Edgar Thomas Reid

• GIVN: Edgar Thomas
• SURN: Reid¹²
• Sex: M
• Born: 13 Mar 1877 in Manti, Sanpete, Utah, United States
• Died: 19 Sep 1955 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States
• CAUS: Old Age
• Buried: 21 Sep 1955 in Manti City Cemetery, Manti, Sanpete, Utah, USA³
• AFN: 1JJD-Q7
• _UID: 2696C55D793C4F68AA5DFFED2ABED2A79E4A
• Baptised LDS: 2 Apr 1885 12 Sep 1902
• TEMP: MANTI BIC
• Record last updated: 30 Nov 2013
• TIME: 11:39
• Notes:

  
  
  
  
  I thought you'd like to have a copy of the biography I wrote for my grandfather Edgar T. Reid.
  John Morley Christensen
  
  Edgar T. Reid: A Biography Gleaned From Newspaper Clippings and His Own Writings
  by John M. Christensen
  
  «u»Newpaper abbreviations key«/u»
  BP: The Beaver Press
  DEN: Deseret Evening News
  DN&T: Deseret News and Telegram
  MM: The Manti Messenger
  
  Edgar T. Reid was born 13 March 1877, in a small two-room house occupying the same ground as the home on First North in Manti in which he lived almost continuously since he was three years old. His father was William T. Reid and his mother was Mary A. Cox. His maternal grandfather, Frederick W. Cox, died 1879, when Edgar was 2 years old.
  
  He said his earliest memory was watching the demolition of his first home. While the new home was being built he and his family lived in the north room of the old courthouse.
  
  The Edmunds-Tucker Law, which disenfranchised and punished persons practicing polygamy, went into effect about 1865. When Edgar was 8 years old, Nov. 29, 1885,
  U. S. Deputy Marshals raided Manti in search of polygamists. His father had two wives, but he was not captured during that raid. Edgar, his sister Alice, and their mother stayed at his Aunt Eleanore's home seven miles south of Manti for several weeks. Twice during this time, deputies came to his home in Manti before daybreak. The first time they found Edgar and his brothers in the barn loft. The second time the deputies found them in the home, but their mother was not there. They finally caught and arrested his father on July 22, 1887, when he was coming home with a load of hay (MM 22 Jan 1926). Edgar was 10 years old at the time. Two months before that (MM 24 May 1887), deputy marshals also raided the Manti Temple. To avoid a second term of imprisonment for his father, his mother, his brother Clare, and his sister Alice went to Salt Lake City; ostensibly for Clare and Edgar to attend the LDS College. His uncle Snow hauled their furniture in a wagon, along with Clare and Edgar, northward on the four-day journey. The next year (1889-90) was profitable one for Edgar. They returned to Manti when Edgar was 13 years old and he was wearing a new suit, a white shirt and collar, and a derby hat. He said, "My new big city attire was altogether too conspicuous."
  
  The next year Edgar attended the newly formed Manti Seminary; a Church school roughly equivalent to current 7«sup»th«/sup», 8«sup»th«/sup», and 9«sup»th«/sup» grades. The seminary was held for three years at the Council House where the library now stands. He attended all three years. After that it was disbanded. In 1892, when he was 15, he began attending the Beaver Branch of BYU and worked in the Manti Recorder's Office assisting his father with the probate and land records work. The local newspaper reported that he came home from school during spring break in April 1896. He was 19 at the time (MM 10 Apr 1896).After two and a half years of study at the BYU-Beaver Branch he received a commercial diploma (equivalent to an Associate's degree today). He also passed the Utah State teacher's examination and taught school in Redmond, Utah during the 1896-97 school year. The next winter (1897), he taught in the district school at Moroni (MM 2 Oct 1897) and the year after that at Manti. In 1899, he returned to BYU for two more years of study to complete a bachelor's degree (MM 2 Sep 1899). He came home briefly near the end of October that year to attend the funeral of his brother Clare's wife, Ethel. She had returned, deathly ill, to Provo from Samoa where she and Clare were serving a mission for the Church. Ethel died October 25«sup»th«/sup» and was buried in Manti(MM 28 Oct 1899).
  
  About 1896-98, Edgar's "sweetheart" was Agnes Hoggan of Manti. She was the daughter of Thomas Hoggan. His romantic interests in her were apparently known in the community. An item in the Manti Messenger reported, "Miss Agnes Hoggan is in Salt Lake visiting relatives and enjoying herself at the resorts there. She will return in a week or so, Edgar" (MM 13 Aug 1898). Edgar was 21 years old at the time, but his interest in Agnes was put on hold for many years. He went away to school and her family moved to Lewisville, Idaho in 1901. Although their paths diverged for 29 years, they would eventually marry. In the meantime, another young lady, Ida Farnsworth of Beaver, Utah, had caught his attention while he was attending school at the "Y." He courted her and eventually won her hand in marriage.
  
  His grandmother, Jemima Losee Cox, died that year while Edgar was at the "Y" (MM 9 Mar 1901).
  
  When he was 24, Edgar, together with some other BY Academy boys, went to Park City to work in the mines in the summer of 1901. However, as reported in the Manti Messenger, "Edgar T. Reid returned home from Park City last Saturday, July 13th. He did, as stated in our last issue, go to Park City to work in the mines, but we have been informed that one day was sufficient" (MM 13 Jul; 20 Jul 1901).
  
  He took a position for the school year with the Manti Public Schools in the fall of 1901.
  When he returned from a State Teacher's Institute held in Salt Lake City in early January of 1904, he made a B-line for Beaver to see Ida. The Manti Messenger commented, "Maybe we don't know why he [Edgar] went down there, but we think we do" (MM 4 Jan 1902). Edgar was 25 years old at the time. After one year of teaching in Manti, he applied for a position as principal of the business department in the Fremont Stake Academy in Rexburg, Idaho. He was successful in getting hired for the position and prepared to move to Rexburg in September for the 1902-03 school year (MM 21 Jun 1902). An important part of those preparations was courting Ida Farnsworth and getting married before he left. His efforts were successful as shown in the following wedding announcement from the Manti Messenger.
  
