Following an old custom, Joel Tharp deeded all his property to his only son, Gideon, leaving three daughters with nothing, or risking that in life's lottery they would find companions that would care for them and bear their burdens. This worked all right for the majority, but badly for the minority. Sarah was the oldest, and from the time she was seventeen, when her mother died from sunstroke, she took entire charge and care of the family. Her two sisters married first, and married well, while she remained single until she was thirty years of age, when she married Samuel F. Reed, a builder, aged thirty-two years, on March 24, 1833. Their married life was short, for he died on the 12th of the following October, so Mr. Reed, the subject of this sketch, entered this world as a posthumous child. His mother was able to care for her child until he was seven years of age, when she was advised to part with him, and send him " West " to those she trusted would care for him. She did not realize that she was virtually sending him out of the reach of civilization. At the age of seven he was sent to parties she had known years before, who had settled in the "Black River Country" (Leyden, Lewis County, N. Y.), which was then mostly a wilderness, with occasional settlements miles apart along what was known as the " State Road." There were no schools in that section, and consequently no means of enjoying those educational advantages which the youth of to-day have at their doors. In this frontier region Mr. Reed spent seven years of his boyhood with an aged couple who had nearly worn themselves out on a partly-cleared farm of two hundred acres. Being large for his age, very much of the work fell to his lot. There were no idle hours to waste away, nor had he any companions to divert him from his tasks. He acquired a rugged physique, grew to be self-reliant, learned to think for himself, obtained valuable experiences, and developed an individuality which has remained with him and characterized his life.

Seven years was a long time for him to have charge of all the matters on this farm, but at last relief came when his mother suddenly appeared in her anxiety to learn of his situation. At first he did not recognize her having forgotten her features. They very soon became acquainted again. He then showed her over the place, the hundred sheep and other animals, the amount of work he had to do and how he did it. It was easy for him to explain to her that this was no place for him; that while here he would always be a drudge and wear the tow-cloth frock and strap. She saw that his complaints were well founded and determined to find means to take him East with her. A few weeks after she took him to Meriden, and apprenticed him to learn the builder's trade. His first work here was done on the famous mansion of Moses Y. Beach (then proprietor of the New York Sun). This structure was erected from designs furnished by Architect Austin, of New Haven. Its cost was sixty thousand dollars, which was a great deal of money in those times when one dollar paid for one day (of twelve hours) of skilled labor. It was while learning his trade that he realized and felt the importance of an education. Just at this time a popular clergyman delivered a lecture on "The Powers of the Mind," in the school-house near by. The matter of this lecture made a deep impression on Mr. Reed, then about fifteen years of age. The lecturer had a trunk with him, containing various articles which he used in illustration during the lecture; along with these were books, some of which he discarded while closing his trunks. Among them were catalogues of publications, of which up to this time Mr. Reed had no knowledge. These books he gradually obtained, read, and re-read, until he thoroughly knew what they contained. His habits of study had attracted the attention of a physician (Dr. David Allen), who gave him access to his library and offered to guide him in his studies. At once his theme was medicine, and after two years' study he appeared before Dr. Sperry, of Hartford, for an examination and a certificate, which he obtained. He was still an apprentice and had some time yet to serve, which prevented the practice of his profession except during spare hours.

Gradually the subject of medicine became a secondary matter. As his skill in his trade developed he became intensely interested in its problems, and finally at the age of twenty-one with his chest of tools he settled in Flushing, L. I. He took his books with him and continued his studies, determined that he would not allow himself to be in ignorance on any subject. He very soon made the acquaintance of Prof. Howard Osgood (now of Rochester University), who kindly offered to give him instruction in the Greek language. This offer was gladly accepted and Strong's Epitome, as his primer, and Antigone, as a classic, were soon mastered. At the age of twenty-four he possessed an extensive library, including the works of Comb, Spurzheim, Lavater, Gall, Comte, Wayland, Nott and Gliddon, Dick, Koch, Gill, Dowling, Cavallo, Mattison, Silliman, Hale, Home, Plutarch, Good, Dodd. Esdale, and many others of like character, which he had studied industriously and become thoroughly familiar with.

