William McCoy “Coy” Reeder
Written by Justin D. Lamb
(Courtesy of Ina Bolen)
William McCoy “Coy” Reeder was born in 1876 to William Manderson Reeder and Dianna Elvira Park Reeder near New Harmony in Marshall County. Reeder completed studies in the rural common schools of Marshall County in the 1890s and was hired to teach following graduation.
While teaching, Reeder began to study law under various attorneys in Benton and he attended school at Cumberland University where he graduated with a law degree. Reeder returned home to Marshall County and opened his law office in the Bank of Marshall County building on court square. Reeder was extremely devoted to his job and gained a reputation as a work-a-holic. He was often heard saying, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
Reeder married Martha “Mattie” Josephine Brien on September 12, 1907, and soon after, he constructed a large brick home on West 14th Street which is still standing today. Reeder entered politics in 1906 when he became a candidate for County Attorney in the Democratic Primary. Reeder ran a strong race and narrowly defeated incumbent George C. Edwards. Reeder ran for re-election in 1910, but was defeated by the highly popular Elbert Lawrence Cooper.
Following his defeat, Reeder returned to practicing private law before becoming a candidate for County Judge in 1917. Reeder was joined by E.D. “Zeke” Holland and A. “Pomp” Barnes in the Democratic Primary. The winner would face Republican candidate Walter L. Prince in the November General Election. The campaign for the Democratic nomination was heated and often bitter as all three candidates travelled throughout the county making their claim for the Judge’s office. All three men claimed to be the “strongest Democrat to defeat the Republican threat in November.” When the Democratic voters went to cast their ballots on Saturday, August 4, 1917, Reeder came in second place to Zeke Holland, losing by 72 votes. Holland eventually lost to Republican Walter Prince in November.
After his defeat in the 1917 Democratic Primary, Reeder returned to practicing law and also became a partner with Will Barnes at the Tribune-Democrat which they owned less than a year. Reeder also became involved in the banking business and was chosen as President of the Bank of Marshall County. Reeder was very active in the New Harmony Baptist Church where he served in several leadership roles. He served on the Building Committee which constructed a new church in 1901 and was a member of the church finance committee. After moving to Benton, Reeder attended church at Benton First Baptist Church.
In December 1925, Reeder passed away at the age of 49 of a brain tumor and was laid to rest in Benton Cemetery. His wife, Mattie, followed him to the grave two weeks later. It was often believed she died of a broken heart.