Reid Tobacco Company, 100 Hepburn Street, Milton
The Reid Tobacco Company, began as a join venture between Marshall Reid. and his brother in law R.F. Wilson. The company flourished and expanded, with factories in Milton, Altoona, and eventually, a new company in Buffalo NY.
After Reid's death in 1903, his heirs fought over the estate for a number of years. In 1976 Reid Tobacco Co. was purchased by DeHarts.
Marshall Earl Reid Sr was born May 1854, the son of clergyman Rev Samuel Hahn Reid, and Susanna Harnish. In 1866, when Marshall was about 12 years old, his father accepted a call to be the minister at the Reformed Church In Milton Pa.
In 1878 Marshall began working with Weikel and Smith Spice company in Philadelphia, where he proved to be a remarkable business man. In 1879 he returned to Milton Pa, the home of his parents. In 1884 he married Josephine Elizabeth Meyers. The couple had at least 4 children, including Helen, Carl, Marshall Jr, & Grace.
Marshall's sister married Reuben Frederick Wilson, son of Robert Wilson of Wilson's Fly Net company. Marshall, along with his brother in law Reuben Wilson, began a career in the wholesale tobacco business, under the name Reid & Wilson.
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After Reuben Wilsons death in 1892, the firm was changed to Reid & Co. By 1902 the company had grown substantially, and was incorporated under the name Reid Tobacco Company. About this time, Reid established another Tobacco Company in Buffalo NY, under the name Reid & Co.
Reid was also at one time President of the Milton National Bank, Director of the Milton Gas Co. Advising manager of the Wilson Fly Net Factory. He was also one of the owners of the West Branch Novelty Company, founded in 1893.
The West Branch Novelty Company was established in 1893 by Marshall Reid, F. S. Chapin, H. R. Frick and George C. Chapin. They began by making a line of bamboo furniture, working out of the loft of the West Branch Knitting Company. They were later known for their cedar chests and furniture.
From the book “Milton, Pennsylvania, the 19th Century Town on Limestone Run” by Homer F. Folk: Starting around 1890, Marshall Reid established a first-class tobacco house in Milton. Reid & Company became one of the leading wholesale tobacconists in the country, with six salesmen on the road selling a complete line of tobacco products. Their “Busy Bee” long cut tobacco and their “Golden Bee” cigars both gained an enviable reputation. Their business continued into the twentieth century.
Reid Tobacco Co Cigar Cutter
At one time Reid Tobacco, located at the western end of Hepburn Street, was a giant in the distribution business. Reid became one of the leading wholesale tobacconists in the country, with six salesman on the road selling a complete line of tobacco products. Its "Busy Bee" long-cut tobacco and the "Golden Bee" cigars both gained an enviable reputation. Reid also became widely known for True Blue Tobacco. The blend was invented in 1917 and was manufactured by L & M, Ligget and Myers Tobacco Company, exclusively for Reid Tobacco.
From the book “Chronicles and Legends of Milton” by George S. Venios: Reid Tobacco Company was founded in 1886 by Marshall Reid. At one time Reid Tobacco was a giant in the distribution business, and it became widely known for True Blue Tobacco. The blend was invented in 1917 and was manufactured by L & M, Ligget and Myers Tobacco Company, exclusively for Reid Tobacco.
Marshall Reid died December 28th 1903, after an operation for appendicitis. He was 50 years old.
Death of Marshall Reid. Passed Away at the University Hospital, Philadelphia, This Morning. Was Operated on for Appendicitis.
Last Tuesday – Condition Took a Turn for the Worse Last Night – He Was One of Milton’s Most Successful Business Men.
Marshall Reid, the founder and principal owner of the Reid Tobacco Company, of this place, and the head of the firm Reid & Company, of Buffalo, died this morning, at 8:45 o’clock, at the University Hospital, Philadelphia, where he has been under treatment for several weeks. On Tuesday of last week, he was operated on for appendicitis by Dr. Martin, and the operation was considered successful and he was thought to be improving up to last night, when his condition took a change for the worse. His sister, Miss Grace Reid, was with him and Mrs. R. F. Wilson who telegraphed for and she left on the early morning train, but did not reach his beside before the end came. While Mr. Reid’s friends knew that he was a very sick man, they were not prepared to hear that he had passed away and the announcement was a great shock to them and to the whole community.
No arrangements have been made for the funeral at this time, but the body will be brought to Milton for burial.
