Thomas Reynolds

Thomas Reynolds (March 12, 1796 – February 9, 1844) was an American politician and lawyer who was the chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court as well as the seventh governor of Missouri. A Democrat, he is notable for being one of the few American politicians to die by suicide while in office.

Early life Childhood and education Thomas Reynolds was born in Bracken County, Kentucky to Nathaniel and Catherine (née Vernon) Reynolds. He received his basic education and education in Law while in Kentucky and was admitted to the state Bar in 1817.

Reynolds moved with his family to Illinois in his early twenties, settling in the Springfield area.

Marriage and family Despite the same last name, and similar political career paths in Illinois, contrary to other sources John Reynolds is not the brother of Thomas Reynolds. Reynolds married Eliza Ann Young on September 20, 1823, and the couple had one child, a son, Ambrose Dudley Reynolds, born in 1824.

Career Legislative and judicial service Reynolds served as Clerk for the Illinois House of Representatives from 1818 until his appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court on August 31, 1822. He remained on the high court until January 19, 1825, and served as the court's chief justice during his entire tenure. On the governor's writing table was a sealed message addressed to his friend, Colonel William G. Minor, in which he said "I have labored and discharged my duties faithfully to the public, but this has not protected me from the slanders and abuse which has rendered my life a burden to me...I pray to God to forgive them and teach them more charity."