Joseph Reed (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Reed
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| 3rd President of Pennsylvania | |
| In office December 1, 1778 – November 16, 1781 |
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| Vice President | George Bryan Matthew Smith William Moore |
| Preceded by | George Bryan |
| Succeeded by | William Moore |
| Member, Continental Congress | |
| In office 1778–1778 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 27, 1741 Trenton, Province of New Jersey, British America |
| Died | March 5, 1785 (aged 43) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Spouse | |
| Profession | Statesman, lawyer, military officer |
| Signature |  |
Joseph Reed (born August 27, 1741 – died March 5, 1785) was an important leader during the American Revolution. He was a lawyer, a military officer, and a statesman. Joseph Reed spent most of his life in Pennsylvania. He helped create the United States and signed the Articles of Confederation. This document was the first constitution of the United States. He also served as the President of Pennsylvania, a role similar to today's governor.
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Early Life and Education
Joseph Reed was born in Trenton, in the Province of New Jersey, in 1741. His father, Andrew Reed, was a shopkeeper. His mother was Theodosia Bowes. When Joseph was very young, his family moved to Philadelphia.
He went to Philadelphia Academy, which is now the University of Pennsylvania. In 1757, he earned his degree from the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University. After college, he began studying law with Richard Stockton. In 1763, Reed traveled to England to continue his law studies in London.
Marriage and Family
While studying in England, Joseph Reed met and fell in love with Esther de Berdt. She was the daughter of Dennis de Berdt, an agent for the Province of Massachusetts Bay. They married in May 1770 in London.
Soon after their marriage, Joseph and Esther sailed to North America in October 1770. They had five children together: Joseph, Denis de Berdt, George Washington, Esther, and Martha. Their son Joseph later became a well-known lawyer.
Military Service During the Revolution
When the American Revolutionary War began, Joseph Reed was a successful lawyer in Philadelphia. George Washington asked him to join the army. In 1775, Reed became a colonel. He worked closely with Washington as his secretary and aide-de-camp, which means he was a personal assistant to the general.
Reed helped design the first Navy Flag. On October 20, 1775, he wrote a letter describing the flag. It had a white background with a tree in the middle. The flag's motto was "Appeal to Heaven." This design became known as the Pine Tree Flag.
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In 1775, Reed became the Adjutant General of the Continental Army. This made him one of General Washington's most trusted officers. Washington often wrote to Reed and asked for his advice on important military decisions. Reed served in the army without pay until the war ended. He fought in many battles in the northern and eastern parts of the war.
In 1777, Reed was offered two important jobs: a brigadier general in the army and the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania's Supreme Court. He turned down both offers. In 1778, he was elected to the Continental Congress. At the same time, he also served as the President (Governor) of Pennsylvania.
Joseph Reed was known for his honesty. He was once offered a large sum of money, £10,000, and a powerful position. This was a bribe to get him to support the British. Reed famously replied, "I am not worth purchasing; but, such as I am, the King of Great Britain is not rich enough to do it." This showed his strong commitment to the American cause.
Political Leadership in Pennsylvania
In 1778, Joseph Reed was one of five delegates from Pennsylvania to sign the Articles of Confederation. This was the first official agreement that united the American states. On December 1, 1778, he was elected President of Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council. This role was like being the governor of the state.
Reed was very popular and received almost all the votes. He was re-elected twice, serving until November 15, 1781. During his time as president, Pennsylvania made important changes. One major achievement was passing a law in 1780 for the gradual end of slavery in Pennsylvania. This meant that slavery would slowly be abolished over time.
Reed also oversaw the awarding of "half-pay" for life to Revolutionary soldiers. This was a way to thank them for their service. He worked with James Madison in the Continental Congress to help plan the final victory at Yorktown. This led to the surrender of the British army led by Charles Cornwallis.
Later Life and Death
In 1784, Joseph Reed traveled to England hoping to improve his health. However, his health did not get better. He returned to Pennsylvania and passed away in Philadelphia on March 5, 1785. He was 43 years old. Joseph Reed was buried in Philadelphia's Laurel Hill Cemetery in 1868.
Images for kids
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Joseph Reed, painted by Pierre Eugène du Simitière.
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Joseph Reed's signature.