Marshall Reid was the son of the late Rev. Samuel H. Reid and was born in Huntingdon county, this state, in May 1855, and was therefore in the forty-ninth year of his age. He came to Milton with his parents when about twelve years of age and was educated in the public schools. He very early developed great commercial ability, which was the foundation of his successful business career. He founded the tobacco house which bears his name, and which has grown to be the largest wholesale tobacco house in the United States. He was identified with many of Milton’s leading industries and business enterprises, and has long been regarded as one of her most useful and influential citizens and business men. About two years ago Mr. Reid went to Buffalo and established the tobacco house of Reid & Co., which during its brief career of less than two years rose to the top, and in volume of business surpassed any wholesale house in the Empire state. He was identified with the Milton Gas Company, the Milton Water Company, the Wilson Flying factory [Fly Net Factory], and was one of the owners of the West Branch Novelty Company, one of the town’s most prosperous and growing industries. He succeeded the late Wm. C. Lawson as president of the Milton National Bank, which position he held at the time of his death.
Mr. Reid was married twenty-one years ago to Miss Josephine Myers, daughter of the late Proctor Myers of Lock Haven, and is survived by his wife and three children, one son, Earle, and two daughters, Helen and Grace, also four sisters, Mrs. R. F. Wilson, and Misses Blanche, Grace, and Ella Reid, of this place, and one brother, Nevin Reid, who resides in Altoona.
Mr. Reid was a man of generous impulses. He was a fast friend and a determined foe. His loyalty to those who had his confidence was one of the strongest characteristics of his nature. He was broad-minded and a man of conviction and never lacked in courage. Those who knew him best respected him most.
The Miltonian Wednesday, December 30, 1903, page 1.
Mr. Reid’s Body Arrives.
Brought to Milton on the Early Morning Train.
The Funeral Will Take Place on Friday Afternoon at Half-Past Two O’clock, From the Residence of His Sister, Mrs. R. F. Wilson.
The remains of the late Marshall Reid arrived here on the early train this morning. They were accompanied by Mrs. Reid and her daughters, Helen and Grace, Mrs. Wilson, Miss Grace Reid, and Mr. Blakesley, of the Buffalo house. The body was taken to the residence of his sister, Mrs. R. F. Wilson, on North Front Street, from which place the funeral will take place Friday afternoon at half-past two o’clock. Interment will be made in the family plot in the Upper cemetery.
The death of Mr. Reid was a great shock to the community. He was known to everybody and his friends were legion. While it was known that his condition was critical, no one was prepared to receive the sad announcement that he had passed away.
From MiltonHistory.org:
After Reid died in 1903, there was a protracted legal battle over the estate, which finally ended with a court decision on October 12, 1914. During these eleven years, the widow and children filed numerous complaints regarding control and operation of the company, as well as payments made to the various attorneys and executors involved in managing the estate. The executors were also partners in the firm, and later directors, namely William Wolfe Anspach (the largest shareholder next to Mr. Reid), and Ambrose Elwood Balliet.
The trouble began when the widow attempted to vote Mr. Balliet in as president and send Mr. Anspach to the Buffalo office. In the end, Mr. Anspach prevailed and was elected president by the board of directors. He accomplished this by using his position as executor to prevent Mr. Reid’s shares from being voted.
1966
The Reid Toabacco Company was acquired by DeHarts in 1976.
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A 20 page account of the Legal Battle of Reid Tobacco Co. can be read here:
The Northumberland Legal Journal, Vol. 2, 1917, pages 1-20 a very large case.
Reid’s Estate. Decedent’s Estate, Executors, Ancillary Executors, Compensation.
Where executors of an estate, which consists of a large and growing manufacturing business, operated in two different states and in two different cities in the one state, charge a commission of $25,000 for managing the business and settling the estate, which management and settlement cover a period of years, and an auditor, after a review of the testimony taken and in view of all the facts in the case, is of the opinion that the said sum is not excessive compensation for the large and difficult task undertaken by the executors, the court will not say that the executors were entitled to but two and one-half per centum of the aggregate amount of the debit side of their account but will sustain the auditor.
That the executors were allowed $7,282.98 compensation as ancillary executors by the Surrogate Court of anther county and state will not work a reduction in the amount claimed as compensation, where it appears that the said amount is not excessive in view of the services rendered.
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The Late Marshall Reid.
The “Gazette and Bulletin's" Tribute to Our Dead Townsman.
