REYNOLDS, Joseph "Diamond Jo" - Revision history

Randylyon at 16:33, 21 February 2026

2026-02-21T16:33:19Z

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			Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60525/records/120666820?tid=&pid=&queryId=55384d89-509f-417e-a5d7-9c2d46cc93c4&_phsrc=MOd28498&_phstart=successSource

	[[Image:diamondjoreynolds.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|"Diamond Jo" Reynolds was one of the most successful businessmen on the Mississippi River.]]REYNOLDS, Joseph "Diamond Jo" (Fallsburg, NY, June 11, 1819--Congress, AZ, Feb. 21, 1891). Reynolds showed his business sense at an early age by buying and slaughtering animals and selling the meat at farms and in towns. He taught school in the winter and then formed a partnership with his brother in operating a store in Rockland, New York. He opened a mill and then bought a tannery. (1)		[[Image:diamondjoreynolds.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|"Diamond Jo" Reynolds was one of the most successful businessmen on the Mississippi River.]]REYNOLDS, Joseph "Diamond Jo" (Fallsburg, NY, June 11, 1819--Congress, AZ, Feb. 21, 1891). Reynolds showed his business sense at an early age by buying and slaughtering animals and selling the meat at farms and in towns. He taught school in the winter and then formed a partnership with his brother in operating a store in Rockland, New York. He opened a mill and then bought a tannery. (1)

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	[[Category: Business Leader]]		[[Category: Business Leader]]
	[[Category: River Men]]		[[Category: River Men]]
			[[Category: Ancestry]]

Randylyon at 20:17, 28 June 2021

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	Reynolds believed in maintaining his boats in top condition and kept stores of tools at different locations along the line for repairs, which he often made himself. Reynolds' habit of selling his boats before they were too old enabled him to buy newer and larger craft, but he never over expanded. His company thrived by adding new customers and running a highly efficient operation. (14)		Reynolds believed in maintaining his boats in top condition and kept stores of tools at different locations along the line for repairs, which he often made himself. Reynolds' habit of selling his boats before they were too old enabled him to buy newer and larger craft, but he never over expanded. His company thrived by adding new customers and running a highly efficient operation. (14)

	Reynolds became involved in gold and silver [[MINING]] in Colorado and Arizona in the mid-1880s. His first venture, the Del Pasco mine in Arizona, was not successful. Larry Friedman found in his research that the mine had been "salted" with pieces of gold to make it appear the mine still had gold deposits. (15) In 1887 Dennis May sold the Congress gold mine which he had discovered in Arizona to Reynolds for $30,000. Properly capitalized as the Congress Gold Company, a stamp mill was built and the mine opened. It became one of Arizona's largest producers. (16)		Reynolds became involved in gold and silver [[MINING]] in Colorado and Arizona in the mid-1880s. His first venture, the Del Pasco mine in Arizona, was not successful. Larry Friedman found in his research that the mine had been "salted" with pieces of gold to make it appear the mine still had gold deposits. (15)

	In ~~1890 while working~~ in ~~his office in Chicago in the Rialto Building~~, ~~Reynolds was nearly killed~~. ~~He detected~~ the ~~strong odor of gas~~, ~~traced the leak to~~ a ~~place in the wall~~ and ~~called~~ the ~~janitor~~. ~~He again found~~ the ~~source~~ of the ~~leak~~ and ~~lit a match to show the janitor~~. ~~He and~~ the ~~janitor were thrown across the room and the wall between rooms 403 and 404 were destroyed~~, ~~windows were shattered and furniture destroyed~~. (17)		In 1887 Dennis May sold the Congress gold mine which he had discovered in Arizona to Reynolds for $30,000. Properly capitalized as the Congress Gold Company, a stamp mill was built and the mine opened. It became one of Arizona's largest producers. (16) Friedman noted that the town of Congress was described by one visitor as "the most beautiful mining camp in the world" with a hotel and restaurant. As the mine grew to nearly double its original size, "Diamond Jo" considered building a railroad north-to-south to improve business. (17)

