reneauw
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
WILLIAM A. RENEAU has followed the
practice of law in various parts of the United States during his career
and is now actively engaged in his profession in Waterville, where he has
won distinction for himself and is known as one of the leading men of ability
in the county. He has also given attention to other lines as will be mentioned
and is meeting with a flattering success financially.
William A. Reneau was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi,
on January 27, 1850. His father, George G. Reneau, was born in Alabama
and his ancestors were descended from the stanch French Huguenots who braved
the wilds of the Indian land for the purpose of religious freedom.
They were wealthy planters and prominent people in the south. The
father was admitted to the bar but never actively engaged in the practice
of law. He married Miss Emily Clark, daughter of Solomon G. Clark,
a leading southern planter. She died in 1863, and her husband about
ten years later, at the old Mississippi homestead. Our subject was
educated in the Pontotoc schools, later taking an academic course for which
he spent some time under the private tutorage of Rev. J. D. West, being
there fitted for the junior year at college. Owing to the reverses
of war, our subject did not attend college but gave his attention to clerking
in a store and to the study of law. On account of his extra diligence,
he was soon enabled to be admitted to the bar and commenced the practice.
He remained in Mississippi, until 1878, then went to Texas but not liking
the outlook there, turned his attention to handling stock on the range
rather than the practice of law. Later, he took a large band of cattle
to Kansas, and there practiced law and participated in stock raising.
Next, we see him in Ellensburg, Washington, where he practiced a few months
and in 1889, he came to Waterville, where he has since been actively engaged
in his profession. Mr. Reneau took up land soon after coming here
and bought until he now has about one section, all of which except the
homestead is used for stock purposes. He owns about one hundred and
twenty-five head of cattle all of which are good grades and some thoroughbreds.
He owns a thoroughbred stallion and is one of the leading stockmen of Douglas
county. His ranch is most favorably situated for stock purposes and
is very valuable. Mr. Reneau, also owns city property and is one
of the well to do men of the Big Bend country.
He has one brother, who died in the confederate
army, being a midshipman in the navy; and one sister, Mary S. Rau.
On April 8, 1892, at Waterville, Mr. Reneau
married Miss Avarilla, a native of Denton, Texas, and the daughter of Riley
and Nancy Wetsel. The parents are natives of Texas and now reside
in Waterville where the father carries on a butcher business.
To our subject and his wife, three children
have been born; Lock C., aged ten; Lelia B., aged eight; and Raymond, aged
six.
Politically, Mr. Reneau is a Democrat but
has never shown a partial spirit, being a liberal, while in general matters,
he is very progressive and active.
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