Biographical History of Pottawattmie Co., IA

LAY D. REEL, a miller on Pigeon Creek, Pottawattamie County, was born in Crescent Township, this county, July 21, 1867. His grandparents came from Virginia to Indiana in 1822, were farmers by occupation and remained resident in Indiana the rest of their days. Mr. Perry Reel, Clay’s father, was born in Putman County, that State, July 9, 1839, and came to Pottawattamie county with his parents in 1852, they having taken up claims which they afterward bought. Mr. Reel remained here until his death, leaving seven children, viz.: Mary, Martha, Ella, Nancy (deceased), Sarah, Perry and William, who resides in Montana. Mr. Reel was married in 1862 to Miss Millie, daughter of Jonathan Branson; she was born in 1846. Leaving home, Mr. Reel bought a grist-mill an Pigeon Creek, which he ran in connection with his farm. The old home place he brought to its present perfection. He held all offices of the township with satisfaction to his fellow-citizens, was a straight Democrat, was elected Sheriff and re-elected in 1869. His term expiring in 1872 he returned to his farm, and in 1873 was elected County Treasurer, and re-elected once. In 1877 he was again elected Sheriff, and re-elected to this office again. He was without exception the most prominent man in the county, upright in his dealings and liberal, and too much cannot be said in his praise. He had a fine farm, well stocked. He died in political life, December 10, 1889, having had five children: Dora, Emma, Clay, Rose and Perry.

Mr. Clay D. Reel completed his school course in Councill Bluffs. At the age of twenty-two years, April 1, 1890, he married Miss Annie, daughter of William L. Walker, a native of Pennsylvania, who ultimately removed to Iowa. He had eight children: Annie, John, Harry, Maria, Effie, Orval, Bessie and Kittie; the last mentioned is deceased. Mrs. Reel was born August 15, 1869, finished her education in the high school at Des Moines and taught school three years. After his marriage, Mr. Reel rented a house in Crescent Township near the old home place, where he now lives. He is engaged in running a flouring-mill on Pigeon Creek, which now has the roller process and all the latest improvements. At the time of his father’s death he was enjoying a private retired life where there was a fine orchard of four acres. Lately a postoffice named Reel has been established at that point. Mr. Reel is a high-minded and popular citizen.

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