Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-07-27
WILLIAM M. REECE.

way of his were you TO nave tolu hili'
that his end should come by drowning
IN small basin of the Des MONIES
river. After sixty years filed WIN
much adventure and travel on land anu
water, a brave and strong man, VIII
liam M. Reece met his death in water
hole scarcely wider than the street
pavement. He was in the prime of life.
a strong swimmer Was it a case OF
cramps, or syncope? No doubt it was
something of this kind Whatever it
be, we are again reminded that Death
chooses the time and way of its own
harvest.
All Ottumwans are saddened by this
latest Of river tragedies. He was so
unassuming, withal so really demo-
cratic, always so kindly and genial
spirit that very many knew him and
all who knew him, sincerely loved
Will Reece. III
Yet there was another side to this
man not fully understood by many.
Not few of his neighbors fully appre-
ciated and, widely scattered through
out the nation, there are many who
had come to know this other side of
the man. w. NJ Reece was endowed
with far more than ordinary talent and
ability. He possessed mind of great
native vigor. A mechanic. giving his
days up to long hours of hard labor, he
nevertheless found time and DISPOSE
ton to improve his mind with study.
For twelve years he was committee
clerk in congress. Here he was recog-
nized as something far more than Il
mere clerk He enjoyed the respect
and confidence of many senators and
congressman His relations with such
men we're those of personal friendship
and confidence.
Mr.. Reece was able to take in the
deeper and wider meaning of problems
handled in the national congress.
Above the work Of a mere clerk he
performed the Office of colleague,
friend and adviser with the men shap-
ing our public policies, and as such a
friend and colleague he will be mourn.
ed by many who were then active in
national affairs.
He was kind father, devoted hus-
band. an obliging neighbor, good citi
zen and friend.
In his passing, Ottumwa suffered a
real loss.
Men who will frankly and openly
give expression to their carefully
thought out views, aid in elevating a
city and its people. They are the ele'
ment which gives power to public
opinion.
Mr.. Reece was possessed of Singh
larly keen analytical mind. When prob
lens presented themselves, he studied
them and formed an opinion only after
mature thought. His was not snap
Judgment. And having formed an
oninion he was remarkably frank IN
giving expression to it. Whether on
political, religious, business, civic or
personal matters, Mr.. Reece had the
courage of his convictions and he
never hesitated to express his views
because he happened to be in mir
ority.
It is an unfortunate truth that such
rugged honesty and fearlessness as
distinguished Mr.. Reece, sometimes
works against a general recognition OF
true worth. The man who dares to ex-
nress his own views when they are at
variance with yours, is often more ap-
preciated after death than before. In
life. these kind of men are balance
wheels for the public; they throw cold
water on wild bursts of enthusiasm
and they keep good movements going
when other impetus fails. ..,
Today, none are louder in their
praise of Mr.. Reece, than those with
whom he differed They know him
now for what he was-a truly worth
1T