John William Reid

Who was John William Reid?

John William Reid was a U.S. Representative from Missouri.

Born near Lynchburg, Virginia, Reid attended the common schools. In 1840, Reid moved to Missouri, where he taught school and studied law. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1844. He served as captain in the Mexican War. He served as member of the State house of representatives 1854-1856.

Reid was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-seventh Congress and served from March 4, 1861, to December 2, 1861. Withdrew from the House of Representatives on August 3, 1861, and was expelled by the Thirty-seventh Congress on December 2, 1861, for having taken up arms against the Union. During the Civil War served in the Confederate States Army as volunteer aide to General Price. He was appointed a commissioner to adjust claims against the Confederate Government. He settled in Kansas City, Missouri. He resumed the practice of his profession and engaged in banking. He died at Lees Summit, Missouri, November 22, 1881, and was interred in Elmwood Cemetery.