James Hay Reed

Who was James Hay Reed?

James Hay Reed, Sr. was a United States federal judge.

Born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Reed received an A.M. from the Western University of Pennsylvania in 1872 and read law to enter the bar in 1875. He was in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1875 to 1891.

On February 10, 1891, Reed was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania vacated by Marcus W. Acheson. Reed was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 20, 1891, and received his commission the same day. Reed served in that capacity for less than a year, resigning his judgeship on January 15, 1892.

Reed then returned to his private practice in Pittsburgh. As a lawyer, he counseled many of the business leaders responsible for turning Pittsburgh into an industrial power.