Charles Reynolds

Charles Reynolds (November 15, 1839February 2, 1914) was an Irish American immigrant, businessman, and Republican politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Door County during the 1903 and 1905 sessions. Early life and Civil War service Reynolds was born on November 15, 1839, in County Longford, Ireland. He was raised and educated in Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in 1860, following his brother, John, to Madison, Wisconsin. The American Civil War broke out shortly after his arrival in Wisconsin. He was among some of the earliest volunteers for the Union Army, joining up with a company that would become Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. As the 12th Wisconsin Infantry was being organized, Reynolds was selected to serve as sergeant major of the regiment. The 12th Wisconsin Infantry mustered into federal service in October 1861 and was sent south for service in the western theater of the war. The regiment spent much of 1862 and 1863 guarding railroad lines in Kansas, Tennessee, and northern Mississippi. Reynolds was commissioned as a second lieutenant and transferred back to Company A in March of 1862, and was then promoted to first lieutenant in April 1863.