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Reeves, George W. (c1800 GLS - 1887 IL)

Reeves_George_W_0322

Reeves, George W.


Summary

Father: James Reeves
Mother: Mary

Birth: c19 Oct 1800, Didbrook, Gloucestershire, England
Birth Source: Census, Baptism

Death: Nov 1887
Death Source: Obituary

Spouse1: Elizabeth Reeves, m. 7 Dec 1830, Didbrook, Gloucestershire, England

Narrative

Children of George W. Reeves and Elizabeth:
  1. Mary Ann Reeves, b. c1832, m. George Reeves
  2. Charles Wesley Reeves, b. c1834
  3. Frances Milton Reeves, b. c1837, m. John H. Reeves
  4. George Reeves, b. c1838

Given that the English 1851 census return notes he was born in Didbrook around 1800 and his mother Mary appears with him in 1861 1851, he appears to be George Reeve, son of James and Mary who was baptized at Didbrook 19 Oct 1800.

George Reeves and his family along with his nephew William Reeves came to New York from England on the ship Esmeralda in July 1851. Charles was not with them, so he presumably died in England. He is almost certainly the Charles Wesley Reeves, age 17, who was buried 31 May 1851 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Olney Advocate, 11 Nov 1887
George Reeves, an old resident of Rockford, died a few days ago and was buried at Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1800, and came to Rockford in 1851. He leaves quite a property, a widow and two children.

Rockford Republic, 31 Mar 1899
Death of Mrs. Reeves.
Estimable Woman is Called To Her Home
Mrs. Elizabeth Reeves, a well known and estimable resident of this city, passed away last evening at 8 o'clock at her home, corner of Peach and Mulberry streets after but a short illness. Death seemed to result more from the breaking down of the system due to old age than from any other cause.
Mrs. Reeves was born in Didbrook, England, March 27, 1813, and resided in that place until early womanhood. She came to this country in 1851 and settled in Rockford, residing in the same house every since her arrival. She was married to George W. Reeves who for years conducted a carriage making establishment in this city. He died three years ago.
No children remain to mourn her death, but three grandchildren survive her. They are Mrs. D. N. Burritt of Pomons, Cal., Charles Reeves of Los Angeles, Cal., and Miss Daisy Reeves, who resided at the home in this city.
Deceased was a charter member of the Court Street Methodist Church and was prominent in that society. She was of a kindly disposition, and all knew her but to love her. In her long residence here she had gathered about her a wide circle of acquaintances and these will most sincerely mourn her death.
No funeral arrangements have as yet been made, but Dr. R. H. Pooley will deliver the funeral discourse.

Another obituary published in the Morning Star, Friday, Mar 31, 1899, mentions that she was born in Gloucestershire, England, "her name being Miss Elizabeth Reeves....She bore the same name as her husband, but was a member of another family."

In 1841, a George Reeves, age 19, was living with him as well. This was probably his future son-in-law George Reeves. The 1851 census states that George, his wife and children were born in Didbrook. The UK census records state he was a Wheelwright, and the later US census records describe him as a wagon maker. In 1851, George's mother, Mary, age 85, was living with them along with his nephew William Reeves. In 1860 and 1870 in Illinois, they are with a John H. Reeves, b. c1835, apparently their son-in-law. It's unclear if he was related to the family, but was born in England as well.

The following baptisms are recorded in Didbrook Church of England baptisms with the parents George and Elizabeth Reeves:
Mary Ann Reeves, 22 Jan 1832
Charles Wesley Reeves, 25 May 1834
Fanny Reeves, 20 Nov 1836
George Reeve, 10 Jun 1838

Research Notes

(1)   It is probable that George's wife Elizabeth (nee REEVES) was the daughter of Edward Reeves and his wife Mary (nee WOOD) but the possibility she was Eliza Reeves the daughter of James Reeves and his wife Frances (mnu) should not be discounted. Both were baptised at St George's, Didbrook during 1812, Eliza on 1 March and Elizabeth on 6 November. The marriage register will hopefully clarify who was George's wife.

Sources

Baptism:    FamilySearch   ~  https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NYK8-Q5D
                    Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1813 (Ancestry)
Marriage1:  Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1938 (Ancestry)
Death:        Olney Advocate, 11 Nov 1887

1841 Census:  Didbrook, Gloucestershire, England
1851 Census:   HO107, Piece 1971, Folio 36 reverse, Page 9, Schedule 14
1860 Census:  Winnebago County, Illinois
1870 Census:  Winnebago County, Illinois
1880 Census:  Winnebago County, Illinois

Gloucestershire, England, Church of England Baptisms, 1813-1913
Rockford Republic, 31 Mar 1899, Obituary of Elizabeth Reeves
Morning Star, 31 Mar 1899, Obituary of Elizabeth Reeves
Passenger List - Esmerelda - arrived New York - July 1851