REED FAMILY
Otoe County, Nebraska
Matthew Gooding Reed was one of three brothers who came to Nebraska and homesteaded in South Branch Precinct of Otoe County. Some of his personal history has been furnished to the Otoe County NEGenWeb Project.
Matthew Gooding Reed was born October 31, 1831 in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio. His parents were Thomas and Jane (Robinson) Reed. He married first Ruth Ann Smith on April 20, 1859 at Brighton, Washington County, Iowa. She was the mother of all of his children. He married second Eugenie Purdy on July 20, 1884. Matthew died August 15, 1902 near Burr, Otoe County, Nebraska.
Some of the history of Matthew Gooding Reed's life has
been recorded . His biography can be found in the 1882 History
of Nebraska for Otoe County, Part 20, McWilliams
precinct biographies.
Another history of Matthew Gooding Reed was recorded by a descendant in the 1983 Otoe County History which was co-sponsored by the Otoe County Historical Society and Otoe Couny Museum Society. The descendant, Erma Ruth (Reed) (Carpenter) Conkel, was a granddaughter of Matthew G. and Ruth Ann (Smith) Reed, born January 22, 1909 and died May 24, 1999 in Otoe County.
The pictures and descriptions below have been contributed by Leona L. Gustafson, whose husband, David Keith Gustafson, is a great-great grandson of Matthew and Ruth Ann (Smith) Reed.
The pictures were originally shared by another descendant,
Gail Reed, of Custer County, Nebraska. He is also a
great-great grandson of Matthew and Ruth Ann Reed. His
great-grandfather was their youngest child, and just ten
days old when his mother - Ruth Ann (Smith) Reed - died. His
generosity is very much appreciated.
In 1859, Matthew left his young bride in Iowa and traveled to Otoe County, Nebraska. He staked a claim on 120 acres on August 27, 1859, located halfway between the modern-day towns of Nebraska City and Lorton. He then returned to Iowa to live until 1862. At that time he brought his wife and two children to the homestead and twelve more children were born to them. Matthew was active in the community, serving as an election official and holding several appointed offices. He donated land for a school and taught several terms. He also helped to build the Hopewell church and cemetery where he was later buried. The date of this picture is not known.
MATTHEW GOODING REED
Matthew Gooding Reed is buried in the Hopewell Cemetery, Burr, Nebraska.
MATTHEW GOODING REED GRAVESTONE
Ruth Ann Smith married Matthew Gooding Reed in Brighton, Washington County, Iowa on April 20, 1859. According to the Otoe County History article (1983) mentioned above, she was born April 4, 1842 at White Water, Indianna to John and Rebecca (Mendenhall) Smith. She and Matthew had fourteen children: Alice, Rebecca, Jane, Lucy, Annette, Ida, Solon, Roy, Len, Dora, Ruth, and Matthew. Two boys who died young were Dwight and Walter Reed.
RUTH ANN (SMITH) REED
Another version of the picture of Ruth Ann (Smith) Reed.
RUTH ANN (SMITH) REED
Ruth Ann (Smith) Reed suffered an unusual death in August, 1881. Copies of the newspaper articles pertaining to her death have been placed in the USGenWeb Archives by Leona Gustafson.
Death of Mrs. Ruth Ann (Smith) Reed
Special note:
Ruth Ann (SMITH) REED and all her direct lineal descendants are descended from Mayflower passenger, George SOULE, the 35th signer of the Mayflower Compact. For additional information and assistance in applying for membership in the Society of Mayflower Descendants, contact Henry Rogge. Henry is Ruth Ann's great-grandson and 11th generation from George SOULE.
Matthew Gooding Reed built this home for his family. He was said to be an expert carpenter, and built the house almost entirely by himself.
Reed home
Visit the family history page of Leona Gustafson, the contributor of this information.
Gustafson - Wichman Ancestry
Photos From The Past | Otoe Co. NEGenWeb
Copyright © 2003 by Otoe Co. NEGenWeb