DUNCAN REID was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, August 12, 1809, son of William and Grace (McKenzie) Reid. His parents were natives of Scotland, and passed their lives there. Reared and educated in his native land, Duncan Reid then learned the trade of tailor. On account of ill health, however, he sought out door employment, turning his attention to the stone mason's trade. He resided in Scotland till 1855.

October 10, 1839, he married Jane Wilkie, who was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, November 19, 1818, daughter of William and Euphemia (Gaul) Wilkie. Their union was blessed by the birth of six children: William, Jean, Susan, Margaret, Stuart and Duncan. Mrs. Reid and her two oldest children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, her son being a ruling Elder in the church. Miss Susan Reid is a teacher in the Kensington school, Chicago.

In 1855, accompanied by his wife and four children, he came to America, setting sail from Liverpool in May in the Aurora, and landing at New York after a voyage of five weeks. He came directly to Illinois and settled in Cass county. For six years he cultivated rented land, and during that time, by his energy and good management, not only supported his family but also laid by a snug little sum. He then purchased the property on which his family now reside, it being at that time a tract of wild land, covered with timber and brush. Here he built his cabin, which served as the family home until further prosperity enabled him to erect a comfortable frame residence. His death occurred here on the 14th of April, 1883. Mr. Reid was a self made man, and one who was held in high esteem by all who knew him.