William Reddick
and His Family
Holding the American Dream
The story of William Reddick is a classic of the American tradition. Born in another country, facing adversity and hardship, Reddick overcomes obstacles and excels in his life through hard work and ingenuity. At his death he shares his fortune and projects his ethic to the community.
William Reddick was born in Ireland in 1812. At a young age William’s father will bring the family to America. The family settled first in New Jersey, then Ohio. Not long after their arrival, William’s father, James, dies leaving his wife Bessie with 6 children to care for. Her death follows 7 years later.
William begins to establish his direction by learning the glass blowing trade. He will serve a 2 year and 2 month indenture ship in this trade (A copy of the statement of indenture of William Reddick can be viewed by members of the Reddick Mansion Association by clicking here.) He established himself in Brownsville Pa and married Eliza Collins shortly after completing his contract.
Advancing His Career
The next stop was Washington Pa, where Reddick enhanced his knowledge by reading during the long period when the fires of the glass works remained extinguished. This will begin his lifelong interest in education. With money earned during this time he and Eliza traveled to the Midwest to establish a farm. The Reddicks were part of the early settlement of Ottawa. They arrived in 1835.
His good character was known. With that in mind Washington Armstrong, a local political figure sought Reddick for the Sheriff’s job. He did not campaign for the initial election in 1838, but won handily and was re-elected each term until 1846.
This adventure marked William Reddick’s political introduction. He was elected and served as state senator in 1846, and again in 1870. He was very active in the Democratic organization in town and remained so until his death. He supported Stephen Douglas and accompanied him on the platform during the first Lincoln/Douglas debate held in Washington Park, directly across from the Mansion in 1858.
William Reddick was well known in the business community. 
He operated a general store in Ottawa from 1854 until 1873. He was a member of a company chartered to build a hotel, president of the Illinois Bridge Company and one of the founders of the Ottawa Glass Works.
It is obvious that during his life he pursued many opportunities. He continued to expand his land holdings. He is said to have owned large farms in several townships. It was thru these activities that he amassed a considerable fortune. It is reported to have been $300,000.00 in 1877. He had ambition to rise higher in the political structure, perhaps as governor or United States senator. It is with this ambition in mind that he planned his home to entertain and impress his contemporaries.
Ever To Be Remembered
Education was very important to William Reddick. He served on a committee which laid the foundation for the University of Illinois and he was instrumental in organizing a free public school system in Ottawa. At the end of his life he willed his home to the public to be used as a “free reading room” and specified that money from railroad stock was to be used to set up and maintain this library. The building was the city library from 1888 until 1975. His generosity continues to be noted, as the current library is still referred to as Reddick Library.
Mrs. Reddick preceded William in death by 2 years – July 5, 1883. William Reddick died March 8, 1885, and their adopted daughter Elizabeth Funk Reddick died February 22, 1887. Within a span of 4 years the William Reddick family ceased to exist.
Some visitors to this website might have an interest in the genealogies of the patriarchal heads of the three families which comprised the William Reddick household, i.e. the father of William Reddick, the father of Eliza Collins, and the father of Elizabeth Burrier Funk Reddick. "Register Reports" in PDF format are available elsewhere on this website. CLICK HERE