He graduated from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island in 1803, and was a tutor of languages in that institution for two years, and principal of the Bridgewater, Massachusetts Academy in 1806 and 1807.
He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
He was chairman of the Committee on Revisal and Unfinished Business (Twenty-second Congress).
Reed died in West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Interment was in Mount Prospect Cemetery, Bridgewater, Massachusetts.