Peter Reed, a painter known for landscapes and depictions of literary figures, including scenes from "Pilgrim's Progress" by Paul Bunyan, was born in Boston. By 1844, he had relocated to Cincinnati, where he worked as a house and sign painter. In 1850, he moved to Indiana, first settling in Vernon and later living in Indianapolis from 1860 to 1863. Reed also taught English, painting, and drawing at Whitewater College in Centerville, Indiana. Although he frequently painted in Vermont and other parts of New England, his works are now rare. Reed passed away in 1887 at his son's home in Burlington, Iowa.
