Reeves, David Wallis

Summary

Father: Lorenzo Reeves
Mother: Maria Clark

Birth: 14 Feb 1838, Owego, Tioga County, New York
Birth Source: Headstone

Death: 8 Mar 1900, Providence, Rhode Island
Death Source: Headstone

Spouse1: Sarah Elizabeth West (Blanding), m. 30 Sep 1871, Providence County, Rhode Island

Narrative

Children of David Wallis Reeves and Sarah:

1. David Wallis Reeves, Jr., b. 10 Oct 1877

In 1850, David is found in the household of Benne B. and Maria Curry in Owego, New York.

Evening Express (Portland, Maine), 8 Mar 1900
FAMOUS BAND MASTER
David Wallis Reeves Died of Paralysis at His Home in Providence.
PROVIDENCE, March 8. - David Wallis Reeves, leader of the American band, died just before seven o'clock this morning of paralysis, from which he had been suffering since New Year's day.
Mr. Reeves was one of the most widely known band masters in the country and was held in high esteem by the people of Rhode Island, among whom he made his home for many years. He was born in Oswego, N. Y., in 1838, and when 15 years of age he became a member of the Oswego band, playing second alto. Later he went to New York and for a season played with Dodworth's military band. Subsequently he visited England, Ireland and Germany as a cornet soloist and on returning to the United States he enlisted in a band of Baxter zouaves but this enterprise failed through an order mustering out all regimental bands. Then he resumed his connection with Dodworth's band and astonished audiences by his "triple-tongueing." He then became the first solo cornetist of Dodworth's band.
In 1866 Mr. Reeves became the leader of the American band of this city, which he made one of the foremost organizations of the kind in this country. After the death of P. S. Gilmore, Mr. Reeves succeeded him as a leader of the famous New York 2nd. regiment band. After a year's service at the head of Gilmore's band Mr. Reeves yielded to an urgent call from the members of the American band and prominent citizens of Providence and became again the leader of the American band, a position which he held until his death.

Research Notes

Note that while the obituary states he was born in Oswego, a real location in New York, it's more likely this was a mistake and Owego was the real location as that is where his family was. In addition, his death record states he was born in Owego.

Sources

Birth:          See Death record
Marriage1:  FamilySearch - Rhode Island Marriages, 1724-1916
Death:        FamilySearch - Rhode Island, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1630-1945
Burial:       Findagrave - Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island

1850 Census:  Owego, Tioga County, New York (Benne B Curry HOH)
1860 Census:  
1870 Census:  Providence Ward 1, Providence County, Rhode Island
1880 Census:  Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island

Obituary, Evening Express (Portland, Maine), 8 Mar 1900