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| Pg. 192, 193 Elias S. Reed, farmer on sec. 7, Aetna Tp.., was born in Oxford Co., Ban., Nov. 24, 1828. His father, Israel Reed, was born in Massachusetts, and his mother, Fanny (Lane) Reed, was a native of New Jersey. The parents both died within the same week at their home in Canada, aged 68 and 54 years, respectively. They had 13 children, five of whom yet live. Mr. Reed remained with his parents until their death, and spent another year on the old homestead going to school a year, after which he apprenticed himself to a Mr. Smith, a harness-maker, at St. Catherines, where he acquired the details of his business. He went to Grand Rapids in 1845, and there worked six moths, going thence to Chicago, and three months later enlisted in the Second Illinois Vol. Inf. and, in 1846, went to Mexico, where he remained until July 4, 1849, returning at the close of the war to Chicago. After a brief stay he proceeded to Elk Horn, and Nov. 3, 1849, he enlisted in the regular army of the United States, going to Newport (Kentucky) Barracks, and there stayed until April 5, 1850, when he was transferred to Jefferson Barracks and thence to Leavenworth, Kan., setting out four weeks later across the plains to Sante Fe, New Mexico. His next removal was to Adonana, a post on the Rio Grande, where he joined the Third Reg., United States Army. He served in this five years, and then ran a Government train six months, after which he returned to Canada and took possession of the farm left him by his father's will. After farming two years he left the place and went to Stratford, where he entered upon the management of the Northwestern Hotel, and embarked in the livery business, keeping 22 horses. He had also a carriage shop, employing eight wagon-makers and a blacksmith. His business flourished about three years, when he found his misplaced confidence had destroyed his resources, and in 1859 he sold out his interests and came to Michigan, and was employed several years in the lumber woods. In 1879 he purchased 83 acres of land, where he now resides. The family attend the M.E. Church. Mr. Reed is independent in political views. He was married April 11, 1856, to Elizabeth M., daughter of Thomas and Catharine Gaffney, natives of West Main, Ireland. The parents came to New York and thence to Canada, where the daughter was born, May 7, 1837, and was married when she was 19 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have had eight children - Mary J., born April 11, 1857; Kitty C., Aug. 11, 1859; Geo. W., May 7, 1861; Johnny, Feb. 29, 1863; Addie, June 30, 1865; Elizabeth, Oct. 1, 1867; Wm. J., Nov. 11, 1869. A son was born nd died in 1872. |