DAVID REESE

Sacramento County

Biographies

DAVID REESE

DAVID REESE.--Among the pioneers of Sacramento County, who aided materially in improving and building up this section of the Golden State, and who rose to a position of prominence and influence, was the late David Reese, sheriff of the county at the time of his passing away in February, 1910, at the age of sixty-one years. David Reese was born in Wales, and coming to the United States when a young man, he crossed the plains in the early days, locating at Florin, Sacramento County, California, where he engaged in farming. In this county he was married, being united with Mira L. Kilgore, of an old and prominent family in the Sacramento Valley.

Mr. Reese was a pioneer in the field of viticulture, setting out one of the first vineyards in this section, and subsequently adding to it until he had one hundred and twenty acres in vines, which are now full-bearing and still owned by his estate. They are a monument to his energy and thrift. He also owned a large grain ranch eight miles north of Colusa as well as valuable business property on Ninth Street between J and K. A man of pleasing personality and affable manners, honest and upright in all of his dealings, David Reese was known as a square shooter and became very influential and there was probably no man in the county who had a larger or more favorable acquaintance. When Sheriff Johnson passed away, David Reese was appointed sheriff to fill the vacancy and at the next election he was elected sheriff and then re-elected, serving acceptably and well, performing the duties of the office fairly and impartially until his demise. He was mourned by the people of the whole county, leaving a name that his descendants will always be proud of. He was a Republican and was elected on that ticket the first time; but then he would not subscribe to the party calendar and failed of renomination. Then he ran independently against the Republican and Democratic candidates and was elected by a large plurality, showing his popularity and the great confidence the people had in him. Mr. Reese was a friend to every one.

Sheriff Reese was a member of the Odd Fellows and Elks. Personally he was a man of great energy of action and lived by the Golden Rule. His wife passed away in 1915. Their union was blessed with seven children, six of whom grew up and five of whom are living: Edward E.; Ethel M., who was Mrs. Frank Didion, and passed away in Sacramento; Percy D.; John K.; Frank L.; Nell L., Mrs. Rooney, all of Stockton.

Since David Reese’s death his children have incorporated the David Reese Estate Company, and in 1918 carried out his ideas of land holdings as the best possible investment. They have sold the Colusa ranch and purchased a splendid ranch of 285 acres eight miles up the Sacramento River in Yolo County, devoted to alfalfa and dairying, and have also purchased additional property on Ninth and J Streets, in Sacramento, increasing the valuable holdings started by their estimable pioneer sire.

Transcribed by Barbara Gaffney.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 704. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.