  «b»«i»Farnsworth-Reid Wedding«/b»«/i»
  «i»Miss Ida Farnsworth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. of Beaver City, Utah and Mr. Edgar T. Reid were married yesterday (Friday Sept., 12«sup»th«/sup») in the Manti Temple.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»Miss Farnsworth comes of a highly respected family, is well educated, having been attendance at the B.Y. Academy for some years, where she has many warm friends who will join those in her native town in wishing her joy and contentment in her married state.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»Mr. Reid is a graduate of the B. Y. Academy, and known in this city to be honest and upright, and an energetic worker for the advancement of the young in educational lines, and has taken a very active part in religious capacities such as Sunday School, religion classes and Mutual Improvement work.«/i»
  «i»A reception in honor of their marriage was given last evening at the home of the groom in this city, but owing to the rigid quarantine in this city, the guests were limited to twelve, and the young couple were unable to invite their many friends, only immediate relatives and friends being present.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»Mr. and Mrs. Reid will make their home in Rexburg, Idaho for at least one year. Mr. Reid was hired as the principal of the business department of the Fremont Stake Academy for the season«/i»(MM 13 Sep 1902).
  
  After his marriage he and his bride moved to Rexburg where he taught for two years. The first year in Rexburg was not uneventful. The Manti Messenger reported:
  «i»"Word comes from Rexburg, Idaho, to the effect that the Bassett home in which E. T. Reid resides took fire the other morning about 5 o'clock. Half the building was destroyed and carpets and other household effects belonging to Mr. Reid to the value of $50.00 were burned."«/i» (MM 8 Apr 1903). At the time, $50 was not a small sum.
  
  Their first child, Melva, was born on the 27«sup»th«/sup» of October 1903, while they were living in Rexburg. In the latter part of February1904, Edgar received news that his father was very ill. The newspaper reported he was "suffering from general disability and overwork" (MM 25 Feb 1904). Not long after this report, his father died on Monday, February 29«sup»th «/sup»(MM 3 Mar 1904).
  
  He moved his family back to Manti early in 1904, and assumed the position of principal for the Manti Public Schools first through eighth grades (MM 16 Jun 1904). He served in that position for nine years (1904-1913) and then taught at Manti High School for two years. When he moved back to Manti he moved into his father's home and he and his wife became active participants in community life. He spent the rest of his professional career in the Manti schools and the South Sanpete School District. In addition to serving as principal of the 1-8«sup»th«/sup» grades, he taught classes in history (MM 13 May 1910; 26 May 1911). In 1911, he divided his time between the 1«sup»st«/sup» -8«sup»th«/sup» grades and high school. The next year he taught only in the high school (MM 15 Sep 1911; 24 May 1912). As a high school teacher he was the master of ceremonies at the interclass high school track meet in 1914. Because of his organizational skills, all the races came off as scheduled and the meet was a huge success (MM 30 Oct 1914).
  
  Edgar ran for and was elected as a school trustee for a three-year term in 1914. The newspaper report said he ran against two other candidates, P. P. Dyreng and L. F. Becker, in a spirited school election. "Considerable interest was created in the afternoon by the supporters of Mr. Becker and Mr. Reid, the friends of the latter doing the most efficient work. The final vote: E. T. Reid 102, L.F. Becker 86, P. P. Dyreng 40" (MM 17 Jun 1914). His popularity as a school trustee and his administrative skills drew the attention of the community. The next year, he served on the newly organized Parent Teachers Association executive board (MM 8 Jan 1915).
  
  He taught history classes in the high school until the fall of 1915 when he was selected to become the first superintendent of the newly formed South Sanpete School District (MM 1 Aug 1913; 17 Sep 1914; MM 4 Jun 1915; MM 20 Aug 1915; 10 Sep 1915). School superintendent appointments were for two years according to Utah school law. His new office was a room in the town library. Edgar was 38 years old at the time and the newspaper said he was, " …a man well equipped for that position and we believe, will be found equal to the task, which will be a big undertaking, especially the first year." He served as District Superintendent for 20 years.
  
  Even though Edgar's profession was an educator, he also had to spend some time farming to support his family. Then, as now, salaries for teaching were low. He raised chickens and kept some cows out in back of is home. Most of the milk and eggs were sold to the Manti dairy cooperative to provide a secondary income source. He owned some fields a little ways to the West of Manti where he raised hay and irrigated vegetable crops. The hay was used primarily for his cows. The vegetable crops were sold for cash. He also had "kitchen garden" on the northeast side of his home where he grew vegetables to feed his family. In 1910, he and C. W. Bird went over the mountain to Castle Valley to check out some additional land for farming (MM 1 Jul 1910).
  
  1915 was a good year for Edgar. With the new position as district superintendent, he felt he had the means to purchase an automobile. He bought a new Maxwell car from J. N. Crosby, Inc. in Salt Lake City. He was fortunate enough to have it delivered because a number of others were unable to get cars (MM 3 Sep 1915). A new, 1916 Maxwell cost $655 and was billed as: "The Wonder Car," an economy car - light weight, a 5 passenger car with mohair top and adjustable side curtains. It had a 4-cylinder engine, went 50 mph, and included an electric starter and electric lights (DEN 9 Aug & 28 Aug 1915).
  
  Edgar had to attend school periodically to keep his teaching credentials. In the summer of 1915, Edgar attended summer school at Berkley in California and went to the fair. His wife Ida went with him and she stopped at Beaver for a visit on the way home (MM 13 Aug 1915). He also attended a branch of BYU summer school held in Provo Canyon at the base of Mt. Timpanogus in 1924 (MM 3 Aug 1924).
  
  In 1917, Edgar was also appointed juvenile probation officer of the South Sanpete district. That year he moved his office from the library to the small stone schoolhouse north of the courthouse. The building was partitioned off into three rooms and a hall (MM 9 Feb 1917).
  
