Served in Civil War: Confederate, 19th (Dawson’s) Arkansas Infantry, Company C, Private91
Biographical Sketch:
" Dr. William W. Reese physician, Centre Point, Ark. Dr. Reese is will established as a physician of merit and true worth in Howard County, and has won the confidence and esteem of all in the county. He was born in Liberty, Bedford Co, VA, on October 9, 1826, and was the eldest of ten children born to James R. and Annie (Jones) Reese, natives of Virginia. The father was born May 12, 1800, and the mother was born the same year. They were married in their native State in 1821, resided there for twelve years, and then moved to Tennessee, where they made their home until 1870. they then came to Arkansas and there passed the closing scene of their lives, the mother dying May 8, 1886, and the father September 12, 1888. They were buried at Corinth, Ark. the father was a farmer, and he and wife were members of the Christian Church. Dr. William W. Reese was reared in Tennessed, received a good English education in the common schools, and when grown, began live as an agriculturist. this he has since continued to follow, and is now the owner of a good farm. He studied medicine in his native State, began practicing in Arkansas, and this has shice continued in connection with his farming interest. His first marriage was to Miss Nancy Calhoun December 11, 1844, and seven children were born to this marriage: Granville L (deceased), William B, James R (deceased) Jordan F, Thomas J, Newton J and Leonidas L. Mrs. Reese died in 1864 and in 1865 Mr. Reese took for his second wife Mrs. Mary E. (Morton) Sutton, a native of Tennessee, who bore him five children, all living: Mary E, James R, David D, Sarah C, and Wiley W. Sarah C was married February 4, 1889, to Mr. James R. Henderson, a farmer. James R. married Miss Lucy Campbell in 1889. In 1862 the Doctor enlisted in the Confederate army, Nineteenth Arkansas Regiment, as a private, and served in that capacity a portion of the time during the war. He was in the battle of Elkhorn, and after cessation of hostilities he returned to his home in Arkansas. He is active in politics, votes with the Democratic Party, and was elected magistrate, serving in that capacity for about fourteen years. He was also associate justice in Pike County for two years. He is at present school director, and has held that position for six years. He is a Master Mason, and he and family are members of the Christian church. His farm consists of about 340 acres, with 200 acres under cultivation. The Doctor has never been a witness incourt, nor had a legal case, and he has avoided taking any oath, except that as an offical."87
Dr. Reese’s view on Babies:
I was told by my mother and her mother, who was Dr. Reese's granddaughter, that most of the time, unless there were complications, Dr. Reese let his wife deliver babies for him. Afterward he would ask her if the baby was bald or had hair.
If the baby was bald, he would reply "Good Stock" and if the baby had hair he would say "Scrub Stock"87 |
89,87