THOMAS REED is prosperously engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 11, Elizabeth Township. He has been a resident of Jo Daviess County since 1851, and has taken an active part in developing both its agricultural and mineral resources. He is a native of Cornwall County, England, and was born Nov. 6, 1823. His parents, Nicholas and Mary Reed, were likewise natives of England.

Our subject was the eldest son of the family. He was reared to the life of a farmer in his native county, and there married and settled down. In 1851, ambitious to better his condition and finding the way opened by emigration to the United States, with his wife and two children he took passage on an American-bound vessel at Falmouth, and after a voyage of four weeks and four days landed in New York City. He came directly to Jo Daviess County, and after a short residence in Weston located with his family on a farm in Elizabeth Township. Since then he has mined every winter, finding it very profitable, and has devoted his summers to the improvement of his farm, removing in 1862 to his present farm. He has placed it under admirable tillage, and its 149 acres yield abundant harvests. He has erected a good set of conveniently arranged farm-buildings, and in all its appointments it is considered one of the best places in the township.

Our subject has been twice married. His first marriage took place in England, Dec. 17, 1844, at which time he was united to Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of Frank and Mary Rowe. By that marriage nine children were born, eight of who are living, as follows: Dorcas, wife of Charles Monnier, of Scales Mound Township; Mary, wife of John Tregunna, in England; Grace, deceased; Thomas, at Stockton, Ill.; William, a resident of Clay Centre, Kan.; Nicholas, a resident of Montana; Frank, also of that State; Ellen and Richard at home with their father. Mrs. Reed was a most excellent woman, with many fine qualities of mind and heart, and her death, Feb. 1, 1871, was a great bereavement to her family and neighbors, among whom she had many warm friends.

Mr. Reed’s second marriage, June 19, 1875, was with Ann L. Richards, a native of England. With her he shared the joys and sorrows of wedded life until July 6, 1886, when she met with a tragic death, having been run into by a team, driven carelessly by several intoxicated men. She was to our subject a devoted wife, and to his children displayed all the tenderness and love of an own mother, and she left behind her a wealth of affection and gratitude, and is greatly missed in the home circle.

Mr. Reed is heartily respected by all for those sterling qualities that mark him an honest man and a true citizen. His has been a busy, useful life, and he has accumulated a sufficient amount of property so that as he approaches life’s end he can enjoy his last years free from the cares and hardships that beset his earlier days, and have all the comforts that he wishes. He takes a genuine interest in local affairs, and encourages all plans for the material advancement of his adopted township. He interests himself in educational matters, and has served with efficiency as School Director. In his political views he is strongly Republican, but favors prohibitory legislation. He is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, being one of its most sincere and valued members, has been Class-Leader for a time, and is also Steward.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - From Portraits and Biographical Pg 576