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Surnames: Reed
Classification: Biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ui.2ADI/3297
Message Board Post:
20th Century Souvenir Edition of the Ossian News. January 1st, 1900, page 50-51.
Of those who are recognized as enterprising business men, and sober and industrious
citizens, none rank higher or more worthily than O. W. Reed, who has been identified with
the many phases of manual industry about Ossian for many years. Mr. Reed was born
September 21, 1855, near this city, of parents who came to this section in early days. Of
German-English descent, Mr. Reed has the best character traits of both noble races. His
father dying when he was young, left him to shift and struggle pretty much for himself.
When but 11 years old, he commenced "to do" for himself, and worked for ten
years by the month at wages which wouldn't induce many young men to be brave enough to
follow his example. Being naturally at home with tools, the young man conceived within
his heart a longing for a more substantial trade than working at another's beckon and
command. Accordingly, feeling his way, he set out to learn carpentering. This seemed to
be work at which Mr. Reed could prop!
erly employ his talents and make a good living. For fifteen years he was thus engaged,
then seeing what appeared to be a good opening, he embarked in the line of wagon building,
repair work, and what is known as the "implement business," or the selling of
some standard grade of farm conveniences, machines, plows and other soil-tilling
necessities.
Mr. Reed's present business was established in 1899, and has been an eminently
prosperous one. In the near future, however, he contemplates devoting the whole of his
time to the "implement business" as there seems to be an increasing demand for
reliable machines. As it is known that the gentleman handles nothing but the best makes
and highest grades of farm necessities, he will no doubt draw a large patronage from far
in the country, where he is universally known and respected.