Reed, William, 1806-1876

Dates

• Existence: 1806 - 1876

Biography

William Bradford Reed (June 30, 1806 – February 18, 1876) was an American attorney, politician, diplomat, academic and journalist from Pennsylvania. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1834 to 1835. He was elected Pennsylvania State Attorney General in 1838 and served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 1st district in 1841. He served as U.S. Minister to China in 1857. His pro-confederacy views put him in conflict with other Pennsylvania politicians. He was a published author of multiple books including the biographies of his grandfather, General Joseph Reed and grandmother Esther de Berdt.