Marshall Reid, another of Milton’s substantial citizens, has been claimed by death. Perhaps no citizen of our down-river neighbor was any better known in Williamsport, and there are many warm personal friends here who will sincerely grieve over his untimely demise. “Marsh” Reid was a most lovable man, whole-souled, genial and companionable, and withal, generous to a fault. He was deeply interested in Milton and the affairs of the town and occupied an important relationship to its business and social life. His death is a severe loss and will call for general regret and sorrow.
Milton Standard, Friday, January 1, 1904, page 1.
Marshall Reid Buried.
Remains of Our Late Townsman Are at Rest.
Impressive Service This Afternoon, Magnificent Floral Offerings-Business Houses Closed During the Funeral Hour.
The funeral of the late Marshall Reid took place from the residence of his sister, Mrs. R. F. Wilson, on North Front street, this afternoon at half-past two o’clock.
The services were conducted by Rev. W. T. L. Kieffer, of the Presbyterian church. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Milton. As a mark of respect for the memory of Mr. Reid all the business houses were closed and business was suspended throughout the town. Quite a number of prominent persons from out of town were here to attend the obsequies.
The body was encased in a beautiful cloth covered casket. The features of the dead man were very natural and life-like, and when his friends and acquaintances looked upon his face, it was hard for them to realize that it was for the last time. The esteem in which he was held was shown in the exquisite floral tribute that come from far and near, tokens of love for the departed and sympathy and condolence for the sorrowing.
The interment which was private was made in the family plot in the Milton cemetery.
The honorary pall bearers were Mr. Reid’s business associates and representatives as follows: Wm. B. Chamberlin, W.W. Anspach, H. R. Karchner, A. E. Balliet, John K. Trego, A. M. Eichholtz, F. F. Kauffman, Charles A. Clayton, and John A. Scott.
The active pall bearers were attachees of the Reid Tobacco Company, of this place: Messrs. R. E. Hopkins, Ch. H. Klose, L. B. Teitsworth, Abbot Bucher, D. K. Stagner, M. Y. Leinbach, H. M. Marsh, D. W. Noriconk.
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Northumberland County, PA Wills Vol. 11, Marshall Reid, June 5, 1903, pages 634-638.
Will of Marshall Reid, deceased. I Marshall Reid, of the city of Buffalo, in the county of Erie in the State of New York, do make publish, and declare the following to be my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made to wit: First I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid by my Executors as soon after my decease as possible. Second: I give and bequeath all my household goods and wearing apparel, furniture, silver plate, pictures, books, china, linen, and house furnishings to my wife Josephine E. Reid absolutely and forever. And also give and devise to her my said wife Josephine E. Reid all the real estate of which I many and die siezed for and during the term of her natural life and all rents issues and profits thereof for and during the term of her natural life. And after the death of my said wife I give and devise said real estate, with the appurtenances to my three children, Helen J. Reid, Marshall Earl Reid and Grace E. Reid share and share alike in fee simple should either of my said children die leaving lawful issue to survive him or her, then I give and devise the share or shares of such deceased child, in said real estate to such lawful issue. Third: I give and bequeath unto my wife Josephine E. Reid, for and during the term of her natural life, the annual interest at the rate of five per cent per annum, on the sum of sixty thousand dollars, to wit, each year during her natural life aforesaid, the sum of three thousand dollars to be paid to her by my Executors hereinafter named, in equal quarter annual payments each year aforesaid, for the purpose of securing said bequest and payment to her my said wife of said annual interest or sum of three thousand dollars, I order and direct that my said Executors shall set apart and retain out of my estate, and hold in trust, such money or securities of which I may die possessed, as they my said Executors shall, in the discretion deem proper – consider necessary and the income and profit whereof shall and will in their judgment be sufficient to secure said bequest and payment to her, my said wife annually during her natural life as aforesaid, free and clear of the expense of administering said trust. Should my said Executors at any time during the continuance of said trust deem it necessary of to the advantage of the same so to do, I give and grant unto them and hereby invest them with full power and authority to convert said securities into money and invest, and from time to time reinvest the same. Upon the death of my said wife Josephine E. Reid I give and bequeath said money and securities and the whole corpus? or principal sum of said trust fund to my residuary legatus hereinafter named. Fourth: I give and bequeath the following sums of money to my three sisters respectively, to wit: To my sister Blanche Reid the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars. To my sister Grace Reid the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars, and to my sister Ella Reid the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars, to be paid to them, my said sisters, within six months after my decease, by my Executors, out of the first moneys that shall come into their hands. Fifth: It is my will and desire that my son Marshall Earl Reid shall succeed to and continue the business of buying and selling tobacco and cigars at wholesale, which I have established and am now carrying on in the city of Buffalo in the State of New York, under the name of