As a well-known and highly respected rancher and dairyman, William A. Reeves, a native son of California, was also among the successful men of this community. He was born near el Monte, January 7, 1862, his parents, Samuel and Lydia (Cleminson) Reeves, being natives respectively of Kentucky and Missouri. They were the first Americans married in San Diego, the father having crossed the plains in 1849; he teamed for a time from the port of Wilmington to Los Angeles, and finally removed to El Monte and took up government land, making that place his home for a few years, when he located in Azusa.

In El Monte, William A. Reeves received his education in the public schools, and also attended school in Azusa. He worked at home until his marriage, which occurred in 1885, when he went to San Bernardino and about three miles up Lytle Creek, engaged in ranching. After four years, he removed to Santa Monica and engaged in the stock business, later moving to Hynes, where until his death in 1935, he engaged in the dairy business.

To Mr. Reeves and his wife were born three children, namely: Claude, Lyda, and Pearl. Before marriage, Mrs. Reeves was Miss Molly E. Swinney; and she was born in Missouri, a daughter of Henry G. and Cordelia (Shores) Swinney, natives respectively of Kentucky and Pike County, Missouri. The family came to California in 1870 and here the father engaged in ranching and the sale of real estate.