My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL REED is one of the early settlers of Laird township, Phelps county, having homesteaded the southwest quarter of section twenty-six in the spring of 1879. The country was then new and plenty of wild game such as antelope and deer could be found. Although the country presented a wild and desolate appearance, Mr. Reed came with a determination to make a home for himself and family. He at once erected a comfortable house from sod and in this rude structure he spent his pioneer days. Mr. Reed is a native of Indiana county, Pa., and was born July 9, 1824. He was reared on a farm, and upon arriving at the age of maturity, he concluded to adopt the pursuit of an agriculturist. He enjoyed no special school advantages, other than the common district school of the early days. He has made his own way through life and has kept himself as well informed as his lime and means would permit.

Mr. Reed was married December 27, 1849, to Miss Sarah Stake, a native of Indiana county, Pa. She was born January 10, 1825. To this union have been born nine children, of whom the following are still living — Lydia C., John, Martha, William, Elizabeth, Susan and Joseph. In the spring of 1858, Mr. Reed removed with his family from his native county in Pennsylvania to Des Moines county, Iowa. He, five years after, purchased a farm on which he continued to live till he came to Phelps county, Nebr., in the spring of 1879.

On August 22, 1862, when the war of the rebellion was raging, Samuel Reed joined the Thirty-ninth regiment Iowa volunteers and marched to the field of action. His service covered a period of nearly three years, during which he participated in sixteen noted battles and skirmishes, among which were the battles of Lookout mountain, Parker’s Crossroads, and Altoona pass. He was mustered out June 5, 1865, and participated in the grand review at Washington. Mr. Reed has never taken much interest in political affairs, but nevertheless he has been called upon to fill various local offices. He has, up to recent years, always affiliated with the republican party, but that party having diverged from the firm views which he has always entertained, he has decided to act independently hereafter. He is a member of the Alliance and a firm believer in the principles it advocates, and at present county chaplain for the same. He and his estimable wife each hold strong religious convictions and have been members of the United Brethren church for many years.

The one hundred and sixty acres comprising his homestead are now under a good state of cultivation, the soil being as rich as that of any section of the county, and in point of production having never been surpassed. He expects to remain there during life with the exception of an occasional visit to his friends in other parts.