Reid Company. With such and in view and to accomplish said purpose, I authorize and empower my Executors to continue and carry on said business of wholesaling tobacco and cigars at the city of Buffalo, for and during the term of two years after my decease, or until such time as he, my said son Marshall Earl Reid shall arrive at the age of twenty one years. And hereby invest my said Executors with full power and authority to carry on said business, during said period with like effect and as fully to all intents and purposes as I could do if living, and with all the rights and powers I could or would exercise or have in full life. Should said business at any time before the arrival of my said son Marshall Earl Reid at the age of twenty one years to show a profit at the end of my one business year and in the judgment and discretion of my Executors it would be better and to the advantage of my estate that the same should be closed out and disposal of then, and in that event I authorize and empower them, my said Executors as to do, if said business shall be continued under the foregoing provisions by my said Executors until the time at which my said son Marshall Earl Reid will and shall arrive at the age of nineteen years. I order and direct that from and after such time, for such period? as said business shall be carried on as aforesaid, and until my said son Marshall Earl Reid shall attain the age of twenty one years, if the said business shall be so long continued, he my said son, Marshall Earl Reid shall be employed by my said Executors in and about said business and shall be entrusted with and given such part and responsibility for, in and about the management thereof, as he may be reasonably capable of such management and be done with reasonable care and safety to said business. Should said business continue to be carried on under the foregoing provisions, until he my said son Marshall Earl Reid shall attain the age of twenty one years, then and in that event I order and direct that the stock in trade, merchandise and all personal property and effects of said business of every kind and description or any wise thereto belonging (excepting the money on hand, book accounts, bills receivable or other evidence of debt, that shall have accrued therein or that shall then be due or owing by any person or persons whomsoever) to him my said son Marshall Earl Reid at said appraised valuation thereof, together with the good will of said business should he desire to so take and receive the same, no part of and so much of his ? or distribution shall in my estate as hereinafter given and bequeathed in the residuary clause of this my last will. It being my will and intention that all my children shall share equally in the distribution of my estate, I order and direct that if he my said son Marshall Earl Reid shall accept the said bequest so made to him of aforesaid business stock in trade, merchandise and the like, and the appraised value thereof as aforesaid shall exceed the amount of the equal, respective and ? distributive shares of my daughter Helen J. Reid and my daughter Grace E. Reid, with him my son in my estate, that shall then be due and coming to him under the terms of this my will, be my said son Marshall Earl Reid, upon receiving the possession of said bequest, shall pay or secure to be paid to my said Executors at such time and upon such security as they my said Executors may deem proper, such sum of money as shall be necessary and required to equalize the respective distribution shares of my daughters Helen J. Reid and Grace E. Reid, with that aforesaid of him my son Marshall Earl Reid. Provided that if my said Executors shall deem it proper so to do they may and shall take and receive the personal obligation of him my said son so to be contributed by him to equalize with him his said sisters in the distribution of my estate. If he my said son Marshall Earl Reid should decline or refuse to accept said bequest, then and in that event stock and trade and all effects thereto belonging shall be sold by my Executors for the best price that can be obtained for the same. The income and profit arising from said business, until such time as my said son Marshall Earl Reid should attain the age of twenty one years I order and direct shall accrue to become and be disposed of as part of the corpus or principal funds of my estate. Sixth: All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate of which I die seized or possessed I give devise and bequeath to my Executors, to have and to hold the same in trust, as follows: To invest the same in good and lawful securities, or keep the same invested, as the same shall or may be invested by me at the time of my decease; to collect and receive the annual income and profit arising therefrom and appropriate apply and expend the same for the use and benefit of my three children, to wit, Helen J. Reid, Marshall Earl Reid, and Grace E. Reid and to pay to them, my said children the principal sum thereof, share and share alike, in manner and in manner and at the times following, this is to say, the said principal sum of said trust shall be invested or kept invested by said Trustees in manner aforesaid, until my said children shall respectively arrive at the age of twenty one years and the income and profit arising therefrom or so much thereof as shall be necessary for said purpose, shall be applied by said Trustee to the support, maintenance and education of my said children, in a manner corresponding with their estate and situation in life. And as they, my said children shall respectively arrive at the age of twenty one years to pay him or her, as the case may be his or her share of the same, as aforesaid, as shall remain unpended. Provided always nevertheless that the legacy, bequest or share here given to my son Marshall Earl Reid is so made subject to and upon condition that he comply with the