Reeves, Levi

Summary

Father:
Mother:

Birth: c1796, North Carolina
Birth Source: 1850 Census

Death: 30 Oct 1856
Death Source: Headstone

Spouse1: Mary Jane Boswell, m. 27 Jan 1839, Rutherford County, Tennessee

Narrative

Children of Levi Reeves and Mary J.:

1. Corinne Reeves, b. c1841, m. Mr. Strickland
2. Josephine Reeves, b. c1843
3. Locky Watson Reeves, b. c1849
4. Mary Lavinia Reeves

The 1812 widow and child's pension record for Levi Reeves gives the following information:
- Levi died 30 Oct 1856
- Drafted in Rutherford Co., TN in Aug or Sep 1814, discharged Sep 1814
- also records report service in Capt. Robert Campbell's Co., Tenn Militia; entered for 3 months Jan-May 1814
- Statement given in 1878 by widow Mary J Reeves, age 58, resident of Murfreesboro
- States at time of enlistment, 24 years of age, occupation a cabinet ?makeman? both places Orange cty NC
- Levy Reeves m. Mary J. Boswell, 27 Jan 1839, Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee
- Died at Murfreesboro 30 Oct 1856
- Child Lockie W. Reeves b. 21 Jul 1850
- Sister of Lockie Corinne R. Strickland trying to get pension, their mother having died 24 Feb 1887

This indicates he may have been from Orange County, North Carolina.

A History of First United Methodist Church: Murfreesboro, Tennessee written in 1977 quotes from Methodism in Tennessee, Vol. III, indicating that the church was organized in 1821-2 and that the members included Levi Reeves and a Willis Reeves.

The will of Levi Reeves names the above four children. It also states that Moses G. Reeves was Levi's brother and names Moses's sons Daniel L. and Levi W. Reeves.

According to Rutherford County Chancery minutes, Moses G. Reeves was made the executor of Levi Reeves's estate. (C, p. 173)

M. G. Reeves Extr of Levi Reeves deceased, Mary Jane Reeves, widow of the said Levi Reeves & Corrinine? Reeves, Josephine Reeves, Lockey Watson Reeves, & Mary L. Reeves, infant children of Levi Reeves decd, who petitioned by their next friend M G. Reeves.
This cause was heard upon petition by the Hon. B L. Bidley on the 19th day of October 1857, when it appeard to the satisfaction of the court that Levi Reeves departed this life on the 30th day of October 1856, having first made and published his will which after his death was duly proved before this County Court of Rutherford County. It appeard that M. G. Reeves was in said will nominated executor, and was duly qualified as such.

The record also states that the will mentions his nephew Levi W. Reeves. Lavenia Reeves is mentioned as an infant of Levi Reeves as well (C, p. 194).

Research Notes

The Newbern Sentinel, a newspaper published for Newbern, Craven County, North Carolina, reported on 13 and 20 Apr 1822 that there were two letters remaining on the post office for a Levi Reeves. It's possible this is the same individual.

Sources

Marriage: Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1950 (FamilySearch)
Death:       Headstone, Old City Cemetery, Rutherford County, Tennessee

1850 Census:  Rutherford County, Tennessee

War of 1812 Widow's Pension Record for Levi Reeves (Fold3)
Rutherford County, Tennessee Chancery Court Minutes C, pp. 173, 191-194, 349, 463
1856 Will - Levi Reeves - Rutherford County, Tennessee Record Book 18, p215
Beasley, N. C. (1977). History of First United Methodist Church: Murfreesboro, Tennessee