"James E.Reed."

James of two important African American photographers in New Bedford's (Massachusetts),early history.James  had begun to take pictures of city streets,whaleships,and people,whether African American,or white.By 1895,he was bringing in enough revenue to open his own studio,which he did with his partner Phineas C.Headley.Headley & Reed were the premier studio 5 Purchase Street in New Bradford and ran a successful business from 1890-1896.For unknown reasons Phineas left the business in 1896,James continued on at this location for another four years until 1900.James struck out on his own at another location.James married Anna Jourdain and occupied a homestead at 172 Arnold Street,one of two octagon houses in New Bedford in 1880.His wife studied at the Swain School of Design and used the skills she learned there to embellish James's photo by coloring and tinting them.This breathed into otherwise black and white photo ads surley contributed to the popularity of Headley & Reed in eventually James when he struck out on his own.His wife also worked on Tiffany style lampshades for the famous Pairpoint Company of New Bedford.Their home was built in 1866 for the beard family,became known as the Reeed house as the family occupied the site for over 100 years until 1992 when it was sold to Gary & Lyn Newton.On the 100th anniversary (March 17,1991) of the Reed family having occupied the home,they held an open house.They had at least one child,Elise Jourdain Cole who lived until passing away on March 24,1996 living to the age of 102.