requirements for equalizing my said children in the distribution of my estate, as provided in the fifth item of this my will, should he, my said son accept the legacy or bequest in the city of Buffalo in the State of New York, in the Fifth item to him made and given. Seventh: In case either of my aforesaid children shall die before his or her share, bequest or legacy shall become vested, leaving lawful issue, I order and direct that such issue should receive their deceased parents share; but if there be no such issue, then such share or bequest shall fall into the general fund and become a part of the corpus of my estate and shall be divided among my surviving children in the manner hereinbefore provided. Eighth: I further order and direct that at the time of my death my residence and domicile shall ? taken to be in my borough of Milton, in the County of Northumberland and State of Pennsylvania, and the said Borough of Milton, County and State are hereby accepted as and are hereby made and constituted my said residence and domicile at said time of my said death, any law, usage or custom to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. And I further order and direct that this my said will, at and as soon as conveniently can be done after my decease, shall be probated before the Register of Wills in and for the County of Northumberland in said State of Pennsylvania, and that the same then and there be entered and made of record in the office of said Register of Wills of said county of Northumberland, in as full and large a manner and with the same like force and effect as if, at the time of my said death the said county of Northumberland were and always had been, in fact and in law my residence and domicile and my principal estate were there situated, located and being. Lastly: I hereby nominate constitute and appoint Fred R. Blakeslee, of the City of Buffalo in the State of New York, and William W. Anspach, Elwood A. Balliet, and William H. Hackenberg of the Borough of Milton, in the Count y of Northumberland and State of Pennsylvania, to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof, I the said Marshall Reid, have to this my last Will and Testament, written and contained on eight sheets of paper, and to every page thereof subscribed my name and to this the last page thereof subscribed my name and affixed my seal this Fifth day of June, A.D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and Three. signed Marshall Reid. Seal.
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Marshall Reid as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. Wm. B. Chamberlin and Marian Wilson.
I, Marshall Reid, the testator within named, do hereby make and publish the following codicil to my last will and testament, executed from June 5th 1903. First I revoke the clause in my said Will which reads as follows: “Lastly, I hereby nominate constitute and appoint Fred R. Blakeslee of the city of Buffalo and State of New York and William W. Anapach, Elwood A. Ballicht and William H. Hackenberg of the Borough of Milton in the County of Northumberland and State of Pennsylvania, to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and n lien thereof I do hereby constitute and appoint William W. Anspach, Elwood A. Galliet, and Harry R. Frick of the Borough of Milton, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and my son Marshall Earl Reid of the city of Buffalo in the State of New York, to be the Executors of my said last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty first day of November, A.D. One Thousand Nine Hundred and three. Signed Marshall Reid, seal.
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said testator as and for a codicil to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who, at his request and in his presence, and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. Wm. B. Chamberlin and H. W. Chamberlin.
State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland, SS: Be it remembered that on this second day of January A.D. 1904, before me the Register for the Probate of Wills and granting of Letters of Administration in and for said County, personally appeared Wm. B. Chamerlin and Marian Wilson, the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing instrument of writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Marshall Reid late of the Borough of Milton County and State aforesaid, deceased, who being duly sworn according to law do declare and say that they were personally present at the execution of the same and saw and heard the testator therein names, sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the same as and for his last Will and Testament, and that at the time of so doing he was of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Wm. B. Chamberlin and Marian Wilson.
Sworn and Subscribed to before me F. M. VanDevender, Register.
State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland SS: Be it remembered that on the second day of January A.D. 1904, before me the Register for the Probate of Wills and granting of Letters of Administration in and for the said County, personally appeared Wm. Chamberlin and H. W. Chamberlin the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing instrument of writing purporting to be a codicil to the last Will and Testament of Marshall Reid late of the Borough of Milton County and State aforesaid deceased, who being duly sworn according to law do declare and say that they were personally present at the execution of the same and saw and heard the testator therein named, sign, seal, publish, pronounce, and declare the same as and for a codicil to the last Will and Testament, and that at the time of so doing he was of sound, disposing mind, memory and understanding, to the best of their knowledge and belief. Wm. Chamberlin and H. W. Chamberlin.
Sworn and subscribed to before me F. W. VanDevender, Register.
