PAUL LYON REID, the enterprising grocer and breeder of fine blooded Shetland ponies, residing at Sullivan, Indiana, was born January 28, 1873, in Sullivan county, Indiana, and is the son of James Thomas and Susan (Lyon) Reid. The father was born in this county, and died about 1900, while the mother was a native of Owen county, Indiana, and now resides at Sullivan. The father was a miller and merchant, operating the Sullivan Roller Mills for a number of years, and he was also a grocer. He served in the Eighty-fifth Indiana regiment during the Civil war period for the term of three years. Politically, he was a firm defender of Republican principles in party politics. He belonged to the Masonic order, being a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Five children were born to them, as follows: William, deceased; Maude, wife of H. K. Ross, of Sullivan; Paul Lyon, of this memoir; Lola, widow of C. D. Taylor, residing in Sullivan; Ruth, deceased.
Paul L. Reid attended DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, for two years, after which he returned home and was employed by the Electric Light Company (of which his father was at that time superintendent) for five years. He was associated with his father in the milling and grocery business up to 1900, when he engaged in the grocery trade on his own account, continuing until the present time. He carries a full line of staple and fancy groceries and has an excellent trade, both within and without the city. Politically, like his father, he is a Republican. He is a Mason, being a member of both the blue lodge and chapter at Sullivan; he is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
June 29, 1894, he was united in marriage to Josephine Ensminger, born in Sullivan county, Indiana, October 12, 1874, daughter of Joseph and Jennie (Benefield) Ensminger. Mrs. Reid was educated at the public schools of her native county. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reid: Mildred, born February 21, 1896; James T., born May 8, 1897; Ruth, born September 5, 1899.
Besides the busy cares of his grocery business, Mr. Reid conducts another industry-a Shetland pony farm. He carries in stock all the time from thirty to forty head of fine Shetland ponies. His pony farm contains one hundred and thirty-four acres and is known as the "Walnut Grove Shetland Farm." He owns one exceptionally beautiful as well as valuable sire of a spotted color. The animals from this farm are shipped to every part of the country. This unique and profitable business has been carried on by Mr. Reid for six years and more.