kindness and always clean. The school room, the pulpit and finally the bar claimed John M. B. Reeves and each position was filled with credit. For several years he taught school and judging from his ability and conscientiousness we are certain he was a success. Many more years were given to the chruch and he was a profound Bible scholar and an able exponent of its tenets. But a few years ago he was admitted to the Miami county bar and while his progress through law was not of a meteoric nature, he was a student of the law and his legal advice was sound. Successful, though he was, in these varied callings, the outstanding value of John Reeves laid in his super citizenship, his attitude to life, both physical and spiritual, his daily walk, which carried Christianity through every moment, and his kindly bearing toward his fellow man. He met his fate calmly, knowing his hours ere few, and designated certain phazes of the farewell ceremonies as though they were mere business affairs. In fact, they were. The doors of life were soon to close for him. Those to whom he had given a lifetime of love and care were to be left behind. Frineds whom he honored were to be bidden farewell. Life was the talent given him by the Master and he surrendered it increased many fold in richness. He had fought a noble battle, he had kept the faith, and Converse mourns the departure of one of her most worthy citizens.
J. M. B. Reeves, son of Lemuel M. and Julia Reeves, was born in Dark County, Ohio, June 13, 1858, and died at Converse, Indiana, December 6, 1927 at the age of 69 years, 5 months and 23 days. He was from a family of five children, four boys and one girl, all of whom have now departed from this life. His mother was his ideal. She was a woman of Puritan stock -- a descendant of William Bradford. In 1885, April 16, he was united in marriage with Emma Dora Casterline. Four children were born into the home, Mrs. Howard Nail of near Converse, June and Vera of Converse, and Marble, of Detroit, Mich. There are three grandchildren. There have been three distinct types of work in which J. M. B. Reeves has been identified. In his early manhood, he spent five years as a public school teacher in Miami and Blackford counties of this state. He entered the Methodist Protestant ministry in 1886. He became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church of the North Indiana Conference, in 1893. After serving New Waverly, Santa Fe, Jolietville, Cadiz, Spiceland, Parker, Gilman, Mathews, Warsaw Circuit and Lima, he entered the supernumerary relationship, and was retired in 1910. Since retiring he has practiced law. He became a member of the Miami County Bar Association in 1923. Brother Reeves had marked literary abilities. He has written several stories for Sunday School papers and has prepared a book, an Indian story, which was never published. He was a member of three lodges, the Masonic, I. O. O. F. and K. of P. For some time he has been a teacher In sunday school of the local church, and occasionally was called out for special sermons. The funeral services were conducted from teh M. E church yesterday afternoon and was in charge of Rev. Wilson of Beamer Chapel, Kokomo, Rev. Bentley, district superintendent of Kokomo, Rev. E. E. DeWitt of Topeka and Rev. Beardaley of this place. The body was borne to its last resting place by representatives of the three fraternal orders of which Mr. Reeves was a member -- the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Masons.
CARDS OF THANKS
We desire to extend our sincere thanks to those who in any way rendered us aid or comfort during the illness and death of our beloved husband and father, John M. B. Reeves. Mrs. Emma D. Reeves and family.
The Hartford City News June 1930
MUCH BELOVED WOMAN CALLED BY DEATH HERE
MRS. MARY REEVES 78, WIDOW OF REV. LEWIS REEVES DIED SUNDAY
FUNERAL HERE TUESDAY
Death removed another widely known and much loved resident of Hartford City early Sunday morning, when Mrs. Mary Susan Reeves, 78, widow of Rev. Lewis Reeves, former Methodist minister and ex county clerk, passed away at the family home, 923 North Walnut Street. Death occurred at 3:50 a.m. Sunday after a lingering illness. Mrs. Reeves decline in health began during the past winter while residing with her foster daughter, Mrs. Ursia Sprong, 6841 Hurd Ave. Madisonville, Cincinnati. Mrs. Reeves had spent the past three winters at the Sprong home since the death of her husband, Rev. Lewis Reeves on April 16, 1927. She returned to her home here the first of April. Mrs. Reeves had been bedfast only about a week and a half. Her condition became suddenly alarming Friday morning and by Friday evening her condition was very grave. She lapsed into a state of coma, Friday night from which she aroused only at intermittent periods. Death was due to her general weakened condition resulting from pneumonia, dilation and leakage of the heart and complications. During the night Friday, she aroused from unconsciousness to sing two stanzas of the hymn "Jesus Lover of My Soul" Unfaltering and meaningly she completed the song, despite her fast ebbing strength. She then passed into a coma, with death coming peacefully Sunday morning.
