Samuel was born in 1830 in Rockingham County, North Carolina to Pryor and Prudence (Morehead) Reynolds.
Mrs. W. T. Wilson, one of Johnson county’s noblest pioneer women, is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Deering) Fewel, natives of North Carolina. William Fewel came from North Carolina to Missouri long before the Civil War and brought with him fifty or more slaves. Elizabeth (Deering) Fewel died in Rockingham county, North Carolina prior to Mr. Fewel’s coming West. His daughter, Miss Elvira, the subject of this review, was then sixteen years of age, and well remembers the journey to Missouri. They came bringing wagons, buggies, and carriages and were two months on the way. They crossed the Mississippi river at Columbus, Kentucky.
Mr. Fewel first located on Honey creek, where they remained for a few months, and then purchased the present home of Major Williams. This farm comprises about two hundred acres of land and William Fewel entered other land in both Henry and Johnson counties. His death occurred in 1867 and his remains were interred on the home farm. William Fewel was the father of seven daughters and two sons, of whom three daughters are now living: Mrs. W. T. Wilson, the subject of this review; Mrs. William Millner; and Elizabeth D.
In 1853, Elvira Fewel was united in marriage with Samuel Reynolds, of North Carolina. The following children are now living of those born to Samuel M. and Elvira (Fewel) Reynolds: Samuel M., Jr., Corder, Missouri; William F., a sketch of whom appears else where in this volume; and Mrs. W. H. Dorman, Clinton, Missouri. Samuel M. Reynolds came to Henry county, Missouri before the Civil War and located on the farm, where Mrs. W. T. Wilson now resides. He enlisted in the Civil War and was killed at the battle of Lone Jack, August 16, 1862, while serving with Cockrell’s regiment. He was buried in the same grave with other men, who fell that day.
Mrs. Elvira (Fewel) Reynolds was united in marriage with W. T. Wilson, a veteran of the Confederacy, in 1867. Mr. Wilson was in the battle of Lone Jack, Missouri, where Samuel Reynolds lost his life. W. T. Wilson was born in 1833 in Lexington, Missouri. He enlisted in the Civil War in 1861 and served nearly four years. He was mustered out at Shreveport, Louisiana, June 15, 1865 and returned home at once.
Mr. Wilson has been a resident of Henry county since the date of his return from the war. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are now eighty four years of age and still active and enjoying excellent health. Mrs. Wilson attends personally to all her housework and Mr. Wilson is able to do as much manual labor as a man many years younger than he.
Source: The History of Johnson County, Missouri; published 1918
Excerpt from son William F. Reynolds bio~~William F. was a child eight years of age and he climbed on the horse, behind his father, and insisted upon being taken with him. The boy was determined not to get off “Celum” and was removed, protesting vigorously. A neighbor brought the horse home after the battle. The empty saddle was the first news of the father’s death.
Source: The History of Johnson County, Missouri; published 1918