Though more than three decades have passed since Dr. Benjamin H.
Reynolds was called to his final rest, he is still remembered by
many of the older residents of Delaware county as an able medical
practitioner of Manchester, where he followed his profession
successfully for a number of years. His birth occurred in the
state of New York on the 22d of July 1839, his parents being Asehel and Hettie (Hogan) Reynolds, who were natives of New York
and Virginia respectively. They removed to Indiana in an early
day and in that state spent the remainder of their lives.
Dr. Benjamin H. Reynolds, who was one of a family of three
children, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Indiana and
attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education.
Having determined upon a professional career, he entered a
medical college of Iowa City and following his graduation located
for practice at Masonville, Delaware county, in 1866. At the end
of eight years, however, in 1874, he removed to Manchester, here
remaining until his demise, November 13, 1883. He demonstrated
his skill in the successful treatment of many difficult cases and
an extensive and lucrative practice was accorded him.
In 1865 Dr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Jennie A.
Peterson, a native of Greene county, Ohio, and a daughter of
Aaron and Jane (Wickersham) Peterson, both of whom were born in
Virginia. They removed from Ohio to Indiana in an early day, and
the mother there passed away in 1867. Subsequently the father
came to Delaware county, Iowa, here continuing to reside until
his demise, which occurred in 1907, when he had reached the age
of ninety three years. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were the parents of
eight children, five of whom survive. To Dr. and Mrs. Reynolds
was born one son, William Anson, who died in infancy.
Dr. Reynolds was a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, served as one of its officers for many years
and always took an active part in its work. He was also a worthy
exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, and his life in every
relation was actuated by the highest principals. Mrs. Reynolds
survived and resides in a handsome residence at No. 112 East
Union street in Manchester. The period of her residence in
Delaware county covers nearly a half century, and she has gained
a very extensive and favorable acquaintance here. |