Thomas Reynolds (state representative)

For others of the same name, see Thomas Reynolds.

Thomas Reynolds (March 17, 1840 – January 11, 1919) was an Irish American immigrant, farmer, and Republican politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Door County during the 1907 and 1909 sessions.^[1] He was the father of John W. Reynolds, Sr.—the 26th attorney general of Wisconsin—and the grandfather of John W. Reynolds, Jr.—a federal judge and the 36th governor of Wisconsin.

Thomas Reynolds
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Door County district
In office January 7, 1907 – January 2, 1911
Preceded by	Charles Reynolds
Succeeded by	Lewis L. Johnson
Personal details
Born	(1840-03-17)March 17, 1840 County Longford, Ireland, UK
Died	January 11, 1919(1919-01-11) (aged 78) Jacksonport, Wisconsin, U.S.
Resting place	Saint Michaels Catholic Church Cemetery, Jacksonport, Wisconsin
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Jane Foley
Children	10, including John W. Reynolds Sr.
Relatives	Charles Reynolds (brother)
Occupation	Farmer, politician

Biography

Reynolds was born in County Longford, Ireland. He fled Ireland around 1865 due to involvement in a plot to incite an Irish revolt against British rule.^[2] In 1866, he moved to Madison, Wisconsin. He later settled in Jacksonport, Wisconsin, in Door County, and became involved in the lumber and farming industries. Reynolds died in Jacksonport in 1919 following an illness.^[3]

Family

Reynolds married Jane Foley (c. 1853–1922).^[4][5] They had ten children. His brother Charles Reynolds was also a member of the Assembly. Thomas Reynolds was the father of John W. Reynolds, Sr., the 26th Attorney General of Wisconsin, and the grandfather of John W. Reynolds, Jr., the 36th Governor of Wisconsin and a federal judge.

Political career

Reynolds was a member of the Assembly during the 1907 and 1909 sessions.^[3] In addition, he was chairman^[6] (similar to mayor) and a member of the town board (similar to city council) of Jacksonport. He was a Republican.

References

1. Lawrence S. Barish, ed. (2007). State of Wisconsin Blue Book. p. 170.
2. "Thomas Reynolds Former Door Co. Member, Has Had Varied Career". Wisconsin State Journal. March 25, 1917. p. 6. Retrieved September 12, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
3. "Thomas Reynolds, Door County, Dead". Wisconsin State Journal. January 12, 1919. p. 7. Retrieved September 13, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
4. "Mrs. Thos. Reynolds Dies in Milwaukee". Wisconsin State Journal. March 28, 1922. p. 10. Retrieved September 13, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
5. "Reynolds Funeral Held at Jacksonport". Green Bay Press-Gazette. April 3, 1922. p. 4. Retrieved September 13, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
6. Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Brown, Kewaunee and Door, Wisconsin, and containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1895, page 494

External links

• Wisconsin Genealogy Trails