Who is Byron Herbert Reece?
Byron Herbert Reece, often called “Hub,” was born on September 14, 1917, in the Choestoe District of Union County, Georgia.
Growing up, Reece was a farmer. Inspired by the nature he lived in, Reece began writing poems dedicated to rural Appalachia. In the early 1940s, Reece became a published author. In total, he wrote four volumes of ballad-styled poetry and two novels. His writings covered farming, nature, life and death, and religion, which was an incredibly important aspect of his life. Occasionally, Reece preached at local churches if they needed a substitute minister.
Reece also taught at Young Harris College in Towns County, Georgia. He served as writer-in-residence at Young Harris, Emory University in Atlanta, and University of California at Los Angeles.
Reece was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize earned two Guggenheim awards. Despite his awards, Reece never achieved recognition.
During his life, Reece suffered from tuberculosis and depression. After his mother, with whom he was incredibly close, passed away, Reece became further disillusioned with his life. On June 3, 1958, Reece committed suicide.
[source: New Georgia Encyclopedia]
Visit the Reece Farm to learn more about this historic Appalachian figure.