Charles Reynolds (legislator) facts for kids

Charles Reynolds (born November 15, 1839 – died February 2, 1914) was an important person from Wisconsin. He was an Irish American immigrant who became a successful businessman and politician. He belonged to the Republican Party. Reynolds served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, which is like the state's parliament, representing Door County in 1903 and 1905.

Charles Reynolds' Early Life

Charles Reynolds was born on November 15, 1839, in County Longford, Ireland. He grew up and went to school there. In 1860, he moved to the United States, following his brother, John, to Madison, Wisconsin.

Joining the Civil War

Soon after Charles arrived in Wisconsin, the American Civil War began. He was one of the first people to volunteer for the Union Army. He joined a group that later became Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. As this regiment was getting ready, Charles was chosen to be the sergeant major.

The 12th Wisconsin Infantry officially joined the federal army in October 1861. They were sent south to fight in the western part of the war. For much of 1862 and 1863, the regiment protected railroad lines in Kansas, Tennessee, and northern Mississippi.

Charles became a second lieutenant in March 1862 and moved back to Company A. He was then promoted to first lieutenant in April 1863.

Key Battles and Promotions

Charles and his regiment fought in several major battles. These included the Siege of Vicksburg, the Meridian campaign, and the Atlanta campaign in 1863 and 1864. After the Atlanta campaign, his captain left, and Charles was promoted to captain of Company A.

His unit then joined Sherman's March to the Sea. This was a famous march where Union soldiers traveled through Georgia. After that, they took part in the Carolinas Campaign. In the spring of 1865, Charles worked for General Charles Ewing as an assistant adjutant general. He stayed in this role until the war ended.

Charles Reynolds' Career

After the Civil War, Charles Reynolds returned to Wisconsin. He started working in real estate. He bought a property in Jacksonport, Wisconsin, that his brother, John, had owned.

Business Success in Door County

Under Charles Reynolds' leadership, the Jacksonport property became very successful. It attracted new settlers and businesses to the area. Reynolds hired many workers for lumbering. He sold the wood products all around the region.

Serving in Politics

In Door County, Charles Reynolds also became involved in politics. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1902 and again in 1904. This meant he helped make laws for the state. He decided not to run for re-election in 1906. His brother, Thomas Reynolds, took his place.

After leaving the Assembly, Charles Reynolds worked with the Merchants Exchange Bank. He was the vice president of the bank before he passed away. He spent the winter of 1913–1914 in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he died on February 2, 1914.

Charles Reynolds' Family Life

Charles Reynolds was one of nine children. His parents were Michael and Mary Ann (McCann) Reynolds, who were farmers in Ireland. Charles' mother died when he was young.

Family's Journey to America

His older brother, John, was the first to come to America. Charles followed him in 1860. Another brother, Michael, came in 1864. His younger brother Thomas and their sister Katherine arrived in America in 1866. Finally, their father and the rest of the siblings came in 1867.

Notable Relatives

Charles' brother, Thomas, also settled in Door County. He became a successful farmer and served two terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, just like Charles.

Thomas' son was John W. Reynolds, Sr.. He became the 26th attorney general of Wisconsin. Charles' grand-nephew, John W. Reynolds, Jr., became a federal judge and the 36th governor of Wisconsin. This shows how involved the Reynolds family was in Wisconsin politics.

Marriage and Children

Charles Reynolds married Mary Mahan on April 9, 1870. Mary's father was Asa Mahan, a minister who was the first president of Oberlin College. He also led two other colleges. Charles and Mary had five children. Sadly, four of them passed away when they were very young, and their last child died at age 21.