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biography
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Reynolds, Robert, (deceased), late of Reynoldton, this county was born in County
Derry, Ireland, August 22, 1806, and was descended from the Reynoldses of
Cornwall, England. He was a son of George and Isabella (Leslie) Reynolds,
Presbyterians, former of whom was a farmer, and died in Ireland. In 1836
Thomas Reynolds, with his mother, Isabella, three brothers, (Robert, John and
George Leslie), and two sisters, (Elizabeth and Sidney), came to Pittsburgh,
Pa. Three years later(1839), Thomas with his mother and two sisters, went to
New Lisbon, Ohio. Here Thomas in partnership with James Starr, engaged in the
manufacture of thrashing-machines, fanmills and general farm implements, until
1848, when he purchased a large tract of land where Reynoldton, this county,
now is, and which town he founded. He was a natural mechanic, and a man of
more than ordinary ability. He was a great reader, plain and unassuming in his
manner, one who made hosts of friends, and enjoyed the confidence and respect
of all. He was a member of the M.E. Church; was elected Justice of the peace
of his township, but never sought office. In 1874 he sent for his nephew,
Thomas Reynolds, Jr., to assist him in his business, and in 1882 conveyed all
his land to his nephew. He died in November 1887.
Robert and Martha J. (Pugh) Reynolds, the former of whom was born in County
Derry Ireland, and the latter in Virginia. They are members of the Disciples'
Church. Soon after coming to Pittsburgh from Ireland, Robert Reynolds went to
New Orleans, thence to Davenport, Iowa, thence to Galena, Ill., where he
engaged in the manufacture of brick. In 1869 he moved to Missouri, where he
carried on farming until 1882, in which year he came to McKeesport, where he
and his wife still reside. Mr. Robert Reynolds is president and half owner of
the McKeesport and Youghiogheny Bridge and owner of real estate.
Thomas Reynolds, Jr., was born in Galena, Ill., Jan. 29, 1854, son of Robert
and Martha J. (Pugh) Reynolds. Thomas Reynolds, Jr., laid out the town of
Reynoldton, and was the first burgess. It was he who suggested the building of
the McKeesport and Youghiogheny bridge, in the construction of which he was
the principal mover and was the president of the bridge company and chief
stockholder until April 1888. He is still a stockholder in the bridge
company, stockholder and director in the People's Bank, McKeesport Gas
Company, and McKeesport Light Company; he is school director and councilman of
Reynoldton, and is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Reynolds was united in
marriage, Oct. 4, 1888, with Miss Anna B. Woods, a native of McKeesport,
daughter of Theodore Woods, civil engineer and prominent businessman of
McKeesport. Thomas and Anna had three children, John P., Theodore, and Louisa.
History of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania
Published: Chicago: A. Warner & Co., 1889
Contributed by Carol A. Reigard.
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