Edward Reynolds was born in Union County, O., Oct. 8, 1844, son of James and Elizabeth (Russell) Reynolds, the former from Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of Ohio. When four years of age our subject came with his parents to Clayton County, settling on a farm on section 2, Boardman Township, about three miles from Elkader. He received his education in the district schools, and worked on his father's farm until seventeen years of age, when he enlisted in Company K, First Iowa Cavalry. He was in all the battles participated in by his regiment, including twenty-six general engagements. He re-enlisted for a second term of three years, and at the close of the war was sent to Texas. Was mustered out in 1866, having served four years and four months. He purchased a farm in Boardman Township, but sold it a year after; then went into the livery business in Elkader, which he followed two years. Went then to Greene County, Ia., and farmed three years; bought stock one year; then went to Wisconsin and worked for a railroad company a year, returning to Clayton County and buying his father's farm. After farming here three years, he sold out and spent one year in Minnesota, and then removed to St. Olaf, Clayton County, and opened a general store. He has lived here since, and is enjoying a good business. Mr. Reynolds was married Feb. 26, 1866, to Mary J. Hill, born Dec. 4, 1843, in Jefferson County, Wis., daughter of James and Catherine Hill, natives of Lincolnshire, England. They have had nine children - Eliza D., born July 15, 1867; Cora M., March 11, 1868; Ora B., Nov. 15, 1870; James E., Aug. 28, 1871; Charlie W., Sept. 5, 1875; Maud R. , Nov. 20, 1877; Effie Pearl, Oct. 20, 1879; Raymond J., Oct. 19, 1881; Mary E., born Nov. 7, 1873, and died June 26, 1875. Mr. Reynolds is a Republican. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1140-1141 |