Reed was in private practice , in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , from 1875 to 1891 . In 1877 , he formed the law firm of Knox and Reed ( later Reed Smith ) with Philander C. Knox . He became a federal judge in 1891 and , following his resignation from the bench the following year , Reed resumed private practice in Pittsburgh , from 1892 to 1927 . Reed and Knox were members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club , which had a clubhouse upriver of Johnstown , Pennsylvania . It was responsible for maintenance of the South Fork Dam , which failed in May 1889 , causing the Johnstown Flood and severe losses of life and property downriver . When word of the dam 's failure was telegraphed to Pittsburgh , Frick and other members of the South Fork Club gathered to form the Pittsburgh Relief Committee for assistance to the flood victims
Johnstown Flood
Johnstown Flood
James Hay Reed