JOHN REEDER, one of the wide-awake business men of Lena, in 1873 purchased a large elevator near the line of the I.C.R.R. [Illinois Central Railroad], which he has operated since that time in connection with an extensive warehouse. He is one of the representative German citizens who have become a power in Northern Illinois, and have perhaps, to a greater extent than any other nationality, assisted in developing the resources of the Prairie State. The early home of John Reeder was in the city of Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, where he was introduced to the responsibilities of life Aug. 15, 1837. His father, Louis Reeder, a resident at present of Cologne, was a native of the same city as his son, where for many years he was successfully engaged in merchandising, and from which he removed at the time of the Franco-Prussian War. He was very successful as a business man, and now at seventy-five years of age is enjoying the sunset of life upon a competency. In 1883 he came to this country, visited a year among his children, then returned to the Fatherland, where he expects to spend the remainder of his days. Mr. Reeder is essentially a self-made man, who under the training of his excellent parents imbibed those correct principles which have enabled him to succeed in life. He received a good schooling in his native country and afterward learned the trade of a bricklayer, at which he worked a short time before coming to America. He was a youth of seventeen when he left his native land and landed in New York City in February, 1855. He visited with friends in York County, Pa., a few months, and then came with them to Freeport where he followed his trade, taking up his abode at Lena in the spring of 1856. Five months later he was married, and returning to Freeport followed his trade two years there successfully, and with his surplus cash purchased a piece of land two miles west of Lena, upon which he settled. He continued to work at his trade and improve his purchase as he had time and opportunity.

After the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. Reeder became a member of the State Militia and afterward enlisted in Co. G, 15th Ill. Vol. Inf., serving until June, 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability and returned to his farm. This he sold a year later, being unable to work it, and purchased two lots on North Railroad street in Lena, where in 1865, he put up a good residence. This he occupied with his family until 1873, in the meantime being in the employ of Moses Weaver, a grain-dealer, and gaining a good insight into that branch of trade. Before the close of the year mentioned he embarked in business on his own account, and has dealt successfully in grain since that time, extending his transactions each year.

Mr. Reeder was married, Feb. 22, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Christina Lapp, who were natives of Germany and came to this country in 1835, locating in Summit County, near Cuyahoga Falls. There Mrs. Reeder was born in 1839. The children of this marriage were named respectively, Christie, Helen, Alfred L., Frank, John, Arthur, Bert, Irvin, Daisy and Sherman. The latter died when one year old. The family residence is pleasantly located on North Railroad street, and its inmates are surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

Robert Reeder, the elder brother of our subject, came in 1850 to the United States, and afterward served as a Union soldier in Co. G, 15th Ill. Vol. Inf., being promoted Second Sergeant. After six months he was discharged on account of disability and died thirty days later. He was never married.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 271-72