James Hay Reed

James Hay Reed (September 10, 1853 – June 17, 1927) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. With partner Philander C. Knox, he formed the law firm of Knox and Reed.

Early life and education

Born on September 10, 1853, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Reed received a Master of Arts degree in 1872 from the Western University of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pittsburgh) and read law in 1875.

Career Reed was in private practice, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1875 to 1891. Despite a history of neglect and Daniel Johnson Morrell campaigning to club officials, especially to Ruff, its founder, regarding the safety of the dam, to no avail; the club was never held legally responsible for the disaster. Knox and Reed successfully argued that the dam's failure was a natural disaster, which was an Act of God, and no legal compensation was paid to the survivors of the flood. He also achieved some fame from settling a "bitter dispute" between fellow club members, business partners Andrew Carnegie and co-founder Henry Clay Frick, a decade later.

Federal judicial service Reed was nominated by President Benjamin Harrison on February 10, 1891, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania vacated by Judge Marcus W. Acheson. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 20, 1891, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on January 15, 1892, due to his resignation.

Legacy

American lake freighter SS James H. Reed (launched in 1903) was named after him.