Reed, Luther 1851 – 1932
REED, CROSS, KELLAM, WEST, CURO, BAKER, MATHER, DEMING
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/25/2015 at 13:11:41
LUTHER REED.
Luther Reed, a representative of a well known and highly respected family of Winneshiek county, was for many years a powerful factor in promoting the general agricultural development of this section of the state, owning a fine farm of three hundred acres on sections 19 and 30, Hesper township. Upon this property he lived from the time he was eleven years of age until he retired from active life, and the years brought him success, prominence and substantial fortune—benefits which he has well earned and richly deserves.
Mr. Reed was born in Ludlow township, Allamakee county, February 25, 1851, and is a son of Ezra and Phoebe (Cross) Reed, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Lawrence county, New York. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, went to Wisconsin at a very early date and there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1850, when he moved to Iowa, settling in Allamakee county. He there purchased land from the government, developing it into a profitable farm, which he sold in 1862, coming in that year to Winneshiek county. He bought land in Hesper township and here resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1887, having survived his wife since May, 1882.
Luther Reed began his education in the district schools of Allamakee county and continued it in Winneshiek county, whither he came with his parents when he was eleven years of age. He attended district schools and the public schools of Burr Oak and Waukon, and from his childhood spent his time, when not engaged with his books, in assisting his father with the operation of the homestead. For some years after his father's death he had entire charge of this property, which Ezra Reed deeded to his son before his demise. The farm comprises three hundred acres of fine land lying on sections 19 and 30, Hesper township, and upon it Mr. Reed engages in general farming and stock-raising, for many years steadily carrying forward the work of improvement and development, making it by his practical, progressive methods and his well directed labors a valuable, well equipped and productive property. He accumulated by his own efforts a substantial fortune and in 1902 retired from active life and moved into Decorah, where he has since lived in enjoyment of the fruits of a long, prosperous and worthy life. Three years after he took up his residence here he was appointed constable and in 1906 was elected to the position which he has filled by reelection since that time. In this connection, as in all the relations of life, Mr. Reed discharges his duties capably and conscientiously, winning the approval and commendation of the people whom he serves.
On the 1st of January, 1875, Mr. Reed was united in marriage to Miss Celia L. Kellam, a daughter of Andrew J. and Mary E. (West) Kellam, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of four children: Ezra G., a farmer in Burr Oak township; Luther Oliver, who is engaged in the livery business in Decorah; Alma, the wife of John Curo, county surveyor, with residence in Walker, Minnesota; and Cora, the wife of George H. Baker, a coal and grain dealer in Decorah. Mr. Reed's first wife passed away June 18, 1901, and on the 30th of December, 1908, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Ann Amelia Mather, a daughter of Eusebius and Hannah (Deming) Mather. Eusebius Mather was born in New York state and was a prominent railroad contractor and upon coming west, he built the railroad from McGregor to Conover in this state. He was for many years city clerk of Decorah and also a justice of the peace and actively interested in all that pertained to the welfare of this city.
Mr. Reed is connected with the Great Lights Lodge, No. 181, A. F. & A. M., and is past master of Cement Lodge, No. 567. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has always taken an active interest in public affairs, being progressive and public-spirited in matters of citizenship. He served for a number of years as justice of the peace and as assessor of Hesper township, and was for ten years secretary of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a loyal and able champion. Living in Iowa from his birth to the present time and in Winneshiek county for over fifty years, he is one of the best known men of this locality, being widely recognized as a man of tried integrity and worth, of business enterprise and unfaltering diligence, and now that he has gained success and substantial fortune he is enjoying a well earned rest, for it is fitting that his former business career should bring to him this period of leisure to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. His fellow townsmen honor and respect him and wherever he is known he has an extensive circle of friends.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913
Burr Oak Cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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