Charles E. Reed (1822-1895)

Charles E. Reed. The subject of this biography was an early settler in what was then Buffalo Township, in 1838. He was born in Delaware Co., N.Y., May 15, 1822, and his early life was spent as a carpenter. He came with his parents to the county, and worked out with his brother Luman, operating a threshing machine, and while adjusting some of the machinery, his foot was caught in the cylinder and was so badly injured that his leg had to be amputated just below the knee. As he was thus made permanently lame, he went to Chicago, Ill., where he learned the harness trade, which he has followed ever since at what is now Old Town (formerly Buffalo) near Polo, Ill.

He was married at Old Town in February 1854, at the residence of the bride’s sister, Justice Holbrook officiating. Miss Margaret Stevenson was the bride, a native of Franklin Co., Pa., who was born there in 1830. She was 14 years of age when she came with her sister to Ogle County. Her mother had died in the Keystone State when Margaret was but nine years of age. After she came to this State her home was with her sister until her marriage. Mrs. Reed is the mother of seven children, two being deceased – the eldest and youngest. Those living are as follows: Mary E., wife of O.B. Shafer, was married March 9, 1872, and resides near Hastings, Neb., where her husband is a well-to-do farmer; Eugene E., born May 16, 1858, is now living at home; Fannie E., born Nov 9, 1860, resides in Polo in the home of J. B. Snyder, M.D.; Frank S., born Sept 12, 1862, married Ella Kingery, and now lives in Polo; Lilla J., born July 3, 1874, resides at home. Newton, deceased when about nine years old; and John died at the age of seven years.

Mr. and Mrs. Reed are genuine pioneers, as they came to this county in early days and experienced all the trouble and inconvenience incident to that time. In politics, Mr. Reed is Republican. Mrs. Reed’s father died in the fall of 1883, at the advanced age of 92 years. He departed this life in Pt. Royal, Pa., where he had spent most of his life, but had recently made a visit of a few weeks in Ogle County. He was a hero in the War of 1812, and drew a pension for services rendered up to the time of his death.

Pages 789-790

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