My Genealogy Hound

William B. Reynolds, Jr., a merchant, grain and stock dealer, and also farmer, is a resident of Green Top, and a native of Madison County, Ill., where he was born in 1846, being the eldest son of William B. and Mary Ann Reynolds [see sketch of Henry C. Reynolds]. He spent his early life at home, receiving a limited common-school education, and came with his parents in 1854, to Adair County, and in 1850 entered the mercantile business, in company with his father and Mr. Rutter, in which he continued until 1860. The year previous to this he married Miss Ruth D., daughter of Alfred and Gertrude Story, formerly of New York, where Mrs. Reynolds was born in 1843. The union was blessed with ten children, only five sons and one daughter now living, viz.: William S., Henry M., Alfred, Maude Elidian, Garfield and Everett. He located at Willmathsville, and farmed a few years, and, in 1863, he, in company with his brother, James H., entered the mercantile trade in Willmathsville, in which he continued until 1870. He then went to his farm, two and one half miles southwest of Willmathsville, where he remained until 1881, when he returned to Green Top, where he has since been engaged as above stated. Mr. Reynolds is the owner of 620 acres of land in one tract, besides ten acres and several residences, and a business block in Green Top, the most of which he has accumulated by his own efforts. He was postmaster from 1859 to 1872. He is an active worker for the cause of education, and general welfare and prosperity of the country. He is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for John Bell. Mrs. Reynolds is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.