My Genealogy Hound

RICHARD REED, the proprietor of one of the largest hardware and tinning establishments of Sinclairville, was born in Devonshire, England, April 28, 1831, and is a son of John and Mary (Kell) Reed. His parents were natives of Devonshire and came in 1836 to the town of Charlotte, in which they settled on a farm one mile from Sinclairville, where the husband, John Reed, died in 1853.

Richard Reed was reared in England and on his father’s Charlotte farm until he was eighteen years of age and received a practical education in the English and American rural schools. At eighteen years of age he was apprenticed with Ensign Baker, of Fredonia, to learn the trade of tinner. At the end of one year he was “sold” or his apprenticeship transferred to S. Judd, who had purchased the tin and hardware establishment of Mr. Baker. He worked with Mr. Judd until he closed up business. Mr. Reed afterwards went to Dunkirk, where he apprenticed himself to Daniel Lord for two years in order to finish his trade. After the expiration of his apprenticeship he traveled as a journeyman for some time and in 1854 purchased the stock of tin and tools of E. H. Brown, of Sinclairville, with which he opened a stove and tinware store. In 1857 he built his present business establishment, and in 1870 associated a Mr. Reynolds with him as a partner under the firm name of Reed & Reynolds. Mr. Reed now carries a large first-class stock of hardware, stoves and tinware which is worth over eight thousand dollars. Much credit is due him for the push and energy that has characterized his successful efforts in the establishment and judicious management of his present business. He possesses fine social qualities and ranks high as a good business man.

On May 28, 1858, Mr. Reed united in marriage with Therese Burlingame, a native of New York. They are the parents of two children: Charles M., a graduate of the Albany Law school and now in the active practice of his profession; and John B., who is engaged in the grocery business.