  Among his duties as District Superintendent he worked with the school board to improve teacher's salaries (MM 9 Jan 1920), got a $10 bonus for the agricultural teacher at Manti and Ephraim for each agricultural project completed during the year (MM 27 Aug 1926), presented diplomas at junior high (MM 6 May 1927) high school graduations (MM 14 May 1920; 13 Apr 1923; 1 May 1925), and made frequent trips to Salt Lake City to take care of school district business. For example, the Manti Messenger reported that he went to Salt Lake to purchase supplies (MM 26 Nov 1915; 6 Apr 1917), purchase equipment (MM 14 Feb 1919), and to buy a new Nash school bus to transport students from Mayfield and Sterling to Manti. In 1921, while in Salt Lake City to purchase school supplies he visited some of the Salt Lake schools to acquaint himself with the working plans for all-year schoolwork (MM 10 Jun 1921). Some of his trips involved attending state level meetings. He attended state textbook commission meetings for a month (MM 1 Jan 1918), a teacher employment conference (MM 22 Mar 1918), a vocational education conference (MM 1 Aug 1919), and state school superintendent meetings (MM 18 and 25 Feb 1927). Dixie, went with her father to Salt Lake City in 1934. Edgar went to attend a convention for superintendents and principals and Dixie went to attend the Quish School of Beauty (MM 16 Mar 1934).
  
  Edgar was an active supporter of the Utah Teacher's Association and attended state education conventions, usually with his wife, Ida (MM 4 Jul 1913; 21 Nov 1919; 9 Jul 1920). Before he had an automobile he traveled to Salt Lake City by train.
  
  His superintendent responsibilities enabled him to travel to several cities outside of Utah. He attended National Education Association conventions in Oakland, CA 1923, Washington, D.C. 1926, Cleveland, OH 1929, and Chicago 1932. The trip to Washington, D. C. in 1929, was the most eventful of these conventions. He left on Sunday February 14«sup»th«/sup» (MM 19 Feb 1926) by train and returned on Tuesday March 2«sup»nd«/sup». While he was in the nation's capitol he visited the halls of congress and met with senators and representatives from Utah. He also took time to visit the museums and other places of interest (MM 5 Mar 1926). When he returned, he was asked to give a presentation on his Washington, D. C. trip to the Commercial Club (MM 2 Apr 1926).
  
  Every two years, Edgar had to be reappointed to his position as district superintendent. He was an exceptional administrator and was praised for the way he ran the schools in the district. The Manti Messenger said of him in 1925, "Superintendent Edgar T. Reid who has been superintendent of the South Sanpete School District since its creation more than ten years ago and under whose capable management our schools have been operated under the most economical budget and yet a high standard of efficiency maintained has been again appointed by the school board to succeed himself for the next two years. The superintendent's salary was fixed at $2,500 per annum with $500 additional for traveling expenses, he to furnish his own car" (MM 26 Jun 1925). He was reappointed again in 1927 (MM 10 Jun 1927). Things went well until 1933. That year the South Sanpete School Board at its February 11«sup»th«/sup» meeting gave him the usual notice that he would be reappointed, the vote was three to two. In addition to being Superintendent of the district, he was also appointed Clerk of the Board. His salary was paid on the basis of the two positions (MM 17 Feb 1933). In July of that year, the two school board members who voted against Edgar's reappointment in February's meeting raised objections to Edgar's reappointment. The Manti Messenger reported that after Edgar had given the financial report of the district and that the State equalization fund had fallen short of the anticipated amount, «i»… a motion was put by George W. Bradley that E. T. Reid be appointed superintendent for the next two years and that his salary remain as it is now. To this motion Hans C. Olsen offered a second on the condition that Mr. Reid would hand in his resignation in a reasonable length of time, as he felt the people were demanding a change. Mr. Thorpe thought that most of the dissatisfaction against the superintendent was due to his keeping on teachers who should be let out.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»In defense of himself, Superintendent Reid said that he would not have gone to the Chicago convention or purchased a new car had he not been assured of appointment. He further stated he was in no financial condition to retire and the board could not rescind its action of February 11«sup»th«/sup». To promote harmony, however, he agreed to the following motion, which passed unanimously. … That E. T. Reid be reappointed as superintendent with the understanding that if the board requests it, he will resign at the end of the school year 1933-34«/i» (MM 28 Jul 1933). The Manti Messenger followed this school board action up with the following editorial:
  «i»Supt. E. T. Reid Is The Man For The Job«/i»
  «i»Of the many reasons why Superintendent E. T. Reid should be reappointed for two years there is one of paramount, all sufficient importance, which in and of itself - were there no other - should decide the matter.«/i»
  «i»As a customary and has been the practice in the district for number of years, the school board notifies the superintendent early in the year, usually some time in February, whether or not he will be reappointed. This practice is in accordance with the advice and authorities on school problems, and is based on the idea hat the superintendent in order to plan for the year's work and give intelligent help in the employment of teachers must know whether or not he, himself, is to be employed. Such knowledge and assurance gives stability and strength to the whole set up.«/i»
  «i»As has been the practice other years, so again the South Sanpete school board took this matter up at a regular meeting on the 11«sup»th«/sup» of February, at which meeting all board members were present.«/i»
  «i»From the minutes of that meeting I copy the following: "Moved by G. W. Bradley, seconded by Hans Olsen, that the board give Mr. Reid notice that he will be re-appointed. Vote- ayes: Ray P. Lund, G. W. Bradley, and Hans C. Olsen; Nays: W. E. Thorpe and Newman Beck.«/i»
  «i»This official action of the board cannot be for any length of time other than that stipulated by law, and that is two years. From the school laws of the State of Utah the following pertaining to the election of superintendent is copied from paragraph 4671. "His term of office shall be two years, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified."«/i»
  «i»Among honorable men a verbal agreement is just as binding as is a written contract. This agreement between the board and Mr. Reid was an agreement between honorable men and it is binding for two years.«/i»
  «i»Another thing. The people cannot elect or appoint a school superintendent. That office has been removed from politics. It is the constitutional right, however, of the people to petition for redress of grievances. In such a petition there should most certainly be specific charges. That there are some people in the district who would like to see Superintendent Reid lose his job is undoubtedly true, but we have not been able to learn of any good reasons for this desire.«/i»
  «i»One of the board members stated that the reason for much of the opposition to Mr. Reid is that he is holding on too many old teachers. If the older teachers are a detriment to the district - a conclusion we are not prepared to admit- and there are such teachers in the district, the fault is not with the superintendent alone. In this district the final decision on the employment of teachers is with the board, and in not one instance has a board member made a motion for the release of any teacher now employed in this district. The board does the voting on employment of teachers, and can get rid of any teacher not wanted.«/i»
  «i»In the performance of his duties a superintendent must make decisions. These will naturally be against the interests and ambitions of some people. There will always be differences of opinions and those against whom the superintendent decides get "sore spots," but we are really and truly surprised that Superintendent Reid, through his many years of service has made as few sore spots as he has. This fact is a self-evident endorsement of the fine quality of the work he is doing.«/i»
  «i»Mr. Reid is a man of fine character into whose hand the best parents of our district need not hesitate to place their children. He gives of his time and talents unstintingly and ever is he looking for the best in education. He is progressive, keeping in constant touch with the modern ideas and developments in pedagogy, psychology, and kindred subjects. His years of study have given him a vast field of information and it is doubtful if there is another man in the district who has the grasp of the educational problem that he has.«/i»
  «i»Along with his keen interest in education, Mr. Reid has endeavored to take the tax payer's point of view. His district is run as economically and efficiently as any reasonable person can expect. When the taxpayer's representatives met with the school board on the budget, they congratulated the superintendent and the board on the economic fairness of their procedure. What more could the tax payers ask? It would be an easy matter to get a superintendent who would spend much more and probably not be any more efficient.«/i»
  «i»In conclusion, I would like to ask the question, "Has Superintendent Reid ever gone contrary to the decisions and policies of the majority of the board? We think not. Superintendent E. T. Reid is a valuable man to the South Sanpete School District. We don't want to lose him «/i»(MM 4 Aug 1933).
  
