Florence Times - Feb. 6, 1958
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| Brown (right) presented by Jim Wilcox with a book of "incidents from his life" |
By Lorene Frederick, Staff Writer
W. Brown Reeder was the subject of a "This is Your Life" program presented Tuesday by the Florence Civitan Club in honor of his 80th birthday.
Jim Wilcox, master of ceremonies, introduced members of Mr. Reeder's family who told a chronological series of events in the honoree's life from the time he was born Feb. 6, 1878 at Cloverdale.
His parents were John Wiley and Virginia Booth Reeder. His father was the first county agent in Lauderdale county.
A brother, Dr. Floyd Reeder, told of the time he and Brown and their father were picking cotton and "Brown decided the work was a little too hard for him."
* * *
He was sitting down, holding a cotton boll, looking up at the sky day dreaming when his father inquired in no uncertain terms why he was wasting his time.
Brown replied that he was thinking that cotton picking was awfully hard work, and how he would like to visit his uncle Henry in Tennessee who was a preacher. "Maybe he will teach me how to preach. It might be easier work," he answered innocently.
* * *
It was brought out that Mr. Reeder has always been easy going, hard working, dreamy, and honest. So honest, in fact, that he had earned the nick name of George Washington. He would never tell even a small fib to avoid punishment.
Another brother, Homer L. Reeder, told of a painful accident Brown suffered once when splitting rails. One of the boys who was working for him hit a branch and the axe glanced, striking Brown on the leg, cutting a two inch gash. He loaded the men and tools in a two horse wagon and drove home.
It was a long way to a doctor. Homer took some No. 30 thread and a sewing needle and while Brown pulled the skin up to make a stitch, he repaired the wound.
* * *
A sister, Mrs. Mary Wilson told how she and her father used to drive 25 miles in a wagon in freezing cold to carry provisions to Waterloo where Brown and their sister Myrtle, (now Mrs. Myrtle Harrison) were attending school and Homer teaching. The trio lived with their grandmother.
Later Brown and Homer went into the general merchandise business. This was about 1909. The store was known as Reeder Brothers.
Brown decided to travel. He took a job with a cotton oil company as seed purchaser. He traveled about three years.
* * *
He had another accident, this time serious. While testing a press, someone accidentally started the motor. His arm was caught. After trying unsuccessfully to disengage his arm the crew dismantled the machine. It took about 45 minutes, with Brown giving step by step instructions. As a result of this accident, the arm had to be amputated.
A friend, Robert Plowden, told of the time he and Brown were fishing at Waterloo and caught too many fish.
Brown had told the old warden that "they are catching too many fish up there and you ought to look into it."
* * *
The two men caught 52 fish. They gave away seven, which still left them with five more than the law allowed.
They saw two men in a boat and hailed them. The boat was pulled in to shore.
"Having any luck," the fishermen asked.
"Not much."
"We have five too many, do you want them?"
The two men said they would be glad to have them, but would have to give them a bond. (The two men happened to be game wardens).
* * *
Mr. Reeder has been a member of the Florence Civitan Club for 33 of his 80 years and has been treasurer for 22 years. He was tax collector in Lauderdale for eight years. He helped establish the Monumental Park Church.
Civitan Wilcox stated that he will be a life member with no more dues, and will receive a plaque for his service as club treasurer.
His wife and all members of his family were present except a sister in Texas and a daughter in Georgia [ed: I assume that's grandmother!].
Mr. Plowden submitted the following statement:
"I've known Brown for about 34 years and have seen him as a kind and considerate husband, a devoted father, a loyal friend, always kind, gentle, considerate and courteous.
"I've had considerable business dealings with him and he has always been scrupulously honest and honorable. The only fault I've ever found in him -- he can beat me at catching fish.
"W. B. lives up to the full stature of Christian manhood. I wish for him many more happy birthdays."
* * *
The program was climaxed by the Civitans presenting Mr. Reeder with a big birthday cake. He was also given an electric razor and Mrs. Reeder received a toaster.
Visitors were Oren Frerking, guest of Joe Hardy; George Manush, guest of Jim Connolly; Jack Green, guest of J. D. McDonald; Elwyn Irby, guest of Bill Wood; and Tom Irving, guest of the Club.
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