he’d write the essays he’d read in his own words

[anhnha]

Always working to educate himself and refine his writing skills, Franklin began regularly reading essays published in The Spectator, a British daily paper. A few days later, he’d write the essays he’d read in his own words, and then compare his work with the original.

Source: Benjamin Franklin

I am having some problems understanding the bold phrase above. Could you explain them?
Are "d"s here the contractions of "would"?
What is the meaning of them?

 

[J&K Tutoring]

he’d write the essays he’d read in his own words

He would write the essays he had read in his own words.

This would be more clear as: ... he’d write in his own words the essays he’d read...

 

[anhnha]

Well, thanks a lot. I had no idea that the second d is "had".
Is "would" here used in the sense that the action that happens regularly in the past?
Link: would - Longman Dictionary

 

[MikeNewYork]

Yes. It was his habit to do that.