Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 November 1885 — Governor Reynolds. [ARTICLE]

Governor Reynolds.

One of the most popular Governors of Illinois was John Reynolds. Leavtled in Illinois when it was ( a Territory, and by his courage and skill as an Infighter won the title of “Old Ranger.” He had received but a limited education, but his natural abilities, generous impulses and honest dealings gave him such popularity that the people made him a judge, a member of Congress Governor of the State. But in every station he was always “Jack Reynolds.” While he was a member of Congress, Mr. Darby, of St. Louis, who tells the anecdote, called upon him at the capitol. “Well, Governor,” said Darby, “how do you like life in Washington as compaied with life at your home in Belleville?” “Mr. Darby, it don’t suit me, sitting around on these fine, silk-cushioned chairs; I don’t feel at home as I do at Belleville, sitting on the logs and fence rails with the boys, and whittling sticks.” When the State of Illinois determined to build railroads, it sent Gov. Reynolds as a commissioner to Europe to negotiate its bonds. The British minister at Washington gave him letters of introduction to several noblemen in London. Mr. Darby tells, without vouching for its truth, the following story of the Governor’s first introduction to the English aristocracy, illustrating the ignorance and the lack of polish which used to be regarded as evidence of American superiority. As soon as he arrived in London, he called on a nobleman, who happened nt>t to be at home, and left his card and a letter of introduction. In the course of a few hours a note came from the nobleman, expressing regret at not meeting Gov. Reynolds,and inviting him to dine the next day. The note also stated that the nobleman’s carriage wouldbeatthe Governor’s residence, a few minutes before the appointed hour. When the carriage was announced the Governor came down to find a splendid equipage, with coachman and footmen dressed in livery. “How are you, gentlemen ? how are you? Which of you is the duke?” asked the western Governor. “His grace is at home; we are his servants,” answered one of the servants, surprised at the salutation. “Well,” said his excellency, “get in, get into the carriage.” “No, sir, if you please—the carrjgge is for your excellency—we ride out? side. ” “What! only one man inside, and three of you outside in the rain!” exclaimed the “Old Ranger,” astonished at what he regarded as the selfishness of aristocratic customs, so different from the free and easy manners of the western frontier.— Youth’s Companion. ..'