Be it Remembered that on this 2nd day of January, A.D. 1904, before me was proven and approved and insinuated in due and common form of law the last Will and Testament and codicil ? of Marshall Reid, late of Milton Borough, County and State aforesaid, deceased, who died on the 2nd day of December A.D. 1903, and Letters Testamentary with a copy of the Will and Codicil thereto annexed were granted unto William W. Anspach, Elwood A. Balliet, and Harry R. Frich, three of the Executors therein named.
Witness my hand, F. M. VanDevender, Reigister.
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REV. SAMUEL REID
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Obituary Record, A Record of the Lives of the Deceased Alumni of Marshall College, and of Franklin and Marshall College, Volume 1, Franklin and Marshall College Alumni Association, 1897, page 13. (1839 class).
Rev. Samuel Hahn Reid, A.M., oldest child of Patrick I. and Justine (Hahn) Reid, was born at Emmitsburg, Md., August 1, 1816, of an ancestry Scotch-Irish on his paternal, and German on his maternal side. Having fitted for college in the best schools of the neighborhood, Mr. Reid entered the Sophomore class of Marshall College in 1836, and graduated in 1839. He received the degree A.M. in course, and was a member of the Goethean Literary Society.
After graduation he entered Theological Seminary and completing his course, was licensed by the Synod of the Reformed Church, in session at Lewisburg, Pa., in October, 1842. He was ordained by the East Susquehanna Classis in December of the same year. After supplying the Reformed congregation at Lewisburg for a brief period he was called to the Water street charge, locating at Alexandria, Pa. He was installed pastor, November 5, 1843.
On April 17, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Harnish, Canoe Valley, Huntingdon county, Pa., the Rev. F. A. Rupley, D.D., officiating. To them were born two sons and five daughters, of whom all except one daughter yet survive. The children are Nevin, Marion (now Mrs. Reuben Wilson), Blanche, Marshall, Ada, Grace, and Ella.
His pastorate at Alexandria continued until 1852, when he accepted a call to the First Reformed church, Race Street, Philadelphia. Impaired health compelled him to leave the city after a few years’ labor. He returned to Alexandria, and was the principal of a seminary for young women until April 1857, when he became pastor of Huntingdon charge, serving until April 1866. He then accepted a call to the Reformed church, Milton, Pa. which he served until April 1, 1873.
For four years he was without a charge, and becoming tired of the liturgical controversy in the Reformed Church, he with his family united with the Presbyterian Church in April 1876. As a minister of the Presbytery of Northumberland he served as stated supply at Renovo two and one half years; then the Chilisquaqua charge, and the Mifflinburg charge. Rev. Reid was an able, eloquent preacher of the Gospel, and a watchful, prudent pastor.
He was active in maintaining and circulating the Guardian and the Mercersburg Review at their inception, and was a frequent contributor to both of these periodicals. He served with Dr. Harbaugh for some years as co-editor of the Guardian.
His wife died March 2, 1883, and he followed into rest August 28, 1894. They lie in the beautiful cemetery at Milton. [Ref. D. W. Ebbert; Rev. F. A. Rupley, D.D.; Henry M. Schmuch.]
1842 Resident Graduates, Samuel H. Reid, A.M.
History of Huntingdon County, in the State of Pennsylvania, Milton Scott Lytle, 1876, pg 190, (referring to the war and soldiers 1861). The crowd (at the court house) was immense – men, women and children, almost our entire population, crowded the room, the yard, the pavement and the street. The first speaker was the Rev. S. H. Reid, of the German Reformed Church, who addressed the volunteers in a glorious speech, full of patriotic, soul-stirring sentiment and well-worthy the heart that gave utterance to them. He was followed by Rev. G. W. Zahnizer, of the Presbyterian Church.
History of Huntingdon and Blair Counties, Pennsylvania, Louis H. Everts, 1883, page 43 and 328.
During the pastorate of Mr. Reid the three congregations named above were supplied with new church buildings. He was an active, energetic man, and rendered the church good service. His successors in the pastor's office were the Rev. Frederick A. Rupley, 1852-0.5; the Rev. Joshua Riale, 1857-58; the Rev. Josiah May (supply); the Rev. John G. AVolf, 1859- 61 ; the Rev. John W. Love, 18(52-70 ; the Rev. J. A. Peters, May, 1871 , to Nov. 1, 1878, when he resigned to take charge of the First Reformed Church of Lancaster. The present pastor, the Rev. M. H. Sangree, of the Everett charge, was called in December, 1878, and was installed March 8, 1879, by a committee of Mercersburg Classis. He resides in the parsonage of the Water Street charge, at Alexandria, which was purchased in 1850.
