Walter J. Reed was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on April 3, 1842. His parents immigrated to America when he was six and located in Logan, Ohio. Because his father was a thorough miner he was employed in the mines. After four years the family moved to Maryland where his father found employment as superintendent of the mines. By 1859 the family had taken up residence in Beaver County, PA where his father continued working as a superintendent. In 1861 Reed, his father and younger brother all enlisted in Pennsylvania regiments to fight for the preservation of the Union. His father and brother both died in Confederate prison camps. At the end of the War, Reed returned home to care for his widowed mother and younger siblings. In 1864 he married his wife, Barbara, in Pittsburg, PA. In 1878 he decided to seek a milder climate because of his mother's health. So, Reed, his wife, mother and family decided to head West. By 1879 they had settled near North Yakima and located a "soldier's" claim where they resided until 1886. About 1883 Reed and his friend, Thomas L. Gamble (later known as Judge Gamble), took two preemption claims on what is now known as Cle Elum, WA. In 1887 Reed House, a large two story wooden hotel that furnished housing for railroad employees and early residents was built in Cle Elum. About 1886 Reed discovered coal in the area and is credited with developing the coal fields in Kittitas County, WA. Reed went into a partnership with Thomas Johnson of Ellensburg. At some point, there was a disagreement between them that led to a legal case. In 1908, Walter J. Reed passed away.
From the description of Walter J. Reed's evidence in a legal case concerning land in Cle Elum, WA, 1898-1902. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 427915120
