Morrow P. Reed, the present Supervisor of Brimfield Township, is one of the oldest settlers in the neighborhood and one who has been an eye witness of much of the growth of the county during the half century just past. He has shared to a considerable extent in the work of development as a member of farming communities, and while aiding thus has advanced his own financial interests and become the owner of an excellent piece of property. His estate consists of two hundred and twelve acres of well cultivated land on section 3, the same being marked with a complete line of good buildings and the various useful accompaniments of a well-regulated farm. In the accumulation of his property, in the careful rearing of his children, and in all which has pertained to his interests since his marriage, he has been ably assisted by his worthy wife, who now shares with him the fruits of their industry and prudence.

Mr. Reed is a native of this county, having been born in Peoria, June 19, 1840. His parents were George W. and Joannah (Patterson) Red, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was a carpenter and joiner who, having located in Peoria about 1834, was there married, the lady of his choice having preceded him to that city a short time. The family of the good couple consisted of six children, of whom our subject is the second. The others are Mary and Thomas, who reside in Kansas; Joannah, wife of Joseph Morrison, of Ohio; Louisa, Mrs. Joseph Langlois, who also lives in Kansas, and George, deceased. The father entered into rest in 1849, the mother surviving until 1857.

The subject of this notice was reared in Peoria until about thirteen years of age, and after the death of his father which occurred when he was nine years old, had soon to begin to assist his mother. He attended the common schools of the city, in which his advantages were not equal to those now afforded in that thriving place, but such as they were, he improved them as long as he was able to attend school, and by self effort has added to the knowledge then attained. About the time that he entered his teens he began working on a farm, receiving during the summer $6 per month and his board. Until 1862 he was employed mainly as a farm hand, then renting land he worked for himself until his enlistment in the Union Army.

On the 11th of February, 1865, Mr. Reed became a private in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, serving until September 22, following, when he was discharged at Springfield, Ill. During his army life he had been engaged in guard duty on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad. At its expiration he returned to Peoria County where, the following year, he was married to Miss Jane A. Whittaker, the date of the ceremony being February 22, 1866. During that year the couple settled on a farm which is now included in their present place of residence, where they have labored assiduously in developing their land and making of their home an abode of peace and plenty. For a short time, during 1861, Mr. Reed tilled the soil in Missouri, but with that exception and the time devoted to the country's cause, he has lived in Peoria County.

The wife of our subject was born in County Queens, Ireland, being a daughter of John C. and Susan (Carter) Whittaker, who were likewise natives of the Emerald Isle. Her union with our subject has been productive to them of twelve children, three of whom are deceased. The survivors are: George W., Susan A., Joannah L., Nettie J., Lottie B., Ella O., Henry A., Clara E., and Margaretta P. Susan A. is now the wife of George A. Pursell, of Elmwood; George W. married Mary M. Moore, of Millbrook Township.

Mr. Reed was appointed to fill a vacancy as Supervisor of Brimfield Township in 1882, and since that time has been annually elected to the position. He has previously acted as Commissioner of Highways. He is a member of the Lodge of Modern Woodmen at Brimfield, and of G. L. Fort Post, No. 177, G. A. R., in the same place. It is scarcely necessary to say that he and his wife are respected for the uprightness of their lives and the part which they have borne in the progress of this section of country. In politics he identifies himself with the Republican party.

The attention of the reader is invited to a lithographic portrait of Mr. Reed, which is presented on another page in this volume.