JOHN M. McREYNOLDS
Page 408

JOHN M. McREYNOLDS. With the progress of Mason County, and more especially the history of Quiver Township, the subject of this sketch has been intimately associated for many years, having contributed materially to the development of its resources and the growth of its industries. His life occupation has been that of farming, in which, through industry and perseverance, he has met with success and gained prosperity. The farm which he occupies consists of two hundred and thirty acres, embellished with suitable and substantial buildings and bearing first class improvements. Robert McReynolds, the father of our subject, was born in Columbia County, Pa., April 13 1791, and was the son of Hugh McReynolds. The former married Miss Susannah Moyer, also a native of the above county, and the daughter of john Moyer, a native of Germany, who after coming to this country located in the Keystone State. The parents continued to reside in Columbia County until 1838, when they came to this county and made their home first in Havana Township, on the farm now occupied by Mr. Heston. It was an uncultivated tract at that time, and during the years which they lived upon it they made many substantial improvements, and in 1848 came to Quiver Township and purchased the property now occupied by J. W. Himmeleyros. There the father of our subject carried on farm pursuits for many years, and afterward removed to Havana, where he lived and held some important offices, which he filled satisfactorily until his death, which occurred November 15, 1872. His good wife followed him to the better land two years later, during June 16, 1884. The parental family included nine children, all of whom grew to mature years, and the following seven are still living: John M., of this sketch; Sarah, Mrs. Fisk; Andrew J.; Nancy Jane, Mrs. Cross; Mary, Mrs. Coppel; and Hannah C., now Mrs. Appleman. The parents of these children were members in good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which denomination Mr. McReynolds was Steward and Class-leader. Meetings were often held in their farm house, which was built with that purpose in view and once as many as fifty people took breakfast with them on Sunday mornings. The father of our subject was also one of the prominent men of this county, and was afforded the high esteem and confidence of its best residents. He was a Democrat in politics, and held the offices of County Commissioner, County Assessor and was Associate Justice in 1848, and ten years later filled the office of County Judge. He was an intimate friend of Peter Cartwright. John M. McReynolds was born September 8, 1822, in Columbia County, Pa., as was a lad of sixteen years at the time of his parents' removal to this state. He received a meagre education in the common schools of that state, and since then, by extensive reading, has become well posted upon general topics, and is a man of broad information. Mr. McReynolds remained upon his father's farm until 1847, when, having been married the previous year, he removed to a home of his own. His wife was Miss Catherine A., daughter of William and Catherine Dentler, early settlers of this state. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and died December 13, 1855, after having become the mother of five children; Robert H., Lemuel W., Eliza J., Arminda F. and Willis D. Mr. McReynolds was again married February 2, 1860, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary C. Cadwallader, natives of Fulton county, this state. She was the daughter of Reece and Sarah (Humphrey) Cadwallader, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. McReynolds was born April 16, 1839, and received a good education in Mason County. By her union with our subject the following children were born: Clara C. (deceased), A. C., Louella M., Oscar R., John C., Ralph B., and Pearl E. Our subject has resided upon his present farm since 1847. It was then in a wild condition, and wolves, deer and other animals infested the country. He is now one of the oldest living settlers in Quiver Township, and owns a valuable property of two hundred and thirty acres. He gives his attention to mixed farming, and has on his place some of the finest breeds of hogs and cattle. Mr. McReynolds is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he served as Recording Steward for over thirty years, during which time he never missed a quarterly meeting. He is serving at the present time as Trustee, Class-leader and Sunday-school teacher. He has given his children the very best advantages for obtaining an education, and for many years has been Director on the School Board. He takes as active part in politics, and is a strong Republican with Prohibition proclivities. He now fills the office of School Trustee, and in times past has been Supervisor and Assessor. He was one of the Trustees of the Methodist Church at Topeka during the erection of their fine church edifice, which cost $4,000, and is President of the Mason County Farmers' Mutual Fire and Lightning Association; he has held this office for the past six years, which indicates his efficiency.

1894 Biography Index

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