Reavis, William

Summary

Father: Isham Reavis, Jr.
Mother: Tabitha Strickland

Birth: 27 or 29 Aug 1815, Indiana
Birth Source: Family Bible & Obituary

Death: 27 Feb 1896, Evansville, Indiana
Death Source: Obituary

Spouse1: Eleanor C. Burton, m. 11 Dec 1836, Gibson County, Indiana
Spouse2: Mrs. Lathena Damon, m. 1856

Narrative

Children of William Reavis and Eleanor C. Burton:

1. Amanda J. Reavis, b. c1839
2. Lucinda Reavis, b. c1841
3. Benoni Reavis, b. c1843
4. Helen M. Reavis, b. c1846
5. Tabitha Reavis, b. c1849
6. William Louis Reavis, b. c1850

Children of William Reavis and Lathena:

1. Nettie Reavis, b. c1864

The marriage record states they were married on the 11th while the family Bible states the 12th.

William wrote a lengthy letter in 1883 to Logan U. Reavis, son of his cousin James A. Reavis, in which he gave detailed knowledge of the Reavis family history as he was acquainted with it.

Evansville Journal (Evansville, Indiana), 28 Feb 1896
One of Evansville's oldest and best known citizens died at 10 o'clock yesterday morning in the person of Capt. Wm. Reavis, at his home on Upper Second Street. He was surrounded by the members of his family.
On Saturday last the deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis, and from that time his condition gradually grew worse till the final dissolution.
Capt. Reavis was a pension claim attorney and his long years of service in that capacity made for him an acquaintance that was far reaching. He was born in what is now Gibson county, Ind., August 27, 1815, and at the time of his death was 81 years old.
The Reavis family emigrated from North Carolina to Indiana territory in 1813, making their way against many hardships and obstacles into the wilderness and settling as pioneers within the limits of the present county of Gibson. They were hardy people of unswerving integrity, whose simple lives were characterized by the manners and customs of the early days in this section.
Wm. Reavis began the battle of life for himself when twenty years of age. This new country was then without a well ordered school system and its educational advantages were few indeed. Only those endowed with natural acumen and an innate fondness for study obtained more than a smattering of the most elementary principles of learning. Because of studious habits and his aptness, Mr. Reavis was early fitted for the duties of a teacher. This calling he followed for some time, and with a pleasing degree of success.
In 1846, he was elected treasurer of Gibson county, and was re-elected to the same office three years later by an increased majority. The county records indicate that he was a most efficient officer. In 1850 he removed to Benton, Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of law until the commencement of the civil war. His active interest in the strife and his loyalty to the union early proved themselves. He was instrumental in raising many troops and served as captain of Company G., 56th Illinois Infantry. His record as an officer was indeed flattering, showing throughout the most patriotic, unselfish, and soldierly conduct.
Coming to Evansville in December, 1862 he began the business in which he continued to the time of his death. He was one of the oldest claim attorneys in the state, and was very successful in his practice. He was married in 1836 to Eleanor C. Burton, to whom eight children were born. Upon the death of his first wife, he was again married in 1856 to Mrs. Lathena Damon, widow of the late Volney Damon of this county.
Two children by his first wife, Louis Reavis, of Henderson county, KY, and Mrs. Louis Rinker, of Centretown; his widow with her daughter, Mrs. Will Dunham survive him. Capt. Reavis was prominent in Masonic and G.A.R. circles, being a member of Evansville Lodge, No. 64, F. and A. M. and Farragut Post. Both will turn out as organizations to his funeral this afternoon.

Research Notes

Sources

Birth:          Isham Reavis Family Bible
Marriage1:  FamilySearch - Indiana, Marriages, 1811-2019
Death:        Obituary, Evansville Journal (Evansville, Indiana), 28 Feb 1896
Burial:       Findagrave - Oak Hill Cemetery, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

1850 Census:  Princeton, Patoka Township, Gibson County, Indiana
1860 Census:  Benton Township 6 S Range 3 E, Franklin County, Illinois
1870 Census:  Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana
1880 Census:  Evansville, Knight Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

1883 Letter - William Reavis to Logan U. Reavis