Charlton A. Reed

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

Mr. REED is one of the younger members of the Morristown bar, but has attained a position of distinction that many an older practitioner might well envy. The analytical mind, the logical reasoning and the quick and comprehensive grasp of facts in their true bearing which distinguish the successful lawyer are all his, and the triumphs which he has won before court and jury point to still greater success in the future.

Mr. REED was born in Flemington, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, December 23, 1861, and is a son of John C. and Rachel (HIGGINS) REED, both of whom were born near Flemington and were representatives of old New Jersey families. The father was a son of Jesse REED, who married a Miss Hart, also belonging to one of the pioneer families of the state. He served as surrogate of Hunterdon county and was a son of Asa REED, also a native of New Jersey, who was an officer in the war, of the Revolution and valiantly aided the colonies in their struggle for independence. The maternal grandfather of our subject was John Higgins, a native of this state, who spent his entire life in Hunterdon county, where his people had located at an early epoch in its history. John C. REED, father of our subject, succeeded to the office of surrogate upon his father's death and filled out the unexpired term. He was a merchant of Flemington, and carried on business there for many years. He died at the age of thirty-three, and his wife surviving him some years, passed away in 1893, at the age of fifty-eight.

Reared in his native county, Charlton A. REED supplemented his early educational privileges by a course in Peddie Institute, of Hightstown, New Jersey, where he was graduated in 1881. He is also a graduate of Brown University, of Providence, Rhode Island, of the class of 1886, and, thus equipped by thorough literary training for the acquirement of that special knowledge which would fit him for professional life, he entered upon the study of law in Flemington, and in June, 1889, was admitted to the bar as an attorney-at-law. In June, 1892, he was licensed as a counselor-at-law. He began practice in the city of his birth, and after a year and a half became connected with the business department of the New Jersey Hospital, at Morris Plains, as assistant warden. On the 1st of September, 1894, he located in Morristown, where he has gained a large clientage. His practice is constantly increasing and in representative character of business is steadily improving. He has taken high rank among the counselors-at-law in this city and is meeting with a well deserved success.

In his political affiliations Mr. REED is a Democrat and is now serving as a member of the board of aldermen of Morristown, to which position he was elected in May, 1895, and again in May, 1897, so that his present term will continue until May, 1899. He is deeply interested in the welfare of the city and his support is given to all progressive measures for the public good.

In 1891 Mr. REED was united in marriage to Miss Emily CURTIS of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. They are people of genuine worth, holding an enviable position in social circles. They belong to the Baptist church in which Mr. REED is now serving as a member of the board of trustees and as treasurer.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.

This page was last modified on: 01 January, 2014