  During his last year as district superintendent, Edgar had a bad experience with his car. Marcia said about this event, "I remember an accident that Dad had with a carload of High School students when they were coming home from some activity out of the county. I cannot remember where, but Dad woke us up at night, late. He said he wished that he had not traveled at night. One boy had a broken arm and the car had a lot of damage. Concerning this event, the Manti Messenger reported:
  «i»While returning from the music contest at Price, Superintendent E. T. Reid's car carrying five boys besides the superintendent turned over on the highway immediately south of Spanish Fork.«/i»
  «i»The cause of the accident is not understood. The car began swerving, according to Mr. Reid, and went out of control, turning completely over. Aside from a few minor cuts and bruises the occupants of the car were uninjured. The car, however, was badly damaged, probably to the extent of $150«/i» (MM 27 Apr 1934). (Note: A new car cost about $600 in 1934.) The fact that Edgar reported the car began swerving is interesting, because very strong winds blow out of the Spanish Fork canyon at times and are capable of pushing a car off the road.
  
  Edgar resigned his position as District Superintendent in the spring of 1935 and took a position teaching in the Manti high school (MM 30 Aug 1935). He taught school until 1939, when he retired (MM Sept 8, 1938) W. H. Bailey was appointed as the District Superintendent in 1935 in Edgar's place. Superintendent Bailey died from pneumonia in February 1936. It was ironic that is was Bishop Edgar T. Reid who conducted the funeral for Supt. Bailey and read a tribute to him (MM 12 Feb 1936).
  
  In 1939, the community held a program to honor Edgar for his many years of service in Manti's educational institutions. The program was held Sunday evening, June fourth, in the Center Ward Chapel. The program had musical numbers by a choir, a trio, a duet, a string ensemble, and a coronet duet. Spoken tributes were given on his contributions to the town families, the Church, and its schools. Additional remarks about Edgar's life were also given by the school district superintendent and the stake president (MM June 2, 1939).
  
  Edgar was musically talented and enjoyed participating in musical and dramatic activities during his life. When he was 21 he performed in a community play. The town newspaper reported, "Theatre goers received quite a treat this week at a very creditable performance given by our home talent. Edgar Reid played the role of Babbage, with the dignity of an old and prosperous businessman who cared for nothing but business. He played his part exceedingly well, but occasionally forgot his lines" (MM 10 Sep 1898). He used his musical talents in singing and leading music. He enjoyed choral singing and lead musical groups. In 1910, he was the conductor of the Manti Tabernacle Choir. In appreciation for his service, he was presented with a mission style rocking chair by the choir members (MM 7 Oct 1910). He led the chorus that performed at the 4«sup»th«/sup» of July celebration in 1912 (MM 28 Jun 1912). When he was 45, he conducted the high school and town orchestra in the opera "Chimes of Normandy" in which his daughter Melva played a minor part as a village maiden. The opera was presented in Manti and taken on the road to nearby towns (MM 8 Feb 1922). He directed the Manti North Ward choir in 1924. The newspaper reported that the choir, under the direction of Bishop E. T. Reid, sang "Nearer My God to Thee" at a funeral (MM 25 Jul 1924). In 1929, he sang in a trio at another funeral held in his ward (MM 5 Jul 1929). When he was 58, he sang in the Salt Lake Tabernacle with the 130-voice Manti Choir for April General Conference. He was also on the committee that arranged for transporting the choir to Salt Lake City and back (MM 5 Apr and 12 Apr 1935).
  
  He served on other community and Church activity committees. He presented the prizes in a bread-making contest held at the South Sanpete Stake tabernacle (MM 5 Jun 1914). He served as the Pioneer Day Committee chairman in 1912 (MM 19 Jul 1912). Two years later he worked with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers on a committee to arrange a program for an appropriate celebration of Pioneer Day (MM 10 Jul 1914).
  
