The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Reed, James Alexander
1861–1944, American political leader, b. near Mansfield, Ohio. He moved to Iowa and was admitted (1885) to the bar, practicing there and later in Missouri. He was (1898–1900) an extremely successful prosecuting attorney of Jackson co., Mo., and then served (1900–1904) as mayor of Kansas City, Mo. As Democratic senator (1911–29) from Missouri, he adamantly opposed national prohibition and U.S. participation in the League of Nations. In 1928 he was a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, but lost it to Alfred E. Smith.
