Perhaps no other resident in Shiloh township, Jefferson county, is more familiar with the local official affairs than the subject of the present review, William C. Reece, who was born in the town- ship on the 20th of October, 1866. His father, Baily P. Reece, was a native of Tennessee, having come to Jefferson county in an early day, and devoted the major portion of his time to farming. He attained the age of sixty-four years and was a resident of Shiloh township at the time of his death. The mother of the subject, Rebecca (Bullock) Reece, was born in Jefferson county, and was the daughter of David Bullock, also one of the pioneers of the county. she was the mother of three children, viz., Cora B., wife of Jefferson Thomas; William C., our subject, and Anna M., who died at the age of thirteen years.

William was reared in Shiloh township, and has spent almost all of his life within its borders. He received such education as was offered by the common schools of the district, together with the training in self-reliance and habits of industry that his parents tried to inculcate within him as he grew to maturity. For three years William was employed as fireman by the Iron Mountain Railroad Company, but he finally decided to abandon that work, and returned to the township of his birth. He became engaged in mercantile business, and has 'occupied several locations in various parts of the county. He has, met with success in all of his ventures and has been fortunate in his business enterprises. He did not devote himself ex-elusively business, however, and took up farming during several intervening periods. As opportunity presented itself, he took advantage of trade offers, and in this way acquired not only financial gains, but also helpful experience. and formed a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. He now owns a productive and well kept farm in Shiloh township. on the 3d of November, 1889, Mr. Reece was married to Miss Mary Thomas, daughter of L. H. and Martha Thomas, who were the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Reece was second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Reece are the parents of four children, as follows: William J. B., Ruby F., Flossie M. and Mary Blanche.

Mr. Reece has been called upon at various times to serve the people in an official capacity. He has held the office of Supervisor of the township and has been chosen Constable and School Director for several terms. His interest in township affairs has been an inspiration to the citizens of the vicinity, and has resulted in the improvement of the tone of society in general. His affiliations have been with the Democratic party, but the question of justice and a fair deal are two elements that are always to be found in his analysis of duty. He is a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur, and has had much influence in promoting the welfare of that order in this neighborhood. He' is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodlawn Lodge. No.522.

SOURCE: Walls History Of Jefferson County, 1909
By: John A, Walls

Submitted by: Misty Flannigan