In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1868
From History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911)
WILLIAM W. REECE
A worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Linn county is William W. Reece, owner of one hundred and sixty-four acres of fine land in Spring Grove township. The place he lives upon is the old Reece homestead where he was born and where he has spent, the greater portion of his life. He has had charge of the farm since he was twenty-one years old and has improved it to such an extent as to make it one of the most valuable pieces of property in the district.
A son of Henry and Lucretia (Nash) Reece, William W. Reece was born July 28, 1868, just a few years after his parents settled upon the homestead in Linn county. Henry Reece was a native of Ohio, while his wife was a Pennsylvanian by birth, though she had lived for some time in Ohio. The father came to Iowa in his early manhood, being twenty-five years old when he settled in Linn county. He purchased eighty acres of land in Spring Grove township and here farmer for the greater portion of his life, but turned over the farm to his son. who later secured the entire estate, when the latter became of age. Sometime later in life Henry Reece purchased thirty acres of timber land in Spring Grove township and his entire holdings then amounted to one hundred and twenty acres. This farm was nicely improved by the father, who continued to operate it. for twenty-six years. Then William W. Reece took charge of the place and has continued its cultivation. The father died July 25, 1901, and the mother passed away September 13, 190S.
Under the management and care of William W. Reece the farm has been greatly improved. He has built a fine new barn, forty-four by sixty-eight feet, erected a steel windmill and granary, and has brought the entire place to a high point of perfection, it having greatly increased in value as a result of his enterprise.
Mr. Reece was united in marriage to Miss Bessie E. Shaffer, a daughter of Elias and Charlotte Shaffer, of Linn county, in July, iSSS. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Iowa in 1876, locating in Linn county. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reece six children, namely: Lottie, born in 1889, who is now married and living in Linn county; Charles P.. born in 1892, who is at home; Ct ctis II., who was born in 1894, and is living with his parents; Clyde E., who dieu in 189S; Dale 0., born in 1902, and Carl" II., born in 1906, both at home.
In his political beliefs Mr. Reece finds expression in national affairs in the republican party, though he is on independent voter when it comes to local matters. He has held the office of school director for a number of years and at the present time is school treasurer. Fraternally he is identified with Troy Lodge, No. 299. I. 0. 0. P., of Troy Mills, Iowa; and of Mecca Lodge. No. 523, A. P. & A. M., of Coggon, Iowa. His wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. The success which Mr. Reece has attained is the result of persistent effort and rigid honesty in all his affairs.
As printed in History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1911. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.