	~~Reynold's only child, Blake, died~~ in ~~California~~ in ~~1890. Considered a fortunate child, he studied mechanical engineering~~ in ~~Boston as a youth but never practiced~~ the ~~profession. A $2~~,~~500 yacht~~ was ~~constructed for him in Dubuque and he often spent time sailing on~~ the ~~river. His health began to fail around 1886~~, ~~and he toured~~ the ~~world trying~~ to ~~find~~ a ~~better climate~~. He ~~returned to Cuba~~ and ~~then his father's silver mines before moving~~ to ~~California where he died~~. ~~His body was returned~~ the ~~McGregor~~, ~~Iowa where his mother lived~~. (18)		In 1890 while working in his office in Chicago in the Rialto Building, Reynolds was nearly killed. He detected the strong odor of gas, traced the leak to a place in the wall and called the janitor. He again found the source of the leak and lit a match to show the janitor. He and the janitor were thrown across the room and the wall between rooms 403 and 404 were destroyed, windows were shattered and furniture destroyed. (18)

	~~In 1891~~, ~~while visiting his mine~~, ~~Reynolds~~ died~~. Reynolds left an estate estimated at $7 million fortune (approximately $150 million~~ in ~~2006 dollars)~~. ~~(19) One month after his death~~, ~~no will was found and consideration was made that~~ he ~~had~~ never ~~written one~~. ~~Later it~~ was ~~discovered that as he lay dying~~ in ~~Arizona~~ he ~~dictated and then signed one~~. ~~(20) He generously willed substantial amounts~~ to ~~some individuals~~ and ~~made two other significant bequests. In memory of his only child, Blake, who predeceased him,~~ he ~~and his wife established~~ a ~~memorial park in McGregor~~. ~~Reynolds also bequeathed $200,000~~ to ~~the University of Chicago to establish the Reynolds Club in~~ his ~~son~~'s ~~memory~~. ~~(21) The building is still used as~~ the ~~institution's student union. The estate was found to not owe even one dollar~~. (22)		Reynold's only child, Blake, died in California in 1890. Considered a fortunate child, he studied mechanical engineering in Boston as a youth but never practiced the profession. A $2,500 yacht was constructed for him in Dubuque and he often spent time sailing on the river. His health began to fail around 1886, and he toured the world trying to find a better climate. He returned to Cuba and then his father's silver mines before moving to California where he died. His body was returned the McGregor, Iowa where his mother lived. (19)

	The Diamond Jo Line passed to his widow and upon her death in 1895 to a group headed by her brother, Jay. In 1911, the company was sold to the Streckfus Steamboat Company. (23)		In 1891, while visiting the Congress mine, Reynolds died. One month after his death, no will was found and consideration was made that he had never written one. Later it was discovered that as he lay dying in Arizona he dictated and then signed one. (20)

			Reynolds left an estate estimated at $7 million fortune (approximately $150 million in 2006 dollars). (21) Reynolds generously willed substantial amounts to some individuals and made two other significant bequests. In memory of his only child, Blake, who predeceased him, he and his wife established a memorial park in McGregor. Reynolds also bequeathed $200,000 to the University of Chicago to establish the Reynolds Club in his son's memory. (22) The building is still used as the institution's student union. The estate was found to not owe even one dollar. (23)

			The Diamond Jo Line passed to his widow and upon her death in 1895 to a group headed by her brother, Jay. In 1911, the company was sold to the Streckfus Steamboat Company. (24)


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	16. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 19, 1911, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qPBCAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4asMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1305,1834259&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		16. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 19, 1911, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qPBCAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4asMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1305,1834259&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

	17. "Diamond Jo's Danger," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 9, 1890. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		17. Friedman, p. 87

			18. "Diamond Jo's Danger," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 9, 1890. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	18. "Dies on the Golden Shore," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 13, 1890, p. 4.		19. "Dies on the Golden Shore," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 13, 1890, p. 4.

