Biography - David Reeves
DAVID W. REEVES, a merchant of Reevesville, is a live business man, whose energy, sagacity in the management of his affairs, and enterprise have placed him among the leading men of his class in Johnson County. He was born in Jefferson County July 19, 1849. His father was Sampson Reeves, who was a native of Licking County, Ky., and a son of George Reeves, who was a farmer of that State until his removal to Jefferson County, Ill., in 1853. He had owned a farm in old Kentucky, but he carried on his occupation on a rented farm after he took up his residence in Jefferson County, where he died at a ripe age in 1877. His wife had preceded him to the grave.
Sampson Reeves was twenty-two years of age when he married and started in life for himself. His bride was Miss Annie B. Dirickson, a native of Ohio, whence her people went to Kentucky to live. When Mr. Reeves entered upon his independent career he had neither land nor money, but he was a good worker and did not lack those traits of character that are necessary to succeed in any walk of life. He first rented land, which he devoted to raising tobacco until 1852, but he did not find that profitable, as the merchants to whom he consigned it failed to pay him, and in that year he came to Illinois with his family, making the removal with wagons. After his arrival in Jefferson County he farmed as a renter for a few years, and then bought some forty acres of railroad land, which he improved into a desirable farm. He then sold it at a good price, and purchased a place in Washington County. He disposed of that two years later, and his next move was to Duncan County, Mo., where he pursued agriculture on rented land during his residence there of two years. There his wife died and was laid to rest in that soil. Returning to Illinois, he bought town property in Hamilton County, and lived there retired until his death, which occurred in 1887, and his mortal remains now repose not far from his last home. He was the father of ten children, as follows: Angeline, who married G. W. Quinn and died in Missouri; Melissa, who died when a child; Matilda, who died in Hamilton County; George W., who is engaged in the manufacture of lumber at Reevesville; Seth W., a farmer in Hamilton County; Daniel A., a merchant of Hamilton County; Francis Marion, who is assisting his brother David W. in his business; David Winchester; Charles A., who is in partnership with his brother George; and Louisa J., who died in Johnson County while on a visit and was buried in Hamilton County.
David Winchester Reeves, of this biographical review, was reared a farmer's boy, and, of course, had to make himself useful as soon as old enough to work. He obtained such an education as the public schools afforded, and gave his father his services until he was twenty -four years old. At that age he took charge of the engine in a sawmill, which he had previously operated eight months. He continued in that employment until he entered into partnership with his brother Daniel for the sale of merchandise in Hamilton County. They carried on business there six years, and at the end of that time removed to the present site of Reevesville, which then had no existence, and, though on the railway line, had not even a station as a nucleus of a village. But the brothers shrewdly foresaw its importance as a future trade center and were not slow in taking due advantage of such an opportunity. They built a box house, put in a stock of goods and started on their new venture, which has proved a great success.
They were instrumental in having the town platted, and, though it was named Wellington, it is usually known as Reevesville, which is the postoffice name and was conferred in their honor. November 12, 1891, our subject bought his brother's interest in the concern, and has since been sole proprietor. He carries a line assortment of general stock, and commands a large trade both in the village and in the surrounding county. He is a young man of exceptional business habits — alert and open-eyed in his dealings, and at the same time straightforward and square in all his transactions, prompt in his payments and standing high in the favor of his patrons and fellow-business men. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is sound in the faith. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, their names being associated with its every good work, and they are active in Sunday-school matters.
Mr. Reeves was married in 1882 to Miss John Emily Upchurch, who is from Hamilton County, where the mother still lives. Her parents were originally from Saline County. Her father was a brave soldier of the late war and gave up his life for his country while in the service. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves had six children, namely: Walter and Omer, at home; Eddie, who died in Hamilton County; Louella, who died in Hamilton County; Marion, who died in this county and was buried in Hamilton County; and Ollie, at home.
Extracted 01 May 2016 by Norma Hass from 1893 Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 242-243.
