John P. Reeder. There are few men in Wahpeton, Richland County, North Dakota, in the past ten years who have done more for its commercial interests and its growth and development than the man whose name heads this review. He is a prominent figure in business, political and social circles, is at present serving as mayor of the city, and is one of its leading merchants.

Mr. Reeder was horn in Lake County, Indiana, November 11, 1863, and there he continued to make his home until about eighteen years of age, being indebted to its schools for his educational privileges. In 1881 he removed to Minnesota, and after two years spent in that state he came to Wahpeton, where he was employed as clerk in a general store for about two years. He then embarked in business on his own account as a merchant, and today carries a large and well assorted stock of general merchandise, for which he finds a ready sale, having built up an excellent trade in the city and surrounding country.

In Lake County, Indiana, Mr. Reeder was married, in 1886, to Miss Josephine Schreiber, a native of that county, and they now have a family of four children: John, George, Gilbert and Herman. Socially Mr. Reeder is a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Foresters. He is one of the most influential and public-spirited citizens of Wahpeton and has made a most efficient and popular officer, doing all in his power to advance the interests of the city. He has served as mayor continuously since 1896, and prior to that time was one of the county commissioners of Richland County for years. He was also a member of the school board one year, and in 1894 was a candidate for the legislature on the Democratic ticket, and came within seven votes of being elected. In 1895 he erected the Wahpeton opera house which he still owns and conducts, and has been identified with a number of enterprises which have proved of public benefit.

Source: Compendium and History of North Dakota 1900 Page 197