The Keller Reformed Church of Canoe Valley. — The Reformed congregation was organized at an earlier day, and embraced members living in Sinking Valley, Canoe Valley, and Porter township. The Rev. John Deitrick Aurandt came among the adherents (if that faith in 1798, and made his home in the Canoe Valley, living in what is now Catharine township until his death, April 24, l831. He was buried in the cemetery by the Stone Church, which he hail helped to build a dozen years earlier. Then till- congregation had as pastors Revs. Jonathan Keller, Moses Kiefer, and from Nov. 5, 1843, to Oct. 1, l852, the Rev. Samuel H. Reid. In the third year of his pastorate the congregation withdrew from the Stone Church and divided itself into three parts, according to the locality in which they lived, each erecting its own house of worship and being a separate congregation, yet being connected as a charge, having the same pastoral supervision. Under this arrangement the members in Canoe Valley built the Keller Church in Catharine township, near the Morris line, in l846. It is a brick house, with accommodations for four hundred and fifty persons, and the congregation worshiping there in 1881 composed of eighty members. The church council had as elders James Patterson, Enoch Isenberg, Samuel Downing, and William Landis; as deacons, J. Thompson, Frank Tussey, Henry Harnish, and Z. T. Harnish. The latter and J. D. Aurandt were superintendents of a Sunday-school which had an attendance of sixty persons. In 1863 the congregation had seventy-six confirmed and seventy-nine baptized members, but on a ccounty of removals has been reduced to its present number. The pastors following S. H. Reid were Revs. F. A. Rupley, Joshua Riale, Josiah May, J. G. Wolf, John W. Lover, J. A. Peters, and since December, 1878, the Rev. M. H. Sangree. The home of the pastor is at Alexandria, where has been the parsonage of Water Street charge since 1830. Under the free-school system the following have been elected as directors: (long list of names).
German Reformed Church (Christ Reformed Church) Main Street, Alexandria, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.
Historical Context: The German Reformed and Lutheran congregations in the area surrounding Alexandria (including Water Street, approximately a mile and one-half west of Alexandria) built a meeting house in Shaffersville about 1817. Between 1843 and 1852, under Reverend Samuel H. Reid, the Water Street charge was divided into three new congregations: Keller, Sinking Valley, and Alexandria. They functioned independently, but under the same ministerial direction (Africa, 434). The reorganization may have been spurred by the prosperous canal era of the 1840s, when membership increased substantially.
The Keller Reformed Church traces it’s beginning back to Rev. John Deitrich Aurandt, a ministerial student from Lewisburg, who brought the Reformed faith to this area as he traveled, preaching the gospel on his circuit ride through Union, Huntingdon, Cumberland and what would become Blair Counties. In 1804, he purchased a farm near Yellow Springs and along with Rev. Frederick Haas, a Lutheran pastor, held regular worship services in Water Street. Then in 1818, the two congregations erected the Union Church at Shaffersville, west of Water Street. By 1845, during the time of Rev. S.H. Reid’s pastorate, the Reformed congregation had grown large enough to require a Church be built in each of the surrounding communities of Sinking Valley, Alexandria and Canoe Valley. The following are the names of the ministers and the dates they served in the Keller Reformed Church: Rev. Samuel H. Ried, 1846-1852.
Acts and Proceedings, Reformed Church in the United States, Eastern Synod, 1859, pg. 10.
The Committee on Religious Exercises submitted their report, which was received and adopted. Cumberland Presbyterian church, morning, Rev. P.C. Prugh; evening, Rev. S. H. Reid.
pg. 18
The Committee on Minutes of Synod submitted the following report, which was received, and disposed of item by item: Item 2, The appointment of Delegates to Corresponding Bodies: b. Rev. S. H. Reid and Rev. T. G. Apple to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
Pg. 34.
Theological Seminary in accounts with A. B. Wingerd, Treasurer from October 1st, 1862, to October, 1st, 1863. Interest on Plainfield Bonds. (list of names). Rev. S. H. Reid, 66. Principle of Plainfield Bonds, Rev. S. H. Reid, 50.
pg. 38.
