COL. JAMES J. REYNOLDS,

farmer, sections 29 and 32, post office Agency, was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, September 17, 1813. In 1818 his parents emigrated to Missouri, locating in Clay County. At that time Buchanan County was Indian territory, with Clay as border county. In March, 1838, he moved to Buchanan County, locating near Sparta, where he engaged in farming. He was married to Miss Eliza S. Gibson April 21, 1842. She was born May 21, 1825, in McMinn County, Tennessee. They have had fourteen children, James M., born March 11, 1844; Mary J., born February 23, 1846; George W., born November 3, 1847, died in 1853; Martha A., born November 26, 1849; Louisa E., born November 3, 1851 Elizabeth F., born May 14, 1853; William L., born December 28, 1854 Robert G., born September 5, 1866, died in 1857; John B., born June 22, 1858; Thomas J., born July 25, 1860, died in 1861 ; Sterling P. born December 13, 1861 ; Lee J., born June 13, 1864, died in 1865 ; Joseph J., born September 5, 1866; Stephen D., born July 3, 1869. He owns 364 acres of land, all under fence and well improved, except forty acres. James M. was in the Confederate service under Colonel Gates in General Price's army. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He was revenue collector of Buchanan County and Justice of the Peace for four years; also colonel of the Eighty-seventh Missouri Regiment of Militia long before the war. They lived in Kansas from 1856 to 1860; he was a member of the constitutional convention and has been school director. Mr. R. is a well-preserved old gentleman who, by his untiring industry, has prospered in life and been one of the most successful farmers of Buchanan County. His very countenance and that of his wife bespeak happiness, contentment and plenty.

From: A History of Buchanan County, Missouri, published by Union Historical Co., St. Joseph, Missouri 1881 Agency Township, page 981.

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14 Feb 1899 St. Joseph Gazette read:

Another Pioneer Gone
James J. Reynols of Near Agency Passes Away

Agency. Mo. Feb. 13 - On Monday morning, Feb. 13, at 6:30 o'clock, James J. Reynolds of near Agency departed this life after a brief sickness of about two weeks. Mr. Reynolds is the father of Dr. J. B. Reynolds of St. Joseph.

Mr. Reynolds was born in Jackson county, Tennessee, September 17, 1813. This made him 86 years old last September. It was his custom to celebrate this occasion by having all or as many of his children as could to take dinner with him.
He with his parents in 1818 emigrated to Clay county this state. In 1838 the subject of this sketch moved to Buchanan county, locating near old Sparta where he engaged in farming. He was married to Miss Eliza S. Gibson April 21, 1842. By this marriage there was born fourteen children.

Mr. Reynolds owned 364 acres of land, all in cultivation. He has occupied some important positions in both township and county. He has been a very successful farmer and has lived to a ripe old age.

He and his first wife were members of the Christian church. His first wife died in 1886. Four years thereafter he married a Mrs. Walker of near old Sparta, who survives him. Mr. Reynolds leaves ten children, six boys and four girls. He also leaves thirty-nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mr. Reynolds will be buried at Agency tomorrow.