Biography of Melvin E. Reynolds, pages 765/766/767. History 
of DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 
Indianapolis, 1914.



It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the 
result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging 
determination and perseverance in a course of action when 
once decided upon. She is never known to smile upon the 
idler or dreamer and only the men who have diligently 
sought her favor are crowned with her blessings. In tracing 
the history of the influential citizen of Corunna, Indiana, 
whose name forms the caption of his review, it is plainly 
seen that the success which he enjoys had been won by 
commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth 
that has gained for him the high esteem of those who know 
him. Melvin E. Reynolds was born on May 31, 1858, at 
Fairfield Center, DeKalb county, Indiana, and is the son of  
Jerome and Barbara (Eckert) Reynolds, the father a native 
of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany. Jerome Reynolds 
was brought from his native state to Ohio with his foster 
parents, and there grew to manhood. His wife, who had been 
born in Germany, was brought to this country at the age of 
eight months, her parents first settling in Pennsylvania, 
but later locating in Ohio, where, in young womanhood, she 
met and married Jerome Reynolds. In the spring of 1856, Mr. 
and Mrs. Reynolds came to Fairfield Center, DeKalb county, 
where he followed his trade, that of cabinet-making, during 
the remainder of his life. He was a man of good habits, 
steady industry and stanch integrity and enjoyed the esteem 
and confidence of his community.  His death occurred on May 
24, 1884, and his wife died on March 4th of the same year. 
Mr. Reynolds served as postmaster of Fairfield Center 
continuously from 1864 to 1884. To him and his wife were 
born the following children: Eolian, the wife of Daniel 
Lower, of South Dakota; Clarence M., of Auburn; Melvin E, 
the subject of this sketch; Watler T., of Corunna; 
Virginia, the wife of Charles Bangs, of Richland township; 
Franklin G., of Corunna. The father and mother of M. E. 
Reynolds had both been married prior to their union, and by 
his first wife Mr. Reynolds was the father of three 
children, Elizabeth, deceased; Thomas, who was a member of 
Company A, Eighty-eight Regiment Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, during the Civil war, who is now deceased, and 
Amelia, deceased.  By her first marriage Mrs. Reynolds was 
the mother of two children, Eolian and Luella, both of whom 
are deceased.  Melvin E. Reynolds attended the common 
schools of Fairfield township and then was a student in 
normal school for two terms. Upon the completion of his 
education  he took up cabinet-making, but did not follow 
that vocation long, turning his attention to brick-making, 
which vocation he followed for seven years.  He then again 
entered the cabinet-making work in Corunna, which then 
followed for five years, and then took up carpentering an 
contracting, being thus employed until 1894, a period of 
seven years, during which time he constructed many of the 
prominent and substantial dwellings and business houses in 
this locality.  In 1894, Mr. Reynolds engaged in the saw-
mill business at Corunna, which has commanded his attention 
continuously to the present time, and in which he has met 
with well-deserved success. On December 25, 1889, Mr. 
Reynolds was married to Amanda Wagner, the daughter of 
James and Mary Ann (Billman) Wagner. These parents, who 
were from Huron county, Ohio, moved to Michigan, where the 
father died. The widow returned to Ohio and later came to 
DeKalb county with her parents, where she remained with her 
relatives.  To Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have been born five 
children, namely: Gerald and Olen; Walter, who married 
Bessie Zimmerman, and they have one child, Melvin W.; Oscar 
married Bessie Workman; Zola and Bernice are at home. Mrs. 
Reynolds, who was born on February 14, 1861, died on 
September 3, 1912, at the age of fifty-one years. She was a 
woman of many kindly qualities of head and heart, which had 
endeared her to all who knew her. Politically a Republican, 
Mr. Reynolds has for many years been active in the civic 
and public affairs of the locality, having served as 
trustee of Corunna for two terms, one and four years 
respectively, and township trustee for five years.  At one 
time he made the race for county auditor as the Republican 
nominee and lacked only fifty-seven votes of being elected. 
He assumes generally and independent attitude, especially 
in local political affairs, voting for the men whom he 
considers best qualifies for public offices.  Imbued with 
the deepest and most healthful public spirit, Mr. Reynolds 
is well fortifies in his opinion as the matters of public 
policy and gives of his best to the furthering of good 
government, being neglectful of no civic duty. His  
personal relations with his fellow men have been ever 
naturally pleasant and agreeable, and he is highly regarded 
by all, being obliging and straightforward in all the 
relation of life.

Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin

Auburn, Indiana

Agoodwin@ctlnet.com