  As a leading educator in the community, Edgar was asked to join the Commercial Club of Manti. The club consisted of the businessmen and leaders of the community. Edgar was an active member of the Commercial Club of Manti for several years and served on the statistics committee (MM 20 Feb 1914) and the education committee (MM 15 Feb 1929; 10 Feb 1933). He also participated in the annual rabbit hunt sponsored by the Commercial Club in 1915,1916, 1920, and 1921. The hunt was usually held right after Christmas or during the first week of January. The purpose of the annual hunt was to reduce the rabbit population that liked to eat up the farmer's crops. Two teams would compete against each other to make the cold event more interesting. The loosing team had to provide a dinner and entertainment for the winners and their wives. Edgar was on the loosing team in 1915 and 1916. In 1915, he bagged 6 rabbits (Winning team average = 11, losing team average = 9). In 1916, he got the "Boobie Prize" for not bagging a single rabbit (MM 15 Jan 1915; 7 Jan 1916). The newspaper reported that the rabbit hunt on New Years day, 1915, was a success socially, though it was a poor day for hunting rabbits, owing to the extreme cold. In 1920, Edgar was on the winning team even though he bagged only 3 rabbits. The newspaper said of the event, "In point numbers of rabbits killed, the hunt could not be said to be an overwhelming success, but as to a genuine day's sport and a right jolly evening's entertainment, the events rank as among the best" (MM 2 Jan 1920). The next year, Edgar got 8 rabbits in the hunt, but ended up on the losing team. His team provided a "sumptuous chicken banquet and evenings festivities" in the Commercial Club rooms of the Eagle Hotel for the winners and their partners (MM 30 Dec 1921). The Commercial Club's activities also focused on improving Manti and promoting its businesses. He was a "street captain" in 1919 to help beautify his part of the town (MM 26 May 1919). In 1922, he went with a group of fifteen automobile loads of Manti boosters who "left early Tuesday morning for a tour of North Sanpete Valley to meet the people and see her industries" (MM 1 Sep 1922). He served on a three-man petition committee to oppose the proposed opening of a pool hall in Manti. They got about 400 signatures requesting that no change be made in the City ordinance prohibiting the operating of pool halls. The petition was presented to the city council and the status quo was upheld (MM 24 Nov 1933).
  
  During World War I he gave $100.00 to the Fourth Liberty Loan drive (MM 25 Oct 1918) and was chairman of the War Savings Committee in Manti (MM 1 Nov 1918). The next year he served as the chairman for his section of the county's efforts to organize a committee to sell Red Cross seals in the annual campaign of the Utah Public Health Association (MM 31 Oct 1919). He was selected by John A. Widstoe, state chairman of the 1925 Christmas Seal sale, to head up Christmas Seal sales in the Manti area (MM 16 Nov 1925). In 1927, he was chosen as the chairman of the Citizens Industrial Committee at the annual local farm bureau meeting (MM 18 Feb 1927).
  
  Edgar was an accomplished orator and was called on to speak at funerals and other public events. Some funerals were for relatives. He spoke in the tabernacle at the funeral for 16 year old Grace Reid, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Reid (MM 17 May 1912), for Esther C. Snow's funeral (MM 28 Feb 1919), Emily Cox Tuttle the daughter of Emily Whiting and Frederick W. Cox (MM 14 Mar 1919), C. H. Bird (MM 19 Nov 1927), and Lucy Allen Cox (MM 23 Nov 1928). An interesting newspaper item reported that, "a capacity audience filled the North Ward chapel at 3 o'clock April 6, 1932 at the funeral of William Arthur Cox, with Bishop Edgar T. Reid presiding. Bishop Reid read a graphic description of the burning of his (W. A. Cox's) mother's home in Nauvoo when Mr. Cox was four years old" (MM 15 Apr 1932).
  
  He was asked to speak at the funerals of other Manti residents as well. For example, he gave the closing talks at the funerals for Alexander Tennant, Sr., a noted Commercial Club member (MM 24 Jun 1921) and for Betty May, the 2 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hougaard. The latter talk was given because he was her bishop (MM 23 Apr 1927).
  
