Biographical Sketch of

Calvin Reed

Transcribed by Joan Benner

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, 
Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 244 - 245


Calvin E. Reed, deceased. Of the worthy pioneers who lead the way of civilization into the wilderness too much 
cannot be said, and among those who gave the best years of their lives to the development of the resources of 
Adams county, Calvin E. Reed must be mentioned with much praise. Born in Berkshire, Massachusetts, December 15, 
1815, and reared to maturity in Livingston County, New York, whither he had accompanied his parents when a 
child, he determined early in his career to  seek fortune in the new west, and in 1845 he left his New York 
home and came to Wisconsin. He located in Rock county, where he purchased land of the government, improved it, 
and held it for ten years. He then, in 1856, moved to White Creek, Adams county, Wisconsin, and purchased a farm 
of about one hundred and twenty acres of land on the site of the present village. He erected a good house, which 
now stands within the village limits; also good barns and other farm buildings. The residence is now occupied by 
his daughter, Mrs. William Fisher. Mr. Reed was a man of great force of character, business ability, strictest 
integrity, and a Christian of devout principles. By good example and liberal education he did much to maintain 
Christian institutions and works in the community. He was a member of the Baptist church, but his Christianity 
was broad and generous. In politics he was not a strong partisan, but took great interest in the affairs of good 
government, local as well as national, and was always found supporting those men and measures which he believed 
were calculated for the good of the people. He served for eighteen years as postmaster, and his duty was thoroughly 
and conscientiously performed during the whole of that long period.

His death was seriously felt by the entire community as an irreparable loss, and the heartfelt sympathies of all 
were extended to the bereaved family, each member of the community feeling it as a personal loss. He was the counselor 
and friend of all in distress, a genial neighbor, and kind and indulgent parent and devoted husband. He died at White 
Creek, May 9, 1895.

Sarah Twist, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Burkhardt) Twist, became the wife of Calvin E. Reed December 30, 1837. 
Mrs. Reed was born in Mt. Morris, Livingston County, New York, July 23, 1819. She was a devoted wife and mother, and, 
like her husband, was a devout member of the Baptist church. Her death occurred in the village of White Creek, 
January 28, 1899, and was deeply mourned by all who knew her. During the latter years of her life she was unable to 
attend to he rhousehold duties. She devoted much time to reading, and was a close student of the Bible and of all 
good literature. She retained her faculties perfectly until her last illness, which began in July, 1898, but from 
that time until her death she was a great sufferer, and required the constant and closest care fo her daughters, 
who attended her.

Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Reed were the parents of the following children: A. Josephine, now Mrs. William Fisher; Ennis T., 
for whom Ennis T. Reed Post, G. A. R., of White Creek, was named; Mary E., now Mrs. C. J. Austin; Sarah W.,now Mrs. 
Bergman; and Kittie, who died December 25, 1864, aged six years.


Transcribed by Joan Benner






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