My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM HARRISON REEVES stands pre-eminent among the energetic citizens of Paducah. His parents removed from Halifax County, Va., and settled near Richmond, in Madison County, Ky., in the early part of the present century, and there William H. was born, in 1814. George Reeves, his father, was a soldier under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812, and in consequence of his admiration for his veteran commander, gave the name to his son. William H. was left an orphan when a mere lad, and also dependent on his own efforts for sustenance, which prevented his obtaining even a common school education. His first effort at self-support was a position on a keel-boat on the Green River. When eighteen years old he came to the Purchase and located in what is now Ballard County. Having an elder brother in that vicinity, he made his home with him until the brother’s death, which occurred a few years later. Here William H. engaged in the lumber traffic for a time, then operated a wood-yard for a period of six years, and then opened a small general store in the interior of Ballard County. After four years he sold this business, and in 1840 was made county constable, from which time he was for many years engaged in the official business of the county, either in the office of constable or sheriff. Though beginning life without means, he soon accumulated a handsome fortune, and gradually developed into one of the most substantial farmers and traders of western Kentucky. Mr. Reeves has ever been noted for his stern and unflinching integrity and fidelity to any public or private trust, and while he has been largely connected with the public weal of his section, he has been also entrusted with the adjustment of many private estates and with the guardianship of orphaned children. For many years he has been a member of the Masonic order and of the I. O. O. F. He was first married in Ballard County, in 1843, to Miss Penelope White, daughter of Rev. Willis White, now of Clinton, Ky. She died in February, 1879, leaving a family of seven children: Mary A., wife of Dr. Charles Hinkle, of Ballard County; George W., now of Montana; Susan J., wife of Hon. William J. Pucket; W. T. Reeves, a lawyer of Blandville; Martha, wife of W. W. Morris; Fannie B., wife of William O. Coffin, of Illinois, and Robert L. Reeves, of Paducah. Mr. Reeves was married to his present wife, Mrs. Fannie Marrs, of Paris, Tenn., in 1881. In 1880 Mr. Reeves retired from his farm to Paducah, and there effected a business connection with T. F. Terrell, under the firm name of Terrell & Reeves, and as such they are doing an extensive business in the tobacco trade.