His father was Attorney Israel Washburn II, LLD (1755–1851) and his mother was Abiah King (1762–1842).
He graduated from Brown University in 1815, then studied law in Paris, Maine, under Albion Parris.
Reuel Washburn unsuccessfully ran thrice for election to the United States House of Representatives.
He married Delia King in Raynham, Massachusetts, in 1820 His son was Ganem W. Washburn, Wisconsin State Senator and circuit court judge.
[1][2][3] His son was Ganem W. Washburn, Wisconsin State Senator and circuit court judge.