William Conrad Reeves

Sir William Conrad Reeves (Saint Joseph, Barbados 1821 – Barbados, 8 January 1902), was a nineteenth century journalist, lawyer, and politician in Barbados. He served as his country's Solicitor-General from 1874 to 1876, Attorney-General from 1882 to 1886, and Chief Justice from 1886 to 1902.

Early life and education Reeves was born in 1821 in Barbados, one of three sons of Thomas Phillipps Reeves, a medical practitioner, and a slave, Peggy Phyllis. In 1860, Reeves went to England.

Legal and political career Reeves was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1863 and the Barbados Bar in 1864. In 1876, he opposed proposals by Governor John Pope-Hennessy to federate Barbados and the Windward Islands, attracting large public support He served as Attorney General of Barbados from 1882 to 1886.

In 1886, Reeves became the first black Chief Justice of Barbados. He served in this position until his death in 1902. In 1889, Reeves was knighted and became the first Barbadian, and the first black man, to be knighted by a British sovereign. at his home in St. Michael’s, Bridgetown and was afforded a public funeral. He was survived by his daughter.