My Genealogy Hound

JOHN C. REED, foundryman, post office Bennett, was born Feb. 19, 1847, in County Derry, Ireland, son of John and Mary (Morrison) Reed, former of whom came to Pittsburgh in 1847, his wife following in 1849 with five children, viz.: William M., Robert, Mary A., James (since deceased) and John C. Two other children were born to them here, Joseph and James F. John Reed lived in Pittsburgh until his death, in 1859; the mother is still living, aged seventy-nine years. The subject of this memoir was reared in Pittsburgh, had two years’ schooling, and at the age of seven years went to work in the old rolling-mill at Girty’s Run; when he was twelve years old his father died, and he became the main support of the family. In 1857 he removed to Pittsburgh, where he resided until 1869, when he engaged in the lime business one year at Beaver Falls, Pa. Returning to Pittsburgh, he worked a brief season in the stove-foundry, subsequently traveling for a business firm. He was the first one who successfully introduced a non-conductor of heat west of the mountains; his patent, known as “Reed’s elastic sectional non-conducting covering for heated surfaces,” has entirely superseded other styles of coverings. He was married, in 1869, to Mary E., daughter of John Curtz, whose father, John Curtz, Sr., was one of the original iron-men of Pittsburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are the parents of six children, viz.: Mary M., John C., William F., Lillie M., Henry M. and Martha E. Mr. Reed engaged in business for himself in 1883, in Millvale, where he erected a foundry. In 1886 a limited partnership was formed, composed of J. C. Reed, A. Krauscope, E. W. Demmler and F. E. Schenk. They manufacture the Vesta ranges; also make their own patterns, being the first to break record by making all at home; they employ thirty-five men. Mr. Reed is a prohibitionist; has been in the city council two years, and one term on the school board.