Board of Education of the German Reformed Church, in account with S. R. Fisher, Treasurer. 1859. May 23. Rev. D. Y. Heisler, 10.50, Rev. S. H. Reid, 68 cents, Rev. I. G. Brown 5.75, and Rev. C. F. Hoffmeir 4.
pg. 73.
Treasurers Report. The Board of Domestic Missions of the German Reformed Church in account with Daniel W. Gross, Treasurer. 1858, May 25. from Rev. S. H. Reid, col. at Mercersburg Classis, 6.57.
pg. 81.
Rudolph F. Keller, Treasurer of Board of Foreign Missions of the Synod of the German Reformed Church. 1863, Sept. 17, Rev. S. H. Reid, $5., “Good Will,” from the army $5. ($10.00).
The Mercersburg Review, Vol. 11, Edited for the Alumni of Franklin and Marshall College, 1859, page 30. The adoption of the report gave rise to an interesting discussion, which brought out the views and feelings of Synod concerning the movement. One of the reporters appointed by Synod has furnished a clear account of the speeches made, for the “German Reformed Messenger” of November 17, from which we bed leave to transfer the principal part: Rev. S. H. Reid. I hope Dr. Schaff will give us some light on the subject, so that any difficulty existing in our minds may be removed, and the wants of the seminary, in this direction, be understood.
Minutes – United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., Volume 13, 1890, page 563. Candidates 13. Presb. of Northumberland. Samuel H. Reid, Ev. Milton, PA.
Minutes – United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., 1894, page 684. Ministers and Licentiates. 13. Presb. of Northumberland. Samuel H. Reid, Ev., Milton, PA.
History of the County of Westmoreland Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men, Volume 1, George Dallas Albert, 1882, page 518.
On Feb. 6, 1851, it was resolved to erect a present church edifice. It was completed in the fall of the same year, and dedicated Jan. 16, 1852, by the pastor, assisted by Rev. S. H. Reid, of Huntingdon County. The building committee consisted of John Barnhart (who with his family had by this time united with the congregation), Daniel Kiehl, and David J. Wells. The subscription-paper was headed by Danile Kiehl with $400, followed by John Barnhardt with $325, Simon Cort, $330, John Kiehl, $120, Joseph Cort, $80, and twenty on down to $5. Many of the citizens of the town gave in sums of $50 down to $5, among whom were Hon. Joseph A. Kuhns, Gen. H. D. Foster, Hon. Edgar Cowan, Henry Welty, Esq. about fifty others.
Bell's History of Northumberland Co PA, Chapter XVI, Borough of Milton.
At a congregational meeting in January, 1866, the desire for the erection of a new church edifice was formally expressed by the appointment of a building committee composed of Levi Truckenmiller, William H. Frymire, J. M. Follmer, Charles Newhard, Aaron Reber, John Houtz, and Jacob Houtz. The consistory at that time consisted of William H. Frymire, Charles Newhard, Jacob M. Follmer, and Levi Balliet, elders; deacons: John J. Fansnaught, William D. Snyder, Simon Gheris, and Aaron Reber. The corner-stone was laid, May 17, 1866, and the dedication occurred on the 18th of November following. The materials of the old church were largely utilized, and the new building, two stories high and constructed of brick, occupied the same site as the present place of worship on the west side of Arch street above Broadway. It was destroyed in the fire of May 14, 1880. July 24, 1881, the corner-stone of a new church was laid; Charles Newhard, Israel Scott, Levi Balliet, John Houtz, Peter Rangier, and Rev. S. B. Schafer, the pastor, constituted the building committee. This edifice was completed in due time, but owing to defective construction it was removed in 1887. The corner-stone of the present church was laid on the 4th of September, 1887, and the basement was used for the first time on the first Sunday in May, 1888. This is a handsome brick structure with a seating capacity of eight hundred, and cost seventeen thousand dollars. The Rev. Justus Henry Fries continued to serve this church as pastor until 1823. He was followed by Samuel Gutelius, 1824-27; Henry Wagner, 1827-35; Daniel Gring, 1835-46; Ephraim Kieffer, English colleague to Mr. Gring, 1840-44, followed by Henry Harbaugh, 1844-46, when he succeeded to the pastorate entirely and remained until 1849; Edwin M. Long, 1840-52; Albert G. Dole, 1853-65; Samuel H. Reid, 1866-73; F. F. Bahner, 1873-77; S. B. Schafer, 1878-82; F. C. Yost, 1883-89; D. W. Ebbert, 1890, present pastor.
Fantastic information! Thank you! !! Great pictures as well!
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