  He spoke at the South Ward's parent class one Sunday on the issues facing the parents of Manti youth (MM 16 Feb 1923). At a Sunday evening session of the South Sanpete Stake quarterly conference he spoke on the topic, "Relation of a Bishop to the Boys" (MM 1 Dec 1928). Probably the most notable speech he ever gave was to the Manti community on Armistice Day, November 11, 1929.The talk reflects his feelings about World War I. It also lets one see how he organized a talk and what materials he was familiar with. The newspaper printed his speech in its entirety. He said on that occasion:
  «b» «/b»
  «i»Everywhere in America and the Allied countries in the Great War their citizens gather today to commemorate the end of the most terrible of wars. The day was one of wild rejoicing - more so perhaps in the exhausted grief-stricken countries that had been longer in the struggle than we. The word flashed through the ether and over the wires that hostilities had ceased brought the ordinary activities to an end, and the day was given over to an unrestrained celebration.«/i»
  «i»Each succeeding year has found most of our citizens ready for the day. It has been one of good-will and jollity, as well as thoughtful contemplation; a fitting day, also, for the dedication of monumental buildings, statues, parks, and shrines which have been erected or set aside by the thousands to the memory of the brave ones who fell. Today it is our happy privilege to meet to dedicate a city park as a shrine to the memory of our own boys - the boys who gave their all in the struggle and to those who are still with us. It is appropriate that we should choose a memorial of this type. Here we can come for a refreshing of spirits, for relaxation through games and exercise or quiet contemplation. Here our lives and those of our children and children's children will be enriched and made better. Tender memories will hallow these surroundings without depression of spirit. As they died and suffered for the living and the unborn, so we consecrate this place for a greater fullness of life. It will be a sanctuary for the birds, a place where children may laugh and play, a place where adults may forget their maturity and advancing years and take up the spirit of peace and realize one of the declared objects of the great struggle "a war to end war." When peace and good will dominates the lives of most people and they can express it through a youth.«/i»
  «i» Here community peace and the good will of fellowship will abound in our hearts- the foundation that is necessary everywhere if we are to have the opportunity of coming together as we have here in Manti.«/i»
  «i» At the 11«sup»th«/sup» hour of the 11«sup»th«/sup» day of the 11«sup»th«/sup» month we begin our republican form of government. Then permanent peace can come. Would that everywhere local communities or units of society could celebrate the 11«sup»th«/sup» day of the 11«sup»th«/sup» month when the guns along the war-torn front ceased firing. It was a fateful hour for the war lord of Germany and his military reign. If realizing that there is something fateful in the number 11, this rank egoist, the Kaiser of Germany, had he taken up his Bible and turned to the 11«sup»th«/sup» verse of the 11«sup»th«/sup» chapter of the 11«sup»th«/sup» book, he would have been startled by these words: "For as much as thou hast not kept my covenants and my statutes which I have given thee, I will surely rend thy kingdom from thee." Reading them, greater fear would have entered his soul and his flight to the borderline would have been accelerated.«/i»
  «i» We have been inclined during the years that have followed to think more generously of the Lord of Dorn and his war followers. Perhaps he was not more responsible for the war than the surrounding governments. But accumulating evidence now justifies the war cry that he deliberately forced the conflict. All Americans can or should agree that to destroy this military reign was an immediate and imperative object. Our own national peace and safety demanded that the power of this kingdom should be rent.«/i»
  «i» Dominant sentiment in America has held that the overthrow of the German military oligarchy was our only objective. The years that followed the war have been reactionary. The high idealism of the war period has given way to intense partisanship, to distrust the allied nations, and a cynical attitude toward war's idealism. The controlling spirit of America has demanded that she pursue her course independently without an entanglement, that she isolate herself from European affairs.«/i»
  «i» To a considerable element, a minority perhaps in both political parties - this has been a sore disappointment. Let me quote from two great Americans, men who stand high in the council of political life: Pres. Nicholas Murray Butler and ex-secretary Elihu Root. Said Butler, " Our great country is today a dangerous derelict, adrift on the high seas of international intercourse, and lying straight across the path of every ship that sails laden with precious cargo of international friendship and concord." Said Root, "The League of Nations in the political field and the World Court in the judicial field have rendered the best service in the cause of peace known to the history of civilization, incomparably the best. "What," he said, "have we done to assist this great government? Nothing at all, no sympathy, no moral support, no brotherhood." This is a severe indictment, but was said more than two years ago.«/i»
  «i» This minority is now in a happier mood - our pessimism is giving way to a more philosophical attitude. So long as we have men at the helm like Frank B. Kellogg and out own beloved Quaker spirited president, Herbert Hoover, the ship of state will trend strongly in the direction of international concord and mutuality. It will be carried forward as fast as the American people will prevail. The spirit of America will be in accord with the statement of that courageous knight Premier Ramsey MacDonald: "We have all taken risks in the making of war and in going into wars. Isn't it time, my friends, that we should take some risks to secure peace?" «/i»
  «i» Mark Sullivan said, "There is nothing left in Washington of that old irreconcilable point of view which had a kind of sardonic hate for the League of Nations, who jeered at its failures, predicted it would die and hoped it would." Of that nothing is left. On the contrary speculation is whether it would be possible for the U.S. to reconsider the whole question of its attitude toward the League.«/i»
  «i» Gradually, in one way or another, we shall come to realize that our fears are groundless and we shall courageously assume our responsibility among the nations of the world.«/i»
  «i» Time alone will tell but I am confident that the war objectives as set forth by our official spokesman, Woodrow Wilson, will be realized, and his war speech will become increasingly significant. Listen again to some excerpts from it:«/i»
  «i» "We are glad, now that we see the facts with no veil of false pretense about them, to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the world and for the liberation of its peoples, the German people included, for the rights of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere to choose their way of life and of obedience. The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the trusted foundations of political liberty."«/i»
  «i»It is a fearful thing to lead this great, peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts - for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all men and make the world itself at peace.«/i»
  «i» This dream of the part we all should play in the world is more fully expressed by G. Abraham in answer to the cry of, "Me First:"«/i»
  «i»"Not merely in matters of flesh, but things of the spirit.«/i»
  «i» Not merely in science, in powerful motors, and skyscrapers, but of ideals, principles, character, and morals.«/i»
  «i» Not merely in the calm demanding of rights, but in the glad assumption of duties.«/i»
  «i» Not flaunting her strength as a giant, but bending in humility over a sick and wounded man as a Good Samaritan.«/i»
  «i» Not in splendid isolation, but in Christ-like cooperation.«/i»
  «i» Not in pride, arrogance and disdain of other races and peoples, but in sympathy, love, and understanding.«/i»
  «i» Not in treading again the tired, worn, bloody pathway which results inevitably in chaos and hate, but in blazing a new pathway which, please God, others will see and follow, into the new day where wars shall be no more.«/i»
  «i» Some day some nation will follow that path - unless we are led once again into utter hatred- and that honor I covet for my beloved America."«/i»
  «i» And so, in that spirit I express these hopes, and I say with all my heart and soul, 'America First'«/i» (MM 15 Nov. 1929).
  «b» «/b»
  He was also asked by the American Legion post of Manti to speak at the Memorial Day services held at the cemetery. He gave the oration of the day (MM 27 May 1932).
  
  Edgar and his family enjoyed an active social life with Manti friends and relatives. They were frequent dinner guests in the homes of other Manti residents (MM 9 Sep 1909; 18 Feb 1910; 28 Jun 1912; 25 Jan 1924). On one occasion, the basketball team members and their partners and the High School faculty and their partners enjoyed a Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Peterson. Progressive Rook was the main entertainment and Edgar took first honors (MM 29 Feb 1924). Another important event was also reported in the newspaper. It said, "Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Alder entertained Thursday evening at a dinner in compliment to Lucian Reid, who is leaving soon for England to serve as a missionary for the L.D.S. Church. Other members of the Reid family were also guests at the dinner" (MM 5 Oct 1928).
  They also hosted social activities in their home (MM 9 Feb 1917; 30 Sep 1921). One notable event was when the graduating class of 1905 gave a party at their home. All the graduates of the past three years and the class of 1906 were present; which made a very large crowd (MM 14 Sep 1905). When Edgar was 47 years old, his wife held a birthday anniversary dinner party for him. Twelve guests were invited (MM 21 Mar 1924).
  
