Daniel Gray Reid (1858-1925) was one of Richmond, Indiana's most prominent philanthropist and public benefactors. This small collection documents the last years of Reid's life. Reid was born in Richmond, August 1, 1858, the son of Daniel and Ann (Gray) Reid. His father, a native of Virginia, was a leading local merchant and part of the extended family of Reids and Scotts that made up most of the membership of the local United Presbyterian Church. Daniel Gray Reid was a janitor and messenger with the Second National Bank, rising to be its vice-president by 1895. In 1891, Reid embarked on the career that would make him a multimillionaire. With William B. Leeds of Richmond, he purchased a tin plate factory in Elwood, Indiana. With steady growth, they were able to purchase other Midwestern operations, and in 1898 organized the American Tin Plate Company capitalized at $46, 000, 000. This and several related enterprises were absorbed into U.S. Steel when it was organized in 1901. Reaping millions from his tin plate investments, Reid moved to New York City in 1901. He organized the American Can Company; took control of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad, and became president of the Tobacco Products Company. His benefactions to Richmond included Reid Memorial Hospital, in memory of his first parents. In ill heath after 1920, Reid died in New York City January 17, 1925.

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