A course of lectures by local talent having been proposed during the following winter, Air. Reed consented to deliver one entitled "Mental Science." The subject attracted the faculty of a nearby institution that attended the lecture. At its close an interview was requested and arranged for. The purpose of the interview was not stated, but turned out to be an examination, and unfolded the plan of establishing a class in mental philosophy with a request that he assume its leadership. Mr. Reed, though flattered by this request, could not with his retiring diposition enter a curriculum with which he was entirely unfamiliar, and believing that the walls and rules of such an institution would be too narrow and restraining for him declined the offer. He had discovered however, that with perseverance, industry, and indomitable energy he had acquired a broad and accurate knowledge of those studies and sciences which are usually taught only in colleges, and through his own efforts and personal exertions had secured a splendid education and laid the foundation of a most successful career.

For several years he was engrossed in the building business, which up to this time he regarded as his legitimate calling. Designing structures became an interesting part of his work, and to perfect himself in this branch he took a course of instruction under Prof. James McLean (brother of Judge McLean, of Ohio), who for twelve years was a designer on government work in Washington.

Now being fully equipped by practice and experience in designing as well as construction, his plans were sought after until his entire time was devoted to their execution. It must be gratifying to him in his travels in any direction to point out the works of his hands that stand as monuments of his taste and skill. For thirty years he has been located at No. 245 Broadway, New York City, opposite the City Hall, where he has planned an average of upward of one full set of original designs per month during the whole time. Buildings in every style and for all purposes are included in the list. He was the first to develop what has so long been known as the "Queen Anne Style," or more properly "Cottage Style." The Pinard cottages in Newport, R. I., represent his first work in that style. Mr. Reed is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and is the author of five publications on architecture specially intended to assist in the erection of convenient and comfortable cottages. How well this laudable endeavor to aid the deserving classes has been appreciated is best told in the fact that the sales of his first book outnumbered any other architectural work ever published.

For about twenty years his labors have been devoted to more elaborate structures. The residence of James A. Bailey (successor to P. T. Barnum) on St. Nicholas Avenue, New York City, is an interesting and distinct type. Bloomingdale Church, Sixty-eighth Street and Broadway, New York City, was where limestone was first used in that city. Collegiate Church on Second Avenue is a beautiful decorated Gothic. Mention of many other buildings of similar character that are now standing in many parts of the country might be made, but it is needless to extend the list here. We should mention his latest work as the Passaic County court house, at Paterson, N. J., which Mr. Reed secured in a competition, including forty-eight architects from all the principal cities. This beautiful structure is in classic design, of white marble, fire-proof throughout, surmounted with a dome, and will require four years for its construction.

We have entered at some length into the details of this story and lifework because of its lesson and tendency to inspire determination, hope. energy, and industry in the face of misfortune and disadvantages, and as an example it may be of infinite value to the younger readers. Mr. Reed started without the help of either father or mother, absolutely without means or friends to advise with, and could hope for nothing from his surroundings. In spite of all these adverse conditions he determined to work up and win at least the respect of intelligent men, and this he has done as all who know him will testify. His business has been his constant pleasure and to its development he has devoted his best energy. In early life he had no chance to join in sport with other boys, and to this day has never seen a ball game, shot a gun, worn a skate, or gone a fishing. He does, however, enjoy table games and is especially fond of chess. Be has decided convictions concerning any action, believing in any case that there clients and contractors in more than four hundred cases, he has been able to fully cover each case both professionally and judicially. We are sure no other living architect has such a record. is but one right way to act. Serving as the "balance wheel " between

For several years Mr. Reed has resided in Woodcliff, N. J., where he has taken an active part in public affairs. He was twice elected Mayor of Woodcliff, and afterward was elected Justice of the Peace. Subsequently he was appointed Commissioner of Deeds. The two latter positions he now holds. Mr. Reed is an interesting talker on religious matters, and for seven years served as a Deacon in the Baptist Church in Flushing, L. I. For seven years he was an Elder in the Reformed Church in New York City, and for the same period a member of the Classis of New York.