  Extended family members came to see them on occasion. His brother-in-law, W. Y. Farnsworth, came to visit during a National Guard encampment at Manti (MM 7 Sep 1905). Carl Farnsworth and his wife from Salt Lake and William Yates Farnsworth and his wife from Seattle, Washington came to se them (MM 12 Jun 1925; 10 Jul 1925). They also went on outings in Provo (MM 10 Aug 1905) and Manti canyons (MM 19 Jul 1912) with extended family members. They attended the annual Cox family reunion. One year Edgar was called upon to give a sketch of the life of his grandmother, Mary Adelaid Cox Reid (MM 16 Jan 1925).
  
  Edgar and his family also went to see family members in Beaver for homecoming (MM 24 Jul 1914) or just to go visit for a few days (MM 24 Jun 1921). Trips to Salt Lake were made to visit and take care of problems, or attend general conference of the Church (MM 21 Oct 1921; 3 Feb 1933; 6 Apr 1934). Sometimes trips were made for medical treatments. One such trip was made to take Lucian to Salt Lake to have his tonsils removed. Edgar also had a slight nasal operation performed (MM 10 Oct 1919).
  
  Funerals provided other occasions for family get-togethers. Sometimes Edgar and his wife went traveling to attend funerals of loved ones. In 1916, Edgar went to Provo to attend the funeral of Stewart Reid, his brother Clare's son. Stewart had fallen through the ice in the Provo River near Utah Lake and drowned. He was only seventeen (MM 1 Dec 1916). He and his wife went to Beaver to attend the funeral of his wife's sister (MM 11 Nov 1927), and he went with Carol and Dixie to attend his father-in-law William H. Farnsworth's funeral (MM 4 Dec 1931). One important funeral was the one held for Edgar's half-brother, William F. Reid. William's funeral was held on a Sunday afternoon in the Manti tabernacle. A large gathering of friends and family came to the funeral. The newspaper reported that the family members who came were his son Glendon Reid, brothers and sisters John Reid, Henry M. Reid, Mrs. Jane R. Cox, Mrs. Eliza Voorhees, Edward E. Reid, his two half-brothers, Bishop E. T. Reid and Prof. Clare W. Reid (of BYU), and a half-sister, Mrs. C. W. Bird of Salt Lake (MM 27 Mar 1925). Another major funeral in Edgar's life was for his beloved wife, Ida, who died as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. The particulars of this sad event were reported in local newspapers.
  
  Edgar, Ida and two of their children, Carol and Marcia, had packed their car for a pleasure trip to Fish Lake. They left home about five o'clock Monday afternoon. As they traveled they decided to go to Beaver instead. They traveled up through Clear Creek Canyon. Shortly after crossing the top of the grade a bolt or something in the steering apparatus broke throwing the car out of control on the downgrade. The car picked up momentum and swerving to the right crashed into the hillside, turning over and over. All were stunned and unconscious when they were found by a forest ranger about five minutes later. When Edgar regained consciousness the ranger was making an impromptu stretcher on which to carry Edgar's family to his own car. Edgar assisted in carrying his wife and children to the ranger's car. Although they hurried to Beaver where help could be obtained, Ida died shortly after midnight in the home of her aunt, Mrs. Sarah A. Shepherd. Edgar and his children suffered severe bruises. Edgar telephoned home from Beaver early that morning to tell Melva and Dixie the sad news. Ida's body was brought home to Manti Tuesday about noon. Her funeral was held the following Saturday afternoon. Her grief stricken parents, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Farnsworth, accompanied the body back to Manti to attend the funeral. Harriet Farnsworth, Ida's sister, and Clare Reid, Edgar's brother, came down from Salt Lake City and also attended the funeral. Edgar was only 52 when Ida died and a major chapter in his life came to a close (MM 23 Aug 1929; BP 30 Aug 1929).
  
  When Edgar was 56 he had a third automobile accident. This time it was in the winter on snowy roads. No one was injured, but it could have been a lot worse. The paper reported, "Bishop E. T. Reid met with a thrilling experience last Sunday afternoon while he was passing through Fountain Green.
  
  As the bishop was driving down Main Street from the north he noticed a number of people on the west sidewalk and also a boy on a sled being pulled by a dog on the East side of the road coming from the south. The road was clear on his side and of course he did not anticipate any trouble.
  
  When he was within a few feet of the boy and his dog, the animal turned abruptly toward the west pulling the boy in front of the oncoming automobile. Mr. Reid turned his car sharply to the west, but a collision was inevitable. His car skidded and crashed sideways into a heavy snow bank, carrying the helpless child with it.
  
  The bishop states that he was stricken with horror at the thought of what had happened and it was with deepest misgivings that he climbed hurriedly out of the driver's seat to dig into the snow under his car. Men and boys came running to the scene to give assistance.
  
  When some of the snow had been removed the child was located under the rear axel. Anxious hands raised the automobile while Mr. Reid lifted the child out. The boy's sled was smashed to bits, but he was uninjured" (MM 3 Feb 1933). (Edgar was 56)
  
  In 1925, when he was 45 years old, he was called to serve as the Bishop of the Manti North Ward. Apparently, sacrament meeting attendance wasn't very good, because a little item in the newspaper reported: "Edgar T. Reid, Bishop of the North Ward reports that the sacrament meeting in his ward last Sunday was particularly well attended. About 28 percent of the ward population was present" (MM 8 Jul 1932). When he was 59 years old, he was called to serve as the First Counselor in the Manti Stake Presidency.
  
  A year after the death of his first wife, Ida, he married Agnes Hoggan (2 Sep 1930). She was the daughter of Thomas A. and Margaret Hoggan. His children and grandchildren always referred to her as "Aunt Agnes." She suffered a stroke in 1947, and was taken to a hospital in Salt Lake City. Edgar then sold his home in Manti and moved to Salt Lake. Agnes died in the hospital at Salt Lake City on January 31, 1948. She had suffered from diabetes and the strokes were regarded as diabetes complications (MM 6 Feb. 1948).
  
