Mr. Foster Reynolds, son of Foster and Huldah Crandall Reynolds, was born in Grafton, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., June 17, 1803, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E. S. R. Babcock, two miles north of Nortonville, Kansas, Jan. 19, 1892. The first twenty-seven years of his life were spent in his native town, Grafton. He was married to Fanny Potter, daughter of Stephen and Sarah Potter, of Petersburg, N. Y., Jan. 29, 1826. In 1830 they moved to Alfred, N. Y.
In 1837 they, with seven other families, moved into the wilds of Northern Pennsylvania (now Hebron, Potter Co.), where they bravely faced the perils, toils, and hardships incident to pioneer life, often being obliged to go sixty miles with team, through a dense forest, inhabited only by Indians and wild animals, to get provisions.
Mrs. Reynolds also entered upon the duties of pioneer life with the same enthusiasm and bravery as her husband. Indians often visited them, begging bread, milk, etc., which was never refused; but their offered penny was always returned.
Once, in midwinter, when alone with her two little boys, several Indians entered her dwelling, one at a time, each taking out a large hunting knife, which he began sharpening. This continued without a word being spoken till her small room was nearly filled. She gave them seats, and all the victuals her cupboard contained. When well warmed, they retired as they came. After receiving such favors their speaker would often express their appreciation thus: "Me know you fifty years."
Sometimes a nice piece of venison was found on their door-step, but no clue to the donor. Mrs. Reynolds faithfully fulfilled the Bible injunction, "Be careful to entertain strangers," for the needy never left her door uncared for. Even the fugitive from slavery found shelter and comfort beneath her roof.
Mr. Reynolds was a successful mechanic and mill-wright. He did the carpenter work on the first court-house, and many dwelling houses in the county at that time. He also built water-power and steam lumber mills, for himself and others in the county. He was a man remarkable for his honor, energy, and uprightness of character. He was a man of few words, but deep thought. A noble man, a devoted husband, a kind and loving father and neighbor, he commanded the respect of all who knew him.
He possessed more than ordinary intellectual ability; and although favored with only limited school privileges, his eager and vigorous mind led him to study from nature's books. From the tiniest shoot to the stateliest pine, from the pebble to the pyramidal rock, from mountain formation to wide-spreading prairie, he discovered vast fields for study and original thought. Thus with but little aid from books he became quite a naturalist.
He embraced religion many years ago, but after a time became so absorbed in business that he lost his religious interest. Through curiosity he was led to read Theodore Parker's Liberal Humanitarian sermons, and similar works, that were handed him by old acquaintances, till he became a confirmed skeptic.
He and his wife came to Kansas in 1878, where they have since resided with their daughters, Mrs. Babcock and Mrs. Culver, except one and one-half years which they spent in visiting their sons and friends in their old home. Mrs. Reynolds was, at the time of her death, the last constituent member of the Hebron Church. She was so attached to her dear home church that she retained her membership there till severed by death.
Two years ago last March, under the labors of Elders Cottrell and Harry, God led Mr. Reynolds to see the great mistake of his life, and to again accept of Jesus as his Saviour and Redeemer. He united with the Nortonville Church, and has since been an earnest Christian, doing all in his power to counteract his past influence against Christ. He peacefully departed this life fully trusting in Jesus.
He and his companion (who passed to the golden shore May 14, 1891), celebrated the 65th anniversary of their married life one year ago the 29th of January. Just ten days previous to their 66 anniversary God invited him to join the dear companion of his life in the grand reunion in the Eternal City, with Christ their King,
Where sad farewells are never spoken,
And fond love-ties and never broken.
