Huntingdon County honors esteemed Civil War veteran

HUNTINGDON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)— February 21 is the 165th birthday of the late William Reed, a Civil War veteran who earned the Medal of Honor and became a prominent figure in Huntingdon County.

Reed was born in Laurelton, Pennsylvania, and for his birthday Huntingdon and Tazewell County in Illinois met virtually to honor the veteran’s legacy. Initially, Reed was rejected by Illinois’ enlistment quotas already being fulfilled, but he persevered and joined Missouri’s troops instead.

William Reed fought on the Union side of the Civil War.

Throughout his time in the war, he fought in many battles- the most notable being the Siege of Vicksburg. It was labeled as an incredibly dangerous mission, but Reed accepted it anyway. For his actions that day, he was eventually awarded the Medal of Honor.

After the conclusion of the war, he moved to Huntingdon and became one of the most prominent figures that the community ever had. He served on the town’s council, owned several businesses and founded Huntingdon’s Orphan Home.

The present-day commissioners of Huntingdon and Tazewell County wanted to remember his impact by sharing their records about him with each other.

“It’s another opportunity to draw attention to the value of Americans, their dedication to their country and putting their lives on the line for all of us,” Brian Bassett, Director of Huntingdon County Veterans Affairs, said.

Although this is the first time they have done something like this, Bassett hopes it will not be the last.