REYNOLDS, Napoleon B - Putnam

Napoleon Bonaparte Reynolds was b. near Lexington Ky in the year 1828. He moved to in in 1830 and was marr. to Malinda CRISLER in 1849. He d. Feb 5 aged 79 years 10 months and 13 days. His father d. when he was young and the ch. were left to the care of a brother-in-law. Their educ. owing to the lack of schools was limited and like others of the early pioneers his training consisted of hard work. He early showed a love for mechanical work and was best known as a millwright and carpenter. He leaves monuments of his industry in Putnam, Vigo, Parke, Fountain and Montgomery Counties. Some of the better known buildings being Deer's Mills (Flour Woolen and Saw Mills that burned in 1887) also the present structure, Freedom Church and numerous barns and dwelling houses scattered over 5 counties. When about 20 years of age he lost his right eye by a piece of guncap striking it. Notwithstanding this handicap his was a useful life and but few of his assoc. could better wield the broad ax or plant bullets in the center of the target at the local shooting matches. He played the violin after the style of that day. He was strictly honest and regarded others as being honest; was of a quiet disposition and always willing to help a neighbor. He was a kind and indulgent father. While many of his companions moved to different quarters of the earth in search of fortune he stayed in the one locality and under adverse circumstances fought out the battle of life. He was marr. 59 years and four days and lived where he died 52 years. He failed to get in the Mexican War because he was a minor and his guardian objected. He was the last one of a family of 8 ch. four girls and four boys. He was a member of the Freedom Baptist Church. Politically he was a democrat. He was never involved in a law suit. In later years he was better known in the community as "Uncle bony." than by the full name given above. A widow 76 years old is left to mourn his loss. He refused the request of his children to quit active work and take life easier and worked up to his last illness. JWR - kbz