  That fall, when he was seventy-one, he decided to go on a short-term mission for the Church (March to October, 1948). He was called to serve in the Central Atlantic States Mission. On the way home from his mission he stopped in Virginia to see Dixie and her family. He bought them a cow so "they would have sufficient milk for her growing family."
  
  After returning to Salt Lake City, he served as a worker in the Salt Lake Temple. While living in Salt Lake City he married Daisy Blackham in 1952. Three years after his third marriage he died in his sleep from a heart attack at age 78. His daughter Dixie and her husband Morley were in the home that night visiting. They were on a trip from their home in Arlington, Virginia. His obituary stated:
  
  «b»Death Claims Edgar Reid, Utah Educator«/b»
  
  «i»Edgar T. Reid, 78, prominent Utah educator and church worker, died at his home, 244 Canyon Road, Monday at 1 a.m.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»Mr. Reid had served as superintendent of schools in Sanpete County for 21 years and was the principal of the Manti High School a number of years before that. He was bishop of the Manti North Ward for 13 years, and was a member of the South Sanpete Stake presidency for a number of years. He also was a member of the Manti City Council for four years.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»He was born March 13, 1877, son of William T. and Adelaide Cox Reid. He married Ida Farnsworth in the Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1902. She was killed Aug. 19, 1929, in an automobile accident. He married Agnes Hoggan on Sept. 2, 1930, in the Manti Temple. She died Jan. 31, 1948. He married Mrs. Hannah Blackham in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1952.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»Mr. Reid is survived by his widow; five daughters, Mrs. Melva Simmons and Mrs. Carol Holt, of Salt Lake City; Mrs. Editha Christensen, Washington, D.C.; Mrs. Marsha Merkley, Corvallis, Mont.; 17 grandchildren, and one brother, Claire Reid, of San Francisco.«/i»
  «i» «/i»
  «i»Funeral services will be held in the Manti North Ward at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Friends may call at 260 E. South Temple Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.«/i» (DN&T 19 Sep 1955).
  
  Incidents in his life, From John M. Christensen
  EMail 13 Mar 2012
  Here are a few incidents related to me by my mother, Editha Dixie R Christensen, and my Aunt Marcia Merkley
  Dixie related the following stories about her father, Edgar T. Reid. They give some insight into his personality.
  Dad bought some new wallpaper and he decided to put it up in the kitchen. After it was up he decided there was something he didn't like about the design. Whenever he was there and Agnes was out, he'd take some crayons and work at coloring in parts of the design. Agnes told Dixie one day that, "Edgar doesn't think I know what he's doing to the wallpaper, but I do."
  When Dad's hair started turning gray he began using a black crayon to color his hair. Mother (Ida) couldn't figure out for some time why his pillowcase got so black.
  He used to feed hot whole wheat mush to his chickens in the winter. He kept two big kettles of whole wheat cooking slowly on the stove. He said that the hot mush made the chickens feel better and they would lay more eggs.
  While he was teaching school in Manti someone gave him a Kleenex tissue to wipe his glasses with. He kept it carefully folded in his glass case because it did such a nice job cleaning the lenses and he didn't want to lose it. It wasn't until several years later that he found out you could buy a whole boxful of those nice soft tissues.
  One day he took one of his cows on a rope out to the front of the home to let her graze on the grass growing along the ditch bank. He tied the end of the rope around his waist and proceeded to let the cow graze while he read a book. After a little while the cow decided to head back to the barn at a trot. Father came flying along behind taking long running leaps and yelling, "Whoa! Whoa!"
  Marcia said: My father liked his chickens to be up early so they could lay lots of eggs. He had an alarm clock fixed to a switch so that the lights would come on at 6 a.m. on dark winter days. He turned them off about 10 a.m. and then at 4:30 p.m. the lights would come on again.
  He always liked to feed his chickens fresh grass. To do this, he would mow the catcher full each day. As a result, our lawn was never all mowed unless Agnes paid someone to do it so she could have a lawn party. At the time of his big party, they gave him a big soft chair to sit in. He was not too sure if that was a good idea or not.
  It may be of interest to you that Marcia is still alive. She lives in a long-term care facility in Cedar Hills, UT. We attended her 90th birthday celebration last February. She is ambulatory and gets around without a walker or cane. She is also alert and bright.
  
  
  
  Edgar remarried l year after Ida was killed in an automobile accident near Fish Lake, Utah. Grandma Carol Holt was in the car with her when the accident happened and it was determined that it was shorter to drive to Beaver to her parents house, than to drive to Manti, where she was living. She died there in Beaver in the same room where she had been born 49 years before. Carol was 18 at the time of her mothers death.
  
  School Teacher, Lived In Salt Lake City, Ut., Married
  
  Deseret News and Telegram, Monday, September 19, 1955
  Death Claims Edgar Reid, Utah Educator
  
  Edgar T. Reid, 78, prominent Utah educator and church worker, died at his home, 244 Canyon Road, Monday at 1 a.m. Mr. Reid had served as superintendent of schools in Sanpete County for 21 years and was the principal of the Manti High School a number of years before that. He was bishop of the Manti North Ward for 13 years, and was a member of the South Sanpete Stake presidency for a number of years. He also was a member of the Manti City Council for four years.
  
  He was born March 13, 1877, son of William T. and Adelaide Cox Reid. He married Ida Farnsworth in the Manti Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1902. She was killed Aug. 19, 1929, in an automobile accident. He married Agnes Hoggan on Sept. 2, 1930, in the Manti Temple. She died Jan. 31, 1948. He married Mrs. Hannah Blackham in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1952. Mr. Reid is survived by his widow; five daughters, Mrs. Melva Simmons and Mrs. Carol Holt, of Salt Lake City; Mrs. Editha Christensen, Washington, D.C.; Mrs. Marsha Merkley, Corvallis, Mont.; 17 grandchildren, and one brother, Claire Reid, of San Francisco. Funeral services will be held in the Manti North Ward at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Friends may call at 260 E. South Temple Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.