A Civil War Biography

John William Reid

Reid was born 14 June 1821 near Lynchburg, Virginia. He moved to Missouri in 1840 where he taught school then studied the law. He was admitted to the bar in 1844 and began a law practice in Jefferson City, Missouri.

He served as a captain in the war with Mexico then was elected to the Missouri house of representatives in 1854. He served until 1856. He was elected to the US House of Representatives from Missouri's 5th district in 1860 and took his seat on 4 March 1861.

He abandoned his duties in the US Congress on 3 August 1861. He was formally expelled on 2 December 1861 for taking up arms against the US. He served in the Confederate army as a volunteer aide to Sterling Price. Clark served as a commissioner to adjust claims against the Confederate Government.

After the war he settled in Kansas City, Missouri and resumed the practice of law. He also engaged in the banking business. Reid died 22 November 1881 in Lees Summit, Jackson County, Missouri.

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