BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 604-605.


WILLIAM M. REED, one of the most successful boot and shoe dealers, and
one of the well-known citizens of Bellaire, was born in county Derry,
Ireland, in 1835. He is the son of John and Mary Reed, both natives of
Ireland. John Reed was an expert engineer. Coming to this country in 1845,
he located at Pittsburgh, Penn., remaining there until his death in 1868.
His death was caused by a fall while helping to save the property of the
company for which he was working. He left seven children, five of them
still living. William Reed was educated in the Pittsburgh schools, and
then began working in a rolling mill, having worked at the trade of a
nailer while so employed. In 1868 he went to Steubenville, Ohio, remaining
there four years. While in Steubenville, Mr. Reed bought some stock in the
Bellaire Nail works, and soon after coming to Bellaire, he commenced work
for that company. He married Josephine Krouskope in 1860, having had
twelve children by her, nine of the children are still living. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Reed are members of the Second Presbyterian church, of Bellaire,
he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the K. of P. In 1888
Mr. Reed opened a small boot and shoe store on Gravel Hill, but in 1890
he moved his business to his present location in the business part of
Bellaire. For eight years he has been a member of the city council, and
for some time was president of that body. He is a republican. Since
coming to Bellaire, Mr. Reed has not only made a marked business success,
but he has also become very popular with his fellow-citizens, having
commanded their respect and esteem by sterling integrity and a strict
observance of the laws which should govern the dealings of man and man.
He is regarded as one of the substantial men of the city, having given
his aid at all times to every public improvement which in his judgment
would benefit the community.