The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1914-02-06
w. D. REEVES LOSES LIFE
IN AUTO ACCIDENT
Pinned Under Machine When 1t
Skidded Into Ditch.


Helena, Ark, Feb. 3.-Helena, Phil
lips County and the entire numbering
fraternity OF the South and Southwest
sustained an irreparable loss at o'clock
this afternoon when the life of William
Dixon Reeves OF the w. d. Reeves Lum-
Der Industry, Of this city, was snuffed
out as the result of an automobile acct
dent few yards from his home, the
huge six-cylinder Winton which the un-
fortunate gentleman was driving, skid
ding from the thoroughfare into the
ditch paralleling its way, and his life
crushed out as the result of being pinned
under it.
Mrs. Reeves, while spared the agony
OF Witnessing the tragedy enacted almost
in front of the Reeves home on Beech
street, was at the side of her stricken
husband within few moments follow
ing the accident. Frank Reeves, the
young son OF the deceased, who, with
his father, was just starting on hunt
ing expedition and who occupied seat
in the rear OF the car, was lifted out I'M
hurt.
Details of the tragedy which cost the
city Of Helena one of its most esteemed
citizens and removed from the numbering
and manufacturing world throughout
the South one its foremost representa-
tives, spread quickly over the shocked
community and assistance poured upon
the afflicted family in abundance from
all sides.
According to those best advised as to
the details of the deplorable affair, Mr..
Reeves, with his young son, Frank, was
Just leaving the Reeves home on brief
hunting expedition. The house, which
occupies a position near the foot OF
Beech street and close to the terminus
OF steep hill, had just been left by ia
ther and son in the car. A few yards
away the road makes an abrupt turn
and skillful driving is necessary under
all conditions to make the curve with
out danger OF running into the parallel
ing ditch.
Owing to recent rains the thorough
fare was in most treacherous state,
and the huge car, Immediately after
leaving the house, started upon its Jour-
ney OF death, skidding 20 or more feet,
being beyond all control and burylng
itself with crash in the engulflng abyss
at the side.
Mrs, Reeves, who was upon the scene
within few seconds thereafter, assisted
in extricating her husband from the
wreck, his removal to the home being
but matter of few minutes.
Physicians, hurriedly summoned, gave
little hope, the wheels of the machine
resting upon the stricken mans breast,
crushed his ribs, which lacerated bis
lungs and produced death within ~
minutes.
Mr.. Reeves was conscious during prac-
tically the whole OF the brief interval Of
life left him and spoke once, asking Tor
air.
Deceased was born in 0bion County,
Tenn. in 1856, removing to this vicinity
"a years ago and engaging IN the active
lumber business in Helena proper lot
IL years.
He was president and owner OF the
Reeves Lumber Company, OF this CITY
one of the largest hardwood numbering
industries in the South, and was gener-
ally known and esteemed throughout
the South. He is survived by his wife
and five children, the eldest, Louise
now being away at school, and Frank
Dixon, James and Elizabeth, also by
brother, E. L. Reeves, at Iexarkana'
Tex, and two sisters, Mrs. J. r Adams
and Miss Sue Reeves, Union City.