James R. Reid

James R. Reid
James R. Reid in 1896
2nd President of Montana State University
In office 1894–1904
Preceded by	Augustus M. Ryon
Succeeded by	James M. Hamilton
Personal details
Born	1849 Dundas County, Ontario, Canada
Died	December 12, 1937 (about 88 years) Riverside, California, United States
Spouse(s)	Ella Holden Reid
Children	Two
Alma mater	McGill University
Profession	Teacher, college president
Religion	Presbyterian
Website	www.montana.edu

James R. Reid (1849 — December 12, 1937) was a Canadian American who was a Presbyterian minister. He served as the second president of Montana State University from 1894 to 1904.

James R. Reid was born in 1849 in Dundas County, Ontario, Canada, to Samuel and Nancy (Marlin) Reid. His father was an Ulster Scot born in County Londonderry, Ireland, and his mother was an Ulster Scot born in County Antrim, Ireland. His mother was born in 1812, and emigrated to Canada in 1828. Samuel and Nancy married in 1835, and Samuel died in 1860. Reid was one of 11 children, only seven of which survived into adulthood. Nancy Reid lived, never remarrying, until 1908.

Reid spent his childhood working on his father's farm, and attended local public school. After graduation from junior high school at the age of 16, he taught public school in a neighboring public school system. He later attended high school in Metcalfe, Ontario, although it is not clear if he graduated. After leaving high school, Reid worked in the lumber business for five years, then emigrated to the United States and spent two years working at various jobs in New York City.

Deciding to continue his education, Reid enrolled at the University of Toronto and then transferred to the Collegiate Institute in Hamilton, Ontario. He then transferred to McGill University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1881. Reid decided to enter the ministry, and studied theology for two years at Union Theological Seminary in New York city. This was followed by two more years of theological study at The Presbyterian College of Montreal, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. He spent another year in theological study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.