"Aunt Mary" Reeves, as she was more intimately known by her legion of friends, was loved by all who knew her. She possessed that sweet, refined Christian character that inspired and endeared her to everyone. She was devoted to her church and lived a life founded on the Golden Rule. She practiced in her everyday life the Christian teachings which she loved and expounded to others.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, in charge of Rev. H. A. P. Homer, pastor. The body will be taken to the church at 12 o'clock, noon Tuesday and will lie in state until 3 o'clock. The casket will then be closed and will not be reopened. Burial will be made in the I. O. O. F. cemetery. Pallbearers will be her seven nephews: Ivan Knight, city: R. H. Knight, F. Wayne: Ed Knight, Elkhart: Claude Robbins, city: Bert and Ralph Robbins, of Millgrove and Artie Robbins. Members of the W. R. C. will serve as flower bearers. Mrs. Reeves was a member of the Eastern Star lodge and the W. R. C. of this city.
BORN WAYNE COUNTY
Mary Susan Reeves was born at Abington, Ind., in Wayne county on November 19, 1852, the daughter of John O and Sarah Fender Robbins. her early life was spent in Wayne county, her father being a minister and doctor. When but a young girl, she came to Millgrove and resided with her sister, Mrs. Sarah Jane Knight, wife of Alfred Knight, where she grew to womanhood. On March 3rd 1870, she was united in marriage at Millgrove with Rev. Lewis Reeves, whose life likewise was devoted to the cause of Christianity. Rev. Reeves was active in the ministry of the Methodist church for many years. Later he served as a deputy county clerk. He also served four years as clerk of the Blackford circuit court. During the Civil War, Rev. Reeves served nearly two years as a member of the Seventh Indiana Volunteer Cavalry.
Mrs. Reeves was the last of a family of eleven children, her older brother, Will Robbins, formerly of Millgrove, dying a year ago in February. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves had no children of their own, but raised three and derived much pleasure from their company and rearing. In her death, Hartford City looses a citizen whose place will be most difficult to fill and her passing caused much sorrow. Several ministers from over the North Indiana conference will attend Mrs. Reeves funeral.
The Converse Journal February 3, 1933
DEATH OF MRS. REEVES
Mrs. Margaret J. Reeves, aged 77, died Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clara Overhultz, death being due to ailments incident to her advanced age. The funeral will be held this afternoon at the M. E. church, and internment will be made in the I. O. O. F. cemetery.
Many years ago the deceased was united in marriage to Lemuel Reeves, who preceded her in death several years ago. Three children of this marriages survive, Mrs. Effie Truax, of Rochester and Mrs. Myrtle Vincent and Mrs. Clara Overhultz of this place. She is also survived by two brothers, Andrew Thompson of Dunkirk and Henry Thompson of Mill Grove. Many years ago the family located in Converse, where Mr. and Mrs. Reeves were especially active in church and lodge circles. Mrs. Reeves was a loyal Christian, a kind friend and a compassionate neighbor in time of stress and we remember, with gratitude, many kindly ministration rendered by her unto those nearest to ourselves. We extend our sympathy to the bereaved family.
The Converse Journal July 6, 1934
MR. AND MRS. GEO. E. VINCENT AND F. TRIMMER THE VICTIMS
CRASH OCCURRED SATURDAY AT CREST OF A HILL NEAR LANDESSVILE. ONE MOTORIST ESCAPED.
Like a tornado from a clear sky came the news that the lives of two of our admirable citizens were snuffed out Saturday evening at about seven o'clock when a fatal crash, which occurred near Landessville instantly killed Mrs. George Vincent and resulted in the death at the Marion hospital two hours later of her husband. A passenger in the west bourn car also suffered death, while both cars were completely wrecked. The crash occurred at the crest of an abrupt hill, and although it was reported the car facing the Vincent machine was on the wrong side of the road, the investigation of Coroner Loomis fixed no blame on either driver, and classed it as an unavoidable accident.
Our last meeting with the dead husband was at noon Saturday, when we closed minor business transactions in the intrest of the local Pythian lodge. We had invited him to accompany us to the great Pythian meeting at Indianapolis which he very much wished to accept, but a previous engagement as an officer of the Rural Letter Carriers' Ass'n at Van Buren on the same evening had caused him to refuse. In order to keep his promise he also kept his "rendezvous with death", taking with him his loved companion.
