My Genealogy Hound

OWEN T. REEVES, Bloomington. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 18, 1829, in Ross Co., Ohio; after a period at the common schools of the day, he entered the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio; his studies were pursued uninterruptedly with the highest results, and he graduated one of the most thoroughly learned students that ever went out of the institution, in 1850; he received a merited compliment by being retained in the institution as tutor; he also filled the responsible position of Principal of the Chillicothe, Ohio, High School for four years, and engrafted upon the schools of that city many important changes in study and system which remain to this day; he was recognized as one of the leading and most advanced educators of the day in Ohio; meantime, and during his active school service, he read extensively the primary law works, with a view to entering into the practice of the law, a profession for which he had certainly many natural qualifications. In 1854, Mr. Reeves was attracted to and located in the then young but promising city of Bloomington, Ill.; his known large experience in public-school matters operated to bring his services in demand; he drew up the charter of the Union-School System, of Bloomington, in 1857; for five years he served faithfully and intelligently as a member of the Board of Education; the magnificent system of schools in this city, and their flourishing condition, are results, in a great measure, due to the efforts of Mr. Reeves; and he yet watches their development with earnest solicitude. In 1861, he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors for Bloomington Township; in 1862, he was appointed City Attorney; in these offices Mr. Reeves is said to have discharged the duties incumbent upon him in a faithful and praiseworthy manner, devoting to them his whole time and talents. In the latter part of 1862, when the country was struggling in the throes of civil war, Mr. Reeves responded to the call for troops, and, with commendable energy and patriotism, organized the 70th Illinois Infantry Regiment; this regiment he commanded as Colonel with marked distinction; after his service in the army, Col. Reeves returned to the walks and pursuits of private life. In 1867, he procured the charter for the L., B. & M. Railroad, and took a prominent part in the organization of the company and the construction of the road; this varied and important business occupied actively all his time; when the road was leased to the Wabash, Mr. Reeves became General Solicitor of the leased line, and continued such so long as the road remained in the hands of the Wabash. In 1874, Col. Reeves joined Judge Benjamin in the organization of the Bloomington Law School; during all this time he has enjoyed a large and important law practice; in the month of March, 1877, he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court.