Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

CAPTAIN ROBERT REID

Capt. Robert Reid was one of the influential men of Saugatuck township, being identified with farming and fruit growing many years.

He was born in Ireland, March 22, 1827, and his early occupation was that of a sailor, four years sailing on the salt water. In 1849 he emigrated to America, made his way to Michigan where he continued as a captain on lake vessels for more than thirty years. He owned the schooner, Granger, plying between Chicago and various lake ports.

He was industrious and practiced self-denial and economy and in 1853 purchased sixty acres of land on the lake shore south of Douglas, which land at that time was a wilderness, but which was cleared and soon became one of the foremost farms of the time and in 1872 he retired from sailing, devoting the remainder of his life to horticultural pursuits, purchasing another forty acres, planting orchards of peach, apple, pear, cherry and all kinds of small fruit. He met great success in all his undertakings as he was progressive and practical.

Captain Reid was twice married, first to Mrs. Phoebe Durham (nee Weed) and to this union came two sons, Capt. Robert Reid and Alexander Reid, both of whom are deceased, the latter meeting death by accident while loading a vessel with lumber.

His second marriage was to Miss Jennie Weed and to them was born one son, Roy H., who still resides on a part of the old farm.

When Mr. Reid's death occurred in 1906, the community lost a most respected citizen, one who had been a friend to every civic improvement; he was also a devoted member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, exemplifying high and noble principles throughout his long and successful life.