Mrs. H.H. Reed died of Bright’s disease at her home on east South street at 9:40 Friday evening, having been sick since last April. She had a number of bad spells in the past two weeks but rallied from each, showing great vigor. But the end came peacefully with all the family at her bedside. The funeral was held from the house at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. A.E. Marsh officiating in the absence of a Congregational minister, she having been a member of the Congregational church for a great many years. Hazel Charlotte Copling* was born in Ashland, Ohio, October 13th, 1843, and was therefore 73 years, 9 months and 7 days old at the time of her death. She came to this county with her husband, Henry H. Reed, in the fall of 1878, residing near Ft. Calhoun until 1884 when they moved to this city. Besides the husband she leaves two adopted children, Mrs. Clark O’Hanlon and Frank Reed to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted wife and mother.

#2-Published in the Blair Democrat July 26, 1917

Another Pioneer Woman Passes To The Great Beyond

After suffering for a long time with diabetes, Mrs. H. H. Reed, died at the family home on South Street last Friday evening, and the funeral was held from the house Sunday afternoon with Rev. Marsh in charge.

Hazel Charlotte Keppling* was born near Ashland, Ohio, October 13, 1843, and after marrying H. H. Reed, came west in 1878, settling on a farm southeast of Ft. Calhoun. In 1884 the family moved to Blair. While childless, Mrs. Reed was always a lover of children and raised two foster children, Mrs. Clark O’Hanlon and Frank Reed, both of this city and no real mother could have been kinder or more considerate.

Mrs. Reed was a kindly woman and was well loved by neighbors and friends, and in her death the community suffers a distinct loss. She was charitable and good and her home life was almost an ideal one; ever good natured and pleasant her highest aim seemed to be to make the casual visitor to her home feel that all she had was theirs to share. As a neighbor, the writer finds it hard to realize that her pleasant greetings will be no more.

#3-Published in the Tribune July 26, 1917

Mrs. H. H. Reed, an old resident of this county, died at her home in this city on last Friday, July 20 at 73 years, 9 months and 7 days.

Deceased was born in Ashland, Ohio and with her husband and came to Ft. Calhoun in 1876 and to Blair in 1884.

Having no children Mr. and Mrs. Reed took a niece and nephew and reared then as their own. The niece is now Mrs. Clark O’Hanlon and the nephew, Frank Reed, both well-known in this community.

Mrs. Reed was a woman of refinement and culture and has many friends who will sorely miss her.

The funeral services were held on last Sunday at 2 p.m. at the residence on South Street where a large number of friends congregated to show their respect for the departed and who afterward followed the body to its last resting place in the Blair Cemetery.

Rev. Marsh of the Episcopal Church officiated both at the home and at the cemetery.

~Note that the newspaper articles report different maiden names. The correct name is Caplinger.

Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.