Only a few months ago did George Vincent achieve that for which most men struggle-- an absolute financial independence, won through many years of service as a rural letter carrier. He had been placed on the retired list about nine months ago and most of his time since retirement had been spent in the interest of the letter carriers' association and in lodge work, in which he had ever maintained a deep and active interest. The church also had came in for its just share of his loyalty and support. He was a veteran of the Spanish war and was also active in the councils of its association. Honesty with him was a cardinal virtue, and he adhered to its dictates with a stern conscience which would permit of no deviation. We had known and had been associated intimately with this dead friend for many years, and our very last conversation touched upon the subject of a mutual friendship and respect which over rode the shoals of distinct disagreement many times and which held true to the end. George Vincent was a direct descendant of Marshal Vincent of France under the great emperor. His possession of the blood lines of that warrior probably caused him at times to be misunderstood, but at all times he was disposed to mercy and helpfulness with all the power at his aggressive and vigorous command. George Vincent was a man--and a real friend of ours. We dedicate a heart- full of unstinted admiration to his memory.
Mrs. Vincent was formerly a school teacher and after her marriage she became prominent in social, fraternal and welfare associations in which her brilliance, tact and leadership was recognized. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Reeves and inherited much of the sincerity and ability of her noble father, whose influence was profoundly respected in church and lodge circles. Ever in the lead in her social connections, Myrtle Vincent maintained a meek and mild attitude which added to her real greatness. She was not only all that could be desired as a wife and mother, but she still found time to magnificently serve her church and many societies which honored her. Rarely has there been a more nearly perfect marital congeniality than that which existed between this splendid woman and her devoted husband, and during our lifetime there has never fallen upon this community such a crushing blow to members of its best citizenship. Unsullied memory and the condolences of hundreds of friends are all that is left to the children who at a single stroke, lost their all.
OBITUARIES
Julia Myrtle Vincent
Julia Myrtle Vincent, daughter of Lemuel J. and Margaret J. Reeves was born in Converse, September 10, 1877 and departed this life Saturday, June 30, 1934 at the age of 56 years. On June 24, 1903, she was united in marriage with George E. Vincent, whose love and companionship she cherished and enjoyed until death suddenly and tragically claimed them both. Three children, tow daughters and a son, blessed this union and enjoyed the loving care of a devoted mother. Myrtle Vincent spent her entire life in Converse, having been born and reared within a few rods of her late home. She was interested in education and taught three years in the schools of Jackson township. In early childhood she confessed her faith in Christ and united with the Methodist Episcopal church of this place. She was loyal to the church, never refusing to give of her time, her talents and her possessions. She was also a member of Eastern Star, Rebekahs, Pythaina Sisters, Rural Letter Carriers' Auxiliary of Grant count, Capt. Fred D. Ballou Auxiliary No 10 of Marion, Buriett Club of Converse and Royal Neighbors of Kokomo. Her ability was attested by the fact that she held offices in most of these organizations. She leaves to morn their loss the daughters, Georgia Quinnell of Fort Wayne and Margaret Ellis of Hartford City, the son Roy Vincent of Converse, one little grandson, Jimmie Quinnell, two sisters, Effie Truax of Rochester and Clara Overhultz..( rest of page missing)
The Converse Journal April 6, 1951
SERVICES HELD MONDAY AT METHODIST CHURCH FOR EMMA REEVES
Mrs. Emma Dora (Casterline) Reeves, widow of the Rev. John M. B. Reeves, passed from her earthly home in Converse, Indiana to her Heavenly Home, Saturday morning, March 31, 1951. She was born August 15, 1865 in Blackford county, Indiana, the third of five children born to James and Mary Eliza (Rowe) Casterline. Here she grew to young womanhood on the farm. She met John M. B. Reeves, who came to teach in the local county school where she was one of the pupils, and on April 16, 1885 they were united in Marriage and moved to Converse (Xenia, Indiana) . The next year, 1886, Mr. Reeves became a minister in the Methodist Protestant Church,. In 1893 Rev. Reeves was transferred to the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and this couple, with the four children who were born to them, saved a number of churches in that conference. In 1910 Rev. Reeves retired from the active ministry, and the family moved to Converse, where Mrs. Reeves has lived since that time. Rev. Reeves preceded her in death on December 6, 1927. Mother Reeves was of the quiet type, giving herself to her home and family. She was a lover of flowers and all that is beautiful. She leaves to cherish her memory and simple faith in God, the four children, Mrs. Howard Nail, June and Vera Reeves of Converse and Marble H. Reeves of Greenwood, Indiana: five grandchildren John, Joseph, Marilyn, and Donald Reeves, and Esther Nail: two grandchildren, Donna Lee and Jennifer Reeves: one sister, Mrs. Bertha Miller of Hartford City, and a host of other relatives and friends. The funeral services ere held at two o'clock, April 2, 1951 at the Converse Methodist Church, with Rev. E. E. Dewitt and Rev. Ralph Davison in charge. Burial was made in the Converse I. O. O. F. cemetery.