Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 515
MARCELLUS A. REED

In the respect that is accorded men who have gained success entirely by their own efforts we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which can not only meet and conquer great difficulties, but at the same time gain new strength through the discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but by perseverance, industry and worthy aims he has attained a comfortable station in life and has made his influence felt for good throughout the community where for so long he has been an instructor of youth. He has been an incentive to many young men and women who have gone out into the world to lead useful lives.

Marcellus A. REED is a native of Ohio, having first seen the light of day on June 20, 1857, in Cuyahoga county, being the eldest son of Thomas and Caroline A. (PIERCE) REED. His mother is a native of the state of Vermont, while his father came from over the seas. The elder REED was born in County Donegal, Ireland, but came to America immediately after attaining his majority and first settled in the city of Philadelphia, later going to Ohio, where he met and married Caroline A. PIERCE. He located permanently in that state where he carried on agriculture and there his death occurred in 1889. He was the father of three children: Della, who is the wife of Charles C. BELDEN and resides in Omaha; Guy W. (deceased), and Marcellus A., the subject of this sketch.

Caroline (PIERCE) REED is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years and makes her home with her daughter in Omaha. She is wonderfully preserved for her years and as sound in body and mind as can well be expected for one her age.

Marcellus A. REED received his elementary education in the common schools of Trumbull county, Ohio, later attending the Western Reserve Seminary at West Farmington, Ohio, for more advanced work. After finishing his studies at that institution of learning he began teaching school in the rural districts of his native state. He desired a still higher education and his plan was to acquire money by teaching and to pursue his studies in higher halls of learning. In furtherance of his ambition, he taught a short time in country schools in Ohio, five years in the high school at Garettsville, three years as principal of the high school at Chardon and three years at Girard, where he served in the capacity of superintendent of the schools. During these years he had but one year free from teaching, doing most of his study work during the summer vacations. In this way, he attended Scio College at Scio Ohio, later entered Allegheny College at Meadville, Pennsylvania, and finally attending Oberlin College at Oberlin, Ohio. In the year 1886 he came to Iowa, locating at Dunlap in Harrison county, where he was superintendent of schools for five years. Later he went to Woodbine where for twenty-three years he was connected with the Woodbine normal school as instructor and joint principal. He closed his career as an instructor in June, 1914, and has since filled the office of secretary with the Woodbine Telephone Company.

Mr. REED was married on November 27, 1885, to Olive HARROFF, a native of Ohio, the daughter of Andrew and Orpha (FLICK) HARROFF, the former having been born in Pennsylvania and the latter a native daughter of the Buckeye state. To Mr. and Mrs. REED have been born two children. Della, the elder, is the wife of Frank SICHA, Jr., who resides at Oberlin, Ohio, and in an instructor in the college in that place. Harold L. is located at Ithaca, New York, where he is an instructor in economics in Cornell University.

Since taking up his residence in Woodbine, Mr. REED has been active in the life of the town, naturally being a leader in educational and social circles. However, he has given due attention to the commercial life of the town and in addition to being connected with the telephone company as above stated, he also was president of the Commercial Club for two terms. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church and he is one of the active members of the local congregation. Fraternally, he has attained the chapter degree in the Ancient Order of Freemasonry in the lodge at Dunlap. He also is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political preference is for the Republican party. Stanch integrity, persistent industry and an indomitable spirit that would brook no obstacle, have been the elements which have contributed to his success and no man in his community occupies a higher standing in the esteem of his fellow citizens than he.

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