William H. Reid
Missoula County
History of Montana, Sanders, 1913

During the nearly twenty five years of his residence in 
Missoula, William H. Reid has been actively connected with 
the industrial and mercantile life of the city in a leading 
way.  Mr. Reid is not a native of Montana or of this country, 
but he is as true an American as he could possibly be.  He 
was born in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, On July 
12, 1855 and his family was not long resident in that 
country, either, for his parents, John and Elizabeth Henry 
Reid, were natives of Ireland.  The father was born and 
reared in Londonderry in the Emerald Isle and came to New 
Brunswick when he was a young man. He made that country his 
home until his death in 1897.

William H. Reid grew to manhood in his native province and 
obtained his education in its schools.  He also learned his 
trade of tinsmith there and for a number of years worked at 
it in that country.  In 1883 he came to the United States 
and located in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he remained 
four years.  Then, in 1887 he sought a home in the farther 
west, moving to Montana and taking up his residence in 
Missoula.  Here he entered the employ of the Missoula 
Mercantile Company and for twenty three years had charge 
of all the manufacturing done in its tin and sheet iron 
department.  The business was extensive and his position 
was one of great responsibility, but he met its 
requirements in a way that gave entire satisfaction 
to the company and won the approval and commendation 
of its patrons.

In 1910, determining to go into business for himself, Mr. 
Reid bought the store and shops he now owns and conducts 
and since then he has largely increased their output and 
popularity.  although the business is an old one, 
established early in the eighties and notwithstanding 
it was extensive and well managed under its former 
proprietor, Mr. Reid has made many improvements in its 
equipment and facilities, extended its trade and raised 
it in rank among the industrial and commercial 
institutions of the city until now it is one of the 
most prominent among them.

On January 14, 1880, Mr. Reid was joined in wedlock with 
Miss Eliza Mayer, the nuptials being solemnized in New 
Brunswick Canada where both of the contracting parties 
were then living.  Mrs. Reid, is a native of England.  
Two children have blessed their union: Harriet, who is 
now the wife of E.B. Hord of Superior, Montana and their 
son, William G who is associated with his father in business.