Background
Reynolds, Joseph Smith was born on December 3, 1839 in New Lenox, Illinois, United States. Son of Isaac N. and Rue Ann (Holderman) Reynolds.
Reynolds, Joseph Smith was born on December 3, 1839 in New Lenox, Illinois, United States. Son of Isaac N. and Rue Ann (Holderman) Reynolds.
Graduate Chicago High school and Northwestern University, 1866. Enlisted Company F, 64th Illinois Infantry (Yates’ Sharpshooters), October 19, 1861. Promoted Second lieutenant, December 31, 1861.
First lieutenant, September 2, 1862.
Captain, August 14, 1863. Major, November 1, 1864.
Lieutenant colonel, May 8, 1865. Brevetted colonel and brigadier general, July 11, 1865.
Took part in 17 battles and many skirmishes.
Wounded at Corinth. Had sword shot from hand at Resaca. Commanded regiment on Sherman’s March to the Sea and through the Carolinas.
Led column that captured Confederation position to the left of Bentonsville, North Carolina, March 21, 1865.
Took part in grand review, Washington, June 1865.
Admitted to bar, 1866. Member Illinois House of Representatives, 1866-1870, Senate, 1872-1874. One of founders Chicago park system.
Member Chicago Board of Education, 1870-1874.
Commissioner from Illinois to Vienna Exposition, 1873. Commissioner to establish State School for Feeble-Minded Children, 1875.
Senior vice-commander-in-chief G.A.R. of the United States, 1875-1876. Commander Illinois G.A.R., 1877.
1st vice president Society Army of the Tennessee, 1879.
Home: Pasadena, California.
Member Illinois Ho; member Chicago Board of Education.
Married Mattie A. Cary, January 31, 1877 (died 1890).