Reynolds, Columbus (1848-1930)

REYNOLDS

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 8/1/2008 at 13:45:31

Columbus C. Reynolds
Nov 12, 1848 - Feb 28, 1930

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.104, Grove Twp.)
Columbus Reynolds, farmer, P. O. Carson, born in North Carolina November 12, 1848, son of Wilson and Nancy (Spurling) Reynolds; he, a farmer, born in North Carolina, is still living; she, born in the same place, is also still living. they had eight children, four of whom are living. Subject received a common-school education; commenced life as a farmer, working for others, and married, in Iowa, September 16, 1872, Sarah Wilson, born in Indiana July 10, 1851, daughter of William T. and Anna (Pemberton) Wilson; he, born in North Carolina Augsut 22, 1821; she, born in Indiana August 17, 1827, died October 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have three children, viz., Nancy, R., Laura J. and Anna E., all born in this county. He is a Christian, a Republican, an Odd Fellow; and moved from North Carolina to Whitesides County, Ill., in 1867, working for the farmers; in the fall, he moved to Hardin County, Iowa; worked by the month until 1868, when he moved to this county and leased land fo a few years. In 1872, he bought eighty acres of land at $10 per acre; now owns 240 acres valued at $45 per acre. There is a very fine orchard of about three acres, a large quantity of small fruits, and a very beautiful, large two-story residence on the farm. In 1880, he was damaged to the extent of $800 by the cyclone, which passed through this region on Jun 9, 1880; some of his horses were blown eight rods; his cattle, hogs and chickens were blown all over the prairie for distance of at least a mile.

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.291)
COLUMBUS REYNOLDS is another one of the enterprising and successful men of Pottawattamie County. A brief outline of his life is herewith given.
Mr. REYNOLDS is a native of North Carolina, born near Sparta, the county seat of Alleghany County, November 12, 1848. His father, William REYNOLDS, and his grandfather, Thomas REYNOLDS, were both natives of that State. His mother, nee Nancy SPURLING, was born in North Carolina, as also was her father, William SPURLING. Her grandfather SPURLING was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Willson and Nancy REYNOLDS reared five children, four sons and one daughter; Columbus is the only one in Iowa; the oldest brother resides in Nebraska; two are in North Carolina; and the sister died in that State. Willson REYNOLDS was a farmer all his life, and his death occurred at the age of seventy years. His wife was a devoted Christian and a member of the Baptist Church. She died at the age of sixty-eight.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and in early life was taught those lessons of honesty, industry and economy which have been so useful to him in after life. His early educational advantages were limited, but by reading, observation, and by the practical knowledge learned in the school of experience, he has amply supplied the deficiency of an early education. At the age of nineteen, he bade adieu to his native state and started out in the world to make a home and a fortune. He located in Whiteside County, Illinois, and after remaining there a year, he came to Iowa and worked on a farm in Hardin County a year. In 1868 he came to Grove Township, Pottawattamie County, and first worked by the month. Then he broke prairie for two seasons, which at that time was profitable business. In 1874 he bought eighty acres of raw prairie land, on which he now resides. He broke it the same season and has made many improvements on the place. He built a comfortable story and a half house at a cost of $1,200, planted shade and ornamental trees, a grove and an orchard; built a good barn and fenced his land. From time to time, he purchased other lands until at this writing (1890) he is the owner of 240 acres. One hundred sixty acres are in a body in sections 17 and 18. The other eighty acres, which he uses as a pasture for his stock, are a half mile northwest from his home. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, feeding all the corn he raises to his stock and frequently buying more from his neighbors.
Mr. REYNOLDS was married, September 16, 1872, at Red Oak, Iowa, to Miss Sarah E. WILSON, a lady of culture and refinement and a successful teacher. She was born in Sullivan County, Indiana, and was reared and educated in Lee County, Iowa. Her parents, William and Anna (PEMBERTON) WILSON, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Ohio, now reside in Nebraska. Mr. And Mrs. REYNOLDS have four children, viz.: Rosalie, Laura Jane, Anna Ethel and Isom Guy. Mr. REYNOLDS is a Republican and cast his first vote for General Grant. He and his wife are worthy members of the Christian Church and take an active part in religious and educational matters. Mr. REYNOLDS is a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 444, Carson, Iowa. Mr. REYNOLDS lost a brother in the Southern Army, and Mrs. REYNOLDS a brother in the Northern Army.

Note to researchers: In this biography, the father of Columbus Reynolds is named once as William Reynolds, then later as Willson Reynolds.