WI BIO - Kenosha Co - REED, William E.

History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin. Chicago: Western 
Historical, 1879, p 698

William E. REED, city of Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, dealer in 
watches, jewelry, and fancy goods, was born 24 March 1834 in Oswego [Oswego 
County, New York]. He went to Cincinnati [Hamilton County], Ohio, in the 
spring of 1846, where he learned his business, and about 1850 went to New 
Orleans [Orleans Parish, Louisiana].

In 1851 he [William E. REED] went to California, where he worked in the gold 
diggings, sometimes getting out from four to five and a half pounds of the 
precious metal per day for months at a time. His claim was located on the 
Durrigen Flat at Downeyville [County, then? California] on Yuba River. 
Afterward he had a claim at Yankee Jim's, on the American River. He returned 
to Cincinnati [Hamilton County, Ohio] in 1855.

He [William E. REED] came to Kenosha [Kenosha County, Wisconsin] in November 
1855, when he established himself in business. He was burnt out on 20 March 
1869, and then built the store he now occupies. Mr. REED keeps on hand the 
finest assortment of silverware in the city, superintends a millinery 
department in the same store, and they are agents for White sewing machines.

He [William E. REED] assisted in raising Company G, First Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry, the first to offer service to the Government from Wisconsin, and 
was Lieutenant of the same, but was unable to go into the army on account of 
urgent business and other private matters. He now holds a Captain's 
commission in that company. He also served in the Provost Marshal's office 
during the war.

On 02 July 1861 he [William E. REED] married Elizabeth A. BRIDGMAN [a maiden 
name?], of Plymouth, England. He was Alderman of Kenosha for ten consecutive 
years, and was President of the Council [City Council of Kenosha] for several 
years, acting for the Mayor in his absence. Mr. REED belongs to Lodge No. 
47, Chapter No. 3, Masons; Lodge No. 49, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; 
and the Knights of Honor. Mrs. REED is a member of the Episcopal Church, 
which Mr. REED attends.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly