A Wilson Family Tree
Notes for Willis Long Reeves Jr.
"Obituary Record of Graduates of Yale University Deceased during the Academical Year ending in June, 1905" (obtained from http://mssa.library.yale.edu/obituary_record/1859_1924/1904-05.pdf):
WILLIS LONG REEVES, son of Willis Long Reeves, a farmer and for a number of years Clerk of the Circuit and County Court of Todd County, Ky., was born at Elkton in that county, September 6, 1841. His mother's name was Caroline (Wilson) Reeves. He was prepared for college at Green River Academy, Elkton, but did not join the class until the beginning of Junior year.
After graduation he returned to his native place, and since then had lived on a six hundred acre farm near there. He was also part proprietor of the flouring mill of Reeves & Bradshaw. He was a democratic member of the State Legislature for two terms (1871 to 1873), Attorney of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad for many years following, Master Commissioner of Todd County Circuit Court from 1880 to 1886, Circuit Judge of the Fifth Judicial District of Kentucky from September of the latter year to January, 1893, and held the same office in the Seventh Judicial District for five years thereafter. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Treasurer of the General Assembly of this church for a number of years.
Judge Reeves died at Dawson Springs, Hopkins County, Ky., May 25, 1904, in the 63d year of his age.
He married, March 1, 1877, Elizabeth Christine, daughter of Thornton Weathers, a farmer residing near Cox's Creek, Nelson County, Ky., and had two daughters, the younger of whom graduated at Oxford College, O., in 1903. Mrs. Reeves died in August, 1903.
Another obituary (obtained from the Trewolla Moskop Haas Mansfield Tree web site):
Judge Willis L. Reeves is dead. This sad message was received at 8:30 o'clock this morning by relatives in this city and it proved a shock to the entire community. Judge Reeves was at Dawson Springs where he passed away this morning at 7 o'clock, dying suddenly. His daughter, Carrie and relative, S. H. Wells, of this city, were fortunately with the deceased in his dying hour. The remains will reach this city tonight and the funeral at 10:30 A.M. tomorrow; services from the residence, interment in Glenwood.
Elkton had no more distinguished or cultured citizen than Judge Willis L. Reeves. His reputation was not only established at home but his life and eminent services on the bench and in legal circles, had given him a national reputation. He was the peer of any in legal lore, a student, always a genial companion, a kind husband and father and a good citizen. He had just rounded out his three score years of useful and hard work.
Judge Reeves was the recipient of many honors at the hands of his people, being representative, master commissioner and for twelve years circuit judge of this district where his great legal ability so often made itself felt and appreciated.
He was born in the suburbs of this city, where he always lived, owning one of the prettiest country homes near town. Only a few months ago his companion, whose maiden name was Lizzie Weathers, left him for the beyond. Two children were born to the pair and now survive them, to wit: Mrs. W. H. Rudy and Miss Caroline Reeves.
Judge Reeves took an active interest in the affairs of state, and his counsels were sought all over his district and state. He was master of great problems, a graduate of Yale, a Mason, modest and plain, kind and true. In religion, he was a staunch Cumberland Presbyterian and had for many years been a member of Dr. Gill's church.
The state and district will join his home city in paying tribute to so eminent a citizen, lawyer, jurist, father, husband and friend.
From the Willis Long Reeves notes (obtained from the Trewolla Moskop Haas Mansfield Tree web site):
Judge Reeves was born on November 6, 1841 and died at Dawson Springs, Kentucky on May 25, 1904. He was Circuit Judge of his circuit for many years. Judge Reeves ran for the Court of Appeals and was so confident of election that it is said that he sat "on his front porch and rocked" not choosing to electioneer. He was defeated by a man names [sic] Guffy and it is said that he was broken hearted and died soon after. [One sentence moved from here to notes for Willis Long Reeves Sr.]
Judge Reeves had two daughters; Roxie Gray Reeves (1879- ) and Caroline Wilson Reeves. Roxie Gray married William Rudy while Caroline Wilson never married. The wife of Judge Reeves was Lizzie Weathers(October 1, 1855- August 7, 1903).
Note: Some of the information in these pages is uncertain. Please let me know of errors or omissions using the email link above. ...Mike Wilson
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