Reynolds, John N. Insane 1894

REYNOLDS

Posted By: Ernie Braida
Date: 8/16/2011 at 21:28:17

John N. Reynolds, ex-convict, ex-preacher, ex-editor, etc., has just been declared insane and committed to the Kansas asylum. He will be remembered as the lecturer on “Prison Life" who struck Knoxville a few years ago and sold so many of his books, "Twin Hells." Reynolds was a graduate of Simpson College at Indianola. He began his career at Boone, where he taught school and betrayed one of his pupils. Before he was found out, he was conducting a big revival in the town. He was convicted of seduction and went to Fort Madison for two years. He then preached as an evangelist in Nebraska and Kansas, in Atchison, Kansas, he opened the Farmers' Bank, having induced several wealthy citizens to contribute the money. Then he ran a live-stock insurance company on bank funds, but never paid any losses. A concerted movement on the part of the people caused him to quit, but be at once bought a newspaper outfit, began publishing the Atchison Times and "roasted" every man who had opposed him. While so engaged he was convicted of using the mails for fraudulent purposes and sent to the Kansas penitentiary for eighteen months. While in the penitentiary he ran for state senator and received 600 more votes than any other candidate, but of course could not serve, His latest move was to establish the Daily Bee in Chicago.

Marion County Newspapers 1894