Reed, James M. K.

James M. K. Reed was a politician and landowner in Cross Creek, Washington County, Pennsylvania.

From the description of J.M.K. Reed political papers, 1868-1881. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 234192692

James M.K. Reed (1831-?), son of William and Isabella (Curry) Reed, grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania's Washington and Allegheny counties.

He acquired a common school education and at age 20 began teaching in a district school. In 1852 he spent a year at the Pittsburgh Commercial College, followed by a year under the private instruction of Robert Curry, Ph. D. The next year J.M.K. Reed resumed teaching school, and continued to do so at least until 1860.

In 1858 James married Mary P. Tucker, who had also taught for several years in common schools in Ohio. They settled on 103 acres of a tract of land named "Pensacola" in Cross Creek Township, Washington County, deeded to the couple by James' father in 1859. The couple had 7 children: Clara Belle, Irene Jane, Clinton May, Alice Mary, Mabel Blanche, Alma Livonia and James Winfield.

The Reeds were originally members of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church at Patterson's Mills. They later moved to the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, where James served as a trustee. James M.K. Reed was a Democrat who served as school director, auditor and supervisor. On March 21, 1877 he began his first of four five-year terms as Justice of the Peace for Cross Creek Township.

From the description of James M.K. Reed papers. 1848-1932, bulk 1874-1892. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 39615891