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GEORGE M. REED - Farming interests have always claimed the attention of George M. Reed, who owns a valuable and well improved farm on section 32, Cartwright township, where he was born September 29, 1862. His father, William Reed, was a native of Ohio and a son of John Reed, who brought his family to Illinois at an early day and settled on the farm now occupied by George M. Reed. Here the grandfather engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life, meeting with most excellent success, and he became a large landowner, having about one thousand acres.

William Reed accompanied his father on his removal to this county but afterward returned to Ohio, where he married Miss Elizabeth Allen, who was born in New Jersey and when twelve years of age removed to Ohio. Her father was John Allen. After his marriage William Reed located on the farm where his son now resides and to the improvement and cultivation of the place he devoted his energies until called to his final rest, in December, 1864, when George was but eighteen months old. The mother survived him and reared their family, afterward becoming the wife of Joshua drake, now deceased. She, however, is still living and makes her home in Springfield.

On the old homestead George M. Reed passed his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer boys, and when not in school he aided in the labors of field and meadow, thus early becoming familiar with the work of the farm. Since the age of fifteen years he has practically had charge of the place and has remodeled the home, built a barn and made other improvements. He owns one hundred acres of land and in addition to this he operates other property to the amount of over two hundred acres. He also engages in stock raising to some extent and is prospering in his chosen calling.

At Illiopolis, Sangamon County, February, 28, 1894, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Reed and Miss Katie Pond, a native of Morgan county and daughter of Carl Pond, of that county. Four of the five children born to them are now deceased, two having died in infancy, while Leta died at the age of five months and Claudie at the age of three years. Mabel is the only one now living, but they have an adopted daughter, Rena.

Politically Mr. Reed is a stalwart Republican, and both he and his wife are active members of the Christian church. He is a thorough and progressive farmer and a man of character and worth, who commands the confidence and esteem of all with whom he is brought in contact wither in business or social life.