	19. Adney		20. Adney

	20. "Diamond Jo's Dissolution," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', March 22, 1891, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910322&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		21. "Diamond Jo's Dissolution," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', March 22, 1891, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910322&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	21. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories."		22. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories."

	22. "Diamond Jo' Dissolution..."		23. "Diamond Jo' Dissolution..."

	23. "Diamond Jo Line Boats Are Sold," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 3, 1911		24. "Diamond Jo Line Boats Are Sold," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 3, 1911

Randylyon at 20:07, 28 June 2021

2021-06-28T20:07:30Z

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	6. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', November 23, 1875, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18751123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		6. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', November 23, 1875, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18751123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	7. Friedman, Larry, "Jo Reynolds: A Diamond in the Rough," Self-published, Dubuque, Iowa, 2021, p. 84		7. Friedman, Larry, '''Jo Reynolds: A Diamond in the Rough''', Self-published, Dubuque, Iowa, 2021, p. 84

	8. Adney		8. Adney

Randylyon at 20:06, 28 June 2021

2021-06-28T20:06:36Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 15:51, 20 March 2019

2019-03-20T15:51:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:51, 20 March 2019
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	8.		8. "Ernest M. Dickey Had Interesting Career on River," ''The Telegraph-Herald'', May 18, 1924, p. 15

	8. "How Diamond Jo Was Given Name," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1904, p. 5. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CBtFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8boMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3001,4532755&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		9. "How Diamond Jo Was Given Name," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1904, p. 5. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CBtFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8boMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3001,4532755&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

	9. Foote, Frank, "The Fabulous Career of Diamond Jo and his Steamboat," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 27, 1964, p. 7. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w31FAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tLwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3680,3282532&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		10. Foote, Frank, "The Fabulous Career of Diamond Jo and his Steamboat," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 27, 1964, p. 7. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w31FAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tLwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3680,3282532&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

	10. "Good Times on the Diamond Jo," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 30, 1994, p. 19. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A11FAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GLwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5362,6857056&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		11. "Good Times on the Diamond Jo," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 30, 1994, p. 19. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A11FAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GLwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5362,6857056&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

	11. The Fabulous Diamond Jo," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 14, 1973, p. 23. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ygdRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NMMMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5876,2251949&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		12. The Fabulous Diamond Jo," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 14, 1973, p. 23. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ygdRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NMMMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5876,2251949&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

	12. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 19, 1911, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qPBCAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4asMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1305,1834259&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		13. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 19, 1911, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qPBCAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4asMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1305,1834259&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

	13. "Diamond Jo's Danger," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 9, 1890. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		14. "Diamond Jo's Danger," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 9, 1890. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	14. "Dies on the Golden Shore," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 13, 1890, p. 4.		15. "Dies on the Golden Shore," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 13, 1890, p. 4.

	15. Adney		16. Adney

	16. "Diamond Jo's Dissolution," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', March 22, 1891, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910322&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		17. "Diamond Jo's Dissolution," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', March 22, 1891, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910322&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	17. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories."		18. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories."

	18. "Diamond Jo' Dissolution..."		19. "Diamond Jo' Dissolution..."

	19. "Diamond Jo Line Boats Are Sold," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 3, 1911		20. "Diamond Jo Line Boats Are Sold," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 3, 1911

Randylyon at 15:49, 20 March 2019

2019-03-20T15:49:52Z

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	The arrival of the railroad in Hot Springs dramatically increased the business of the growing spa. Those seeking cures from the warm water proved willing to pay $2.50 each way for the twenty mile ride. Later dissatisfied with the narrow gauge railroad, Reynolds replaced the line with a standard gauge. At the time of his death, the railroad was sold for one million dollars. (7) Reynolds also promoted a railroad between Prescott and Phoenix, running through Congress, Arizona.		The arrival of the railroad in Hot Springs dramatically increased the business of the growing spa. Those seeking cures from the warm water proved willing to pay $2.50 each way for the twenty mile ride. Later dissatisfied with the narrow gauge railroad, Reynolds replaced the line with a standard gauge. At the time of his death, the railroad was sold for one million dollars. (7) Reynolds also promoted a railroad between Prescott and Phoenix, running through Congress, Arizona.

