Born in Alburgh, Vermont, Reed read law in 1870.

[1][2] Reed was nominated by President Theodore Roosevelt on March 5, 1904, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa vacated through the retirement of Judge Oliver Perry Shiras.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 7, 1904, and received his commission the same day.

After over fifteen years of active service, he assumed senior status on November 30, 1921.

Reed's service ended when he died at his home in Cresco on February 22, 1924.