Born 6 Jul 1742 near New Market, NJ, John Reed entered service as a Sergeant of Spencer’s Additional Continental Regiment, 1 Feb 1777, and was commissioned Ensign, 12 May 1779. He retired 1 Jan 1781.

He returned to service in 1791, commissioned Lieutenant in the Levies of 1791. Reed was wounded in action with Indians at St. Clair’s defeat near Fort Recovery, Ohio, on 4 Nov, 1791; Lieutenant United States Infantry, 16 Mar, 1792; then assigned to 3d Sub Legion, 4 Sep, 1792. On 12 Nov, 1793, he was promoted to Captain, then honorably discharged, 1 Nov, 1796.

Died 16 Jun, 1829 at New Market, NJ.

Not to be confused with the other Original Member also named John Reed.