			Around 1883 railroads were cutting into the grain trade along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. In 1886 Reynolds and [[DICKEY, Ernest M.\|Ernest M. DICKEY]] decided to broaden their grain activities west of Dubuque in the territory of the [[ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD]]. The E. M. Dickey Company was organized with Reynolds being a major stockholder. (8)

	Often pictured as a flamboyant figure, Reynolds was actually a quiet man who shunned society and minded his own business. He and his wife never owned a home of their own and chose to live in rented rooms in McGregor, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois. (8) Not given to drinking, swearing, or gambling, Reynolds banned gambling and bars on his steamboats. (9) He was not, however, unwilling to participate in publicity events. In 1869 E. H. Thayer organized an excursion to the Falls of St. Anthony (St. Paul). For the price of $25 per couple, "Diamond Jo" Reynolds piloted the ''Diamond Jo.'' Enthusiastic couples signed up only to find after a day or two that space was not adequate. It would be years before Reynolds ever tried a similar event. (10)		Often pictured as a flamboyant figure, Reynolds was actually a quiet man who shunned society and minded his own business. He and his wife never owned a home of their own and chose to live in rented rooms in McGregor, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois. (9) Not given to drinking, swearing, or gambling, Reynolds banned gambling and bars on his steamboats. (10) He was not, however, unwilling to participate in publicity events. In 1869 E. H. Thayer organized an excursion to the Falls of St. Anthony (St. Paul). For the price of $25 per couple, "Diamond Jo" Reynolds piloted the ''Diamond Jo.'' Enthusiastic couples signed up only to find after a day or two that space was not adequate. It would be years before Reynolds ever tried a similar event. (11)

	Reynolds believed in maintaining his boats in top condition and kept stores of tools at different locations along the line for repairs, which he often made himself. Reynolds' habit of selling his boats before they were too old enabled him to buy newer and larger craft, but he never over expanded. His company thrived by adding new customers and running a highly efficient operation. (11)		Reynolds believed in maintaining his boats in top condition and kept stores of tools at different locations along the line for repairs, which he often made himself. Reynolds' habit of selling his boats before they were too old enabled him to buy newer and larger craft, but he never over expanded. His company thrived by adding new customers and running a highly efficient operation. (12)

	Reynolds became involved in gold and silver [[MINING]] in Colorado and Arizona in the mid-1880s. His first venture, the Del Pasco mine in Arizona, was not successful. In 1887 Dennis May sold the Congress gold mine which he had discovered in Arizona to Reynolds for $30,000. Properly capitalized as the Congress Gold Company, a stamp mill was built and the mine opened. It became one of Arizona's largest producers. (12)		Reynolds became involved in gold and silver [[MINING]] in Colorado and Arizona in the mid-1880s. His first venture, the Del Pasco mine in Arizona, was not successful. In 1887 Dennis May sold the Congress gold mine which he had discovered in Arizona to Reynolds for $30,000. Properly capitalized as the Congress Gold Company, a stamp mill was built and the mine opened. It became one of Arizona's largest producers. (13)

	In 1890 while working in his office in Chicago in the Rialto Building, Reynolds was nearly killed. He detected the strong odor of gas, traced the leak to a place in the wall and called the janitor. He again found the source of the leak and lit a match to show the janitor. He and the janitor were thrown across the room and the wall between rooms 403 and 404 were destroyed, windows were shattered and furniture destroyed. (13)		In 1890 while working in his office in Chicago in the Rialto Building, Reynolds was nearly killed. He detected the strong odor of gas, traced the leak to a place in the wall and called the janitor. He again found the source of the leak and lit a match to show the janitor. He and the janitor were thrown across the room and the wall between rooms 403 and 404 were destroyed, windows were shattered and furniture destroyed. (14)

