The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1914-02-06
THE COMMERCIAL
FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 6, 1914.
w. D. Reeves.

News Of the sudden death Of w. d.
Reeves at Helena, Ark, Tuesday was
a distinct shock to his many friends in
Obion County. The particulars are re-
lated by the Helena correspondent OF
fhe Commercial Appeal on another page
Of the paper this week.
William Dickson Reeves was the son
of w. D. Reeves. sr., born in obion
County in 1856 and reared in the vi
cinity Of Old Ebenezer. His parents
were of the sturdy old pioneer stock,
settling in the county in its early days,
God fearing, noble men and women.
and they notable example of all the
best citizenship of those days. In these
surroundings, somewhat humble, the
boyhood Of Dick Reeves was spent. His
opportunities Tor school were meagre
indeed. As a young man he entered
the store OF his uncle, John Reeves, at
Troy, but remained only short time
there. After his fathers death he was
kept busy on the farm, taking care OF
his mother and family which to him
were sacred and binding duties until the
day OF his death. Ambition seized him
after time. In the midst Of forest
of the finest timber in the world he be-
gan the struggle for bigger fields Of use
fllness. His first venture was logging,
then with mill in the country near
Hornbeak he began to saw lumber.
From this he acquired tract oftimber,
oak and poplar, giants OF the primeval
forest, on the banks Of Reelfoot Lake,
the finest perhaps the county produced,
and, with indomitable will and the
forces that move the industrial world,
he did what no other man had ventured
to move the timber from the big
steep bluffs of the lake and cut it into
lumber. In 1889 the writer was with
him. He had enlarged his plant and
also joined forces with the Mcdonald
Bros. at Obion. 1t was busy year and
the gains we're exceedingly large. The
next year the interests Of Reeves & Nc
Donald Bros. were consolidated and a
very large territory OF land and timber
along what is known as Crawley's Ridge
in Arkansas was acquired In the
spring of 1890 the mills and equipment
were moved to LaGrange and there en-
larged from time to time. After few
years Reeves & Mcdonald Bros. dis.
solved and continued in the same line Of
business independently. Mr.. Reeves
moved to Helena and his business in.
terests expanded until he commanded Q
number OF mills, finishing and veneer
ing plants. together with some river
craft for the timber and lumber trade
He also became interested in the public
affairs OF Helena, recognized always as
a leader and man OF the most wonder.
full native resources and optimism, com
bined with spirit OF the highest courage
and honor.
In December, 1891, w. d. Reeves
was united in marriage to Miss Louise
Weir, at Greenville, KY. The wedding
itinerary carried them to California, anc
after some months residence in st
Louis they settled at home in Helena
where the union has been abundantly
blessed with good health and happiness
Five children we're born, the eldest, Mis-
Louise, at school when her father died
Frank, Dickson, James and Elizabeth.
Mr.. Reeves connected himself with thu
Presbyterian Church in st. Louis some
years ago, and since then has been loya
10 its institutions and teachings.
Dick Reeves was heroic figure. Ma
ture stirred him to rise above the ordi
nary surroundings. The true type o.
American genius, he was man o
thought and action, breadth and char
acter, strength of purpose and uncon
querable spirit. His vision was clear
discernment keen. HIS mental grasI
was large, his moral courage and man
hood unquestioned. Tender as child
he was commanding among men. The
elements in him were so comminglec
that all nature called him man.
In the meridian of this wonderful life
he was stricken and the walks OF mer
will behold him no more As either
we offer him the highest tribute, as 8
friend we drop a silent tear. From the
host OF friends in this city and county
the kindest condolences are extended tc
the bereaved family.