Title: B. Carroll Reece Papers

Date/Date Range :   1921-1944

Extent: 0.2 linear feet

Abstract:

The B. Carroll Reece Papers, 1921-1944, consists of letters and envelopes to or concerning George S.C. Slagle of Jonesboro, TN, or dealing with disabled WWI soldiers. It also includes a copy of the book about the contested Congressional election between Reece and O.B. Lovette in 1932.

Call number: MS-2298

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

The Special Collections Library purchased this collection in July of 2000.

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], B. Carroll Reece Papers, MS-2298. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of two folders divided into two series: Letters to or concerning George S.C. Slagle and Other items belonging to B. Carroll Reece.

Brazilla Carroll Reece (1889-1961) was a conservative Republican politician, lawyer, banker, and publisher. He graduated as 1914 valedictorian from Carson-Newman College, earned a master's degree in economics and finance from New York University, and received his law degree from Cumberland University. From 1917 through 1919, Reece served in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I and received several decorations, including the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross. From 1946-1948, Reece was the Republican Party chairman and was the House Representative for the 1st Congressional District of Tennessee in the years 1921-1931, 1933-1947, and 1951-1961. Reece died while in office in 1961, and to fill the vacancy Reece's wife Louise Goff Reece (1898-1970) completed the term through 1963.

The collection B. Carroll Reece Papers, 1921-1944, consists of two series. The first entitled "Series I. Letters to or concerning George S.C. Slagle, 1924-1944" contains 43 items relating to Slagle of Jonesboro, TN. Most of the letters concern Slagle's compensation and pension for service-related disabilities incurred during World War I. Also, Reece attempts to have Slagle's friend Mr. Carter hired at "the Plants." There are references to the Slagle Brother's sawmill in Jonesboro, TN, and the N.R.A. codes affecting the mill's operations. In 1939, Reece discusses getting Slagle a Civil Service position as a "Hospital Attendant at the Veterans' Administration Facility, Mountain Home, Tennessee." These papers reveal the inner workings of a member of congress and his constituency back home. Absent are correspondence during the years 1926, 1927, 1928, 1931, 1936, 1937, 1940, 1941, and 1943. Twenty-five of the 43 items date from 1932 through 1935, eight items date to 1938 and 1939, and six date to 1929 and 1930.

"Series II. Other items belonging to B. Carroll Reece, 1921-1934" contains five letters dealing with disabled WWI soldiers and a copy of the book Contested-Election Case of O. B. Lovette v. B. Carroll Reece From the First Congressional District of Tennessee , printed in 1933. Two letters were written in 1921, one in 1922, one in 1928, and the last in 1934.

• Reece, Brazilla Carroll, 1889-1961.
• Slagle, George S.C.
• United States -- Politics and Government -- 1919-1933.
• United States -- Politics and Government -- 1933-1953.
• United States -- Politics and Government -- 1953-1961.
• World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- United States.