Lydia Ann Reed

Mrs. Reed was, in reality, the half-sister of the General George Armstrong, her maiden name being Lydia Ann Kirkpatrick. But the affection for him and his brother and sister was so strong that they always regard each other as though she were their own sister. She was born in New Rumley, Harrison county, O., October 9, 1825. At the age of 21 years she was married to Mr. Reed and with him moved to Monroe directly after their marriage. Of the four children born to them, a third died in infancy and the other, George Armstrong Reed, was one of the unfortunates in the Custer massacre, in which, besides the general and her son, the savage Sioux also robbed her of her younger brother Boston and an older brother, Capt. Tom Custer, and also her sister's husband, Lieut. James Calhoun. Her son, known to this day by the pet name of "Autie" Reed and her younger brother known as "Bos", were 19 and twenty years old respectively and were not enlisted men in the regiment. A day's visit by the general in this city had fired them with the desire to go with him to the West and take part in the campaign against the Sioux that it was known would soon begin. The general did not urge them, but as nothing serious was feared, he said: "If your mother is willing, Autie, come along." One lad would not go without the other and so they started gaily for the West.

The human mind cannot picture the soul agony and shock dealt Mrs. Reed when shortly afterward, early in July, 1876, came the crushing news of the annihilation of Custer's regiment by the Indian hordes. Bearing up with remarkable courage, she none the less never recovered fully from the blow. Never very robust, her health required constant attention during the thirty years that have elapsed since then. Always deeply religious, quiet and unostentatious, she became doubly so thereafter. She cared little for the world's pleasure, but found her chief enjoyment in church and charitable work and in domestic duties. Modest and unassuming as she was, her acts of charity were performed without the knowledge of even her intimate friends. There were several charitable movements that she favored and every year, at regular intervals, she sent generous contributions of money, giving it to a friend and making her promise not to reveal her name. This wish was carried out and until her death removed the need of concealment, it is safe to say that scarce half a dozen people knew of her kindnesses to the poor, and many a family in urgent need has been relieved by her gifts, without having any idea as to the identity of the angel of mercy who was aiding them.

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