Lawyer and historian R.L. Reid was born in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. He came to B.C. in 1885 and taught school in the Fraser Valley. Reid befriended another young teacher, F.W. Howay of New Westminster. Both returned to Nova Scotia to complete law degrees. He completed his studies at the University of Michigan where he earned his L.L.B. In 1893 Howay and Reid formed a partnership in New Westminster and practiced law together until 1905 when Howay became a County Court justice. Reid moved to Vancouver where he joined the firm of Reid, Wallbridge, Gibson and Sutton. From 1915 to 1935, he served as a member of the University of British Columbia Board of Governors and for many years acted as the university's solicitor. He donated his notable library of Canadiana to the university. In addition to his Canadiana collection, Reid is best remembered for his community service and his interest and writing in the field of numismatics and historical studies.
From the description of R.L. Reid fonds. 1754-1945. (University of British Columbia Library). WorldCat record id: 606462861
