Reed, Joseph, 1741-1785

<p>Joseph Reed (August 27, 1741 – March 5, 1785) was a Founding Father of the United States and a lawyer, military officer, and statesman of the American Revolutionary Era who lived the majority of his life in Pennsylvania. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and, while in Congress, signed the Articles of Confederation. He also served as President of Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council, a position analogous to the modern office of Governor.</p>

<p>Reed was born in Trenton in the Province of New Jersey in 1741, the son of Andrew Reed, a shopkeeper and merchant, and Theodosia Bowes. His grandfather, Joseph Reed (1650–1727), was born in Carrickfergus, County Antrim in Ulster and settled in West Jersey. His brother, Bowes Reed (1740–1794), would serve as a colonel in the Revolutionary War and as Secretary of State of New Jersey. The family moved to Philadelphia shortly after Reed's birth and, as a boy, Reed was enrolled at Philadelphia Academy (later to be known as the University of Pennsylvania). He received his bachelor's degree from the College of New Jersey (later known as Princeton University) in 1757 and, soon after, began his professional education under Richard Stockton. In the summer of 1763, Reed sailed for England, where, for two years, he continued his studies in law at Middle Temple in London. Shortly after his studies ended in 1768, Reed was elected to the American Philosophical Society as a member.</p>

<p>During the course of his studies, Reed became romantically attached to Esther de Berdt, the daughter of the agent for the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Dennis de Berdt. Though very fond of Reed, de Berdt was aware of Reed's intention to return to Philadelphia and initially refused consent for Esther to marry Reed. Reed returned to the Colonies with only a tenuous engagement to Esther, and with an understanding that he would return to settle permanently in Great Britain shortly after. Following the death of his father, Reed finally returned to London to find that Esther's father had died during Reed's return trip to Britain. Reed and Esther married in May 1770 at Saint Luke's, Cripplegate, near the City of London. Finding the de Berdt family in financial difficulties, Reed remained in London long enough to help settle his wife's family's affairs. Together with the widowed Mrs. de Berdt, Esther and Reed sailed for North America in October 1770.</p>

REED, Joseph, a Delegate from Pennsylvania; was born in Trenton, N.J., August 27, 1741; attended Philadelphia Academy; was graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1757; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1762; was a law student in the Temple in London; returned in 1767 and commenced practice in Trenton, N.J.; moved to Philadelphia, Pa., in October 1770; member of the committee of correspondence in 1774; president of the Pennsylvania convention in January 1775; accompanied General Washington to Cambridge as his aide-de-camp and military secretary in July 1775; served during the campaign of 1776 as adjutant general of the Army from June 5, 1776, to January 22, 1777; Member of the Continental Congress in 1778; president of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania 1778-1781; trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, 1782-1785; died in Philadelphia March 5, 1785; interment in the Arch Street Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

<ul><b>RACES</b>
<li>12/31/1777 PA Continental Congress Won 100.00% (+100.00%)</li>
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