John Reid

John Reid was a U.S. Representative from Missouri, serving in the House of Representatives during a tumultuous period in American history. A member of the Democratic Party, Reid's political career was marked by his involvement in the Civil War and his subsequent expulsion from Congress. His life spanned significant events in U.S. history, including the Mexican-American War and the early years of the Civil War, reflecting the complexities of the era, particularly regarding issues of slavery and statehood.

Early life and career

John Reid was born on June 14, 1821, near Lynchburg, Virginia. His early life was shaped by the socio-economic conditions of the South, and he eventually moved to Missouri in 1840. There, he began his career as a schoolteacher while simultaneously studying law. By 1844, Reid had been admitted to the Missouri bar and commenced his legal practice in Jefferson City. His legal career would later intertwine with his political ambitions.

Reid's military service began when he became a captain during the Mexican-American War. He led a company in Doniphan's Regiment, participating in notable battles, including the Battle of Sacramento, where he sustained injuries. His military experience also included an expedition against the Navajo in New Mexico, which further solidified his reputation as a leader.

In addition to his military service, Reid was involved in the contentious political climate of the 1850s. He participated in pro-slavery raids in Kansas, a region rife with conflict over the issue of slavery. Notably, he led a group of pro-slavery raiders during the Battle of Osawatomie in August 1856, which resulted in casualties on both sides, including members of John Brown's faction. Reid's actions during this period reflected the intense divisions that characterized the pre-Civil War United States.

Reid's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served from 1854 to 1856. His tenure included efforts to revise the state's statutes. In 1856, he acquired land near the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, contributing to the development of what would become Kansas City. He played a role in organizing the town's Chamber of Commerce in 1857, indicating his commitment to local economic development.

House tenure

Reid's congressional career began when he was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-seventh Congress, representing Missouri's 5th congressional district. His term commenced on March 4, 1861, during a period of escalating tensions leading up to the Civil War. Reid's time in Congress was brief, lasting less than a year. He was one of only two Congressmen to vote against the Crittenden-Johnson Resolution, which aimed to preserve slavery in the face of the Union's challenges. This vote was significant, as it illustrated Reid's alignment with pro-slavery sentiments at a time when the nation was deeply divided.

On December 2, 1861, Reid was expelled from Congress, along with fellow Democrat Henry C. Burnett of Kentucky, for having taken up arms against the Union. However, Reid had already resigned from his congressional seat on August 3, 1861, prior to the expulsion. His resignation and subsequent actions reflected his commitment to the Confederate cause during the Civil War. He served as a volunteer aide to former Missouri Governor and Confederate General Sterling Price and took on the role of a commissioner adjusting claims against the Confederate Government.

Reid's congressional career was marked by controversy and conflict, as he navigated the complexities of loyalty and governance during a time of national crisis. His expulsion from Congress underscored the severe consequences faced by those who aligned themselves with the Confederacy.

Legislative focus and committees

During his brief tenure in the House of Representatives, Reid's legislative focus was heavily influenced by the prevailing issues of his time, particularly the contentious debates surrounding slavery and the Union's integrity. His vote against the Crittenden-Johnson Resolution highlighted his commitment to pro-slavery policies, which were increasingly at odds with the prevailing sentiments of the Unionist majority in Congress.

Reid's involvement in legislative matters was limited due to the short duration of his term. His expulsion from Congress effectively curtailed any significant contributions he might have made to legislative committees or policy discussions during that period. The political landscape of the time was characterized by intense polarization, and Reid's actions reflected the broader conflicts that were unfolding across the nation.

After his congressional term, Reid returned to Missouri, where he continued to engage in various business ventures. He played a significant role in the development of Kansas City, particularly in securing the construction of the Hannibal Bridge, which became a crucial infrastructure project for the region. This bridge facilitated economic growth and transformed Kansas City into a burgeoning urban center.

Reid's post-congressional career was marked by success in law, banking, and real estate, allowing him to accumulate considerable wealth. His contributions to the development of Kansas City and his involvement in local commerce underscored his ongoing influence in the region.

John Reid passed away on November 22, 1881, in Lees Summit, Missouri. He was survived by his second wife and sons, and he was interred in what became the family vault at Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City. His life and career reflect the complexities of a nation grappling with profound issues of identity, governance, and morality during one of its most challenging eras.