My Genealogy Hound

HON. CHARLES REED, mayor of Paducah, and a native of that city, was born November 4, 1842. He is a son of W. H. Reed, formerly a contractor, and a well-known and highly respected citizen of Paducah. Charles Reed, in early life, had the advantages of the city schools of Paducah, but at the age of twelve years was compelled to quit school and labor for his sustenance. He became an apprentice to the tobacco trade, at which he occupied his time until the beginning of the civil war, when, though only a boy, he entered the Confederate Army, serving in many of the greater battles of that struggle, including the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and Harrisburg. He was first under the command of Gen. Lloyd Tilghman, as a member of the Third Kentucky Regiment, Breckinridge’s division, but later was with Gen. Forrest in all of his noted raids through Kentucky and Tennessee. The close of the war found Mr. Reed without financial means, but his native energy, then, as now, predominated over circumstances and he soon became associated with John Segenfelter, in the hotel business, with whom he opened the European Hotel of Paducah. This effort was successful, and in 1876 he purchased a half interest in the Richmond House, and is now proprietor of that well-known institution. Prior to his connection with this house and in 1872, he became connected with Messrs. Hobbs and Morton, in the management of an extensive woolen manufactory, the firm being known as Hobbs, Morton & Reed. Mr. Reed remained a member of this firm for three years, when he retired. In political preferences, Mr. Reed is a Democrat, and has been frequently elected to a seat in the city council. In March, 1881, he was elected to the office of mayor of the city of Paducah, and his popularity as an executive was manifested in his re-election to the same office in March 1883, and elected to third term March, 1885. Mr. Reed is a gentleman of prepossessing appearance, kind and agreeable to all and noted for his public spirit in matters pertaining to the general good.