Joseph Reed
Joseph Reed (August 27, 1741 – August 30, 1796) was a lawyer, and President of Pennsylvania's supreme executive council from 1778-1781. He was also a member of the Continental Congress in 1778, and a signer of the Articles of Confederation.
Early life
Reed was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on August 27, 1741. As a young man, he attended Philadelphia Academy, and later studied law at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) from which he graduated in 1757. He was admitted to the bar in 1762, and subsequently spent two additional years studying law at Middle Temple in London. Upon returning to America, he moved to Philadelphia.
Continental Congress
Joseph Reed served as a delegate from Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1778, during which time he signed the Articles of Confederation.
Death
Reed died in Philadelphia on March 5, 1785; he was interred in the Arch Street Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Notable
- Reed served as aide-de-camp and secretary to General George Washington in 1775; subsequently, he served as adjutant general of the Army from June 5, 1776, to January 22, 1777.
- Reed served as President of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania—a position which would be equivalent to a governorship today.[1]
Quotes
- "Honored will that State be in the annals of history which shall first abolish this violation of the rights of mankind." [2]
