reid was born in glasgow, scotland, on 14 september 1853. his parents were alexander reid, a carter, and helen reid. the family emigrated to new zealand in 1860, arriving at lyttelton on the "william miles" on 21 august. they took up farming at southbridge and later moved to springfield. reid is thought to have possibly been trained as an apprentice by scott brothers in christchurch. on 28 june 1876 reid married janet whyte at christchirch and moved to opunake in 1882. reid bought land on bird road, ngaere, which he farmed. from about 1898 they lived in stratford. the reids had seven children. he was described as a hard man and a perfectionist. reid was also a reasonably good photographer with many of his photos now in the puke ariki collection.