	Reynold's only child, Blake, died in California in 1890. Considered a fortunate child, he studied mechanical engineering in Boston as a youth but never practiced the profession. A $2,500 yacht was constructed for him in Dubuque and he often spent time sailing on the river. His health began to fail around 1886, and he toured the world trying to find a better climate. He returned to Cuba and then his father's silver mines before moving to California where he died. His body was returned the McGregor, Iowa where his mother lived. (14)		Reynold's only child, Blake, died in California in 1890. Considered a fortunate child, he studied mechanical engineering in Boston as a youth but never practiced the profession. A $2,500 yacht was constructed for him in Dubuque and he often spent time sailing on the river. His health began to fail around 1886, and he toured the world trying to find a better climate. He returned to Cuba and then his father's silver mines before moving to California where he died. His body was returned the McGregor, Iowa where his mother lived. (15)

	In 1891, while visiting his mine, Reynolds died. Reynolds left an estate estimated at $7 million fortune (approximately $150 million in 2006 dollars). (15) One month after his death, no will was found and consideration was made that he had never written one. Later it was discovered that as he lay dying in Arizona he dictated and then signed one. (16) He generously willed substantial amounts to some individuals and made two other significant bequests. In memory of his only child, a son named Blake, who predeceased him, he and his wife established a memorial park in McGregor. Reynolds also bequeathed $200,000 to the University of Chicago to establish the Reynolds Club in his son's memory. (17) The building is still used as the institution's student union. The estate was found to not owe not even one dollar. (18)		In 1891, while visiting his mine, Reynolds died. Reynolds left an estate estimated at $7 million fortune (approximately $150 million in 2006 dollars). (16) One month after his death, no will was found and consideration was made that he had never written one. Later it was discovered that as he lay dying in Arizona he dictated and then signed one. (17) He generously willed substantial amounts to some individuals and made two other significant bequests. In memory of his only child, a son named Blake, who predeceased him, he and his wife established a memorial park in McGregor. Reynolds also bequeathed $200,000 to the University of Chicago to establish the Reynolds Club in his son's memory. (18) The building is still used as the institution's student union. The estate was found to not owe not even one dollar. (19)

	The Diamond Jo Line passed to his widow and upon her death in 1895 to a group headed by her brother, Jay. In 1911, the company was sold to the Streckfus Steamboat Company. (19)		The Diamond Jo Line passed to his widow and upon her death in 1895 to a group headed by her brother, Jay. In 1911, the company was sold to the Streckfus Steamboat Company. (20)


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			8.

	8. "How Diamond Jo Was Given Name," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1904, p. 5. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CBtFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8boMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3001,4532755&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		8. "How Diamond Jo Was Given Name," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1904, p. 5. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CBtFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8boMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3001,4532755&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

Randylyon at 03:15, 31 December 2018

2018-12-31T03:15:33Z

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	3. "Diamond Jo Reynolds Dead," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', February 24, 1891, p. 6. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910224&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		3. "Diamond Jo Reynolds Dead," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', February 24, 1891, p. 6. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910224&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	4. "The Story of the Diamond Jo Line Steamers," Telegraph-Herald, June 12, 1938, p. 5		4. "The Story of the Diamond Jo Line Steamers," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 12, 1938, p. 5

	5. Ibid.		5. Ibid.
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	12. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 19, 1911, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qPBCAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4asMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1305,1834259&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en		12. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 19, 1911, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qPBCAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4asMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1305,1834259&dq=joseph+diamond-jo+reynolds&hl=en

	13. "Diamond Jo's Danger," Dubuque Daily Herald, May 9, 1890. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		13. "Diamond Jo's Danger," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 9, 1890. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18900509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	14. "Dies on the Golden Shore," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 13, 1890, p. 4.		14. "Dies on the Golden Shore," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 13, 1890, p. 4.

Randylyon at 18:47, 23 March 2018

2018-03-23T18:47:38Z

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	By 1856 Reynolds was operating a more successful tannery in Chicago. Every person in the industry marked their hides with an identification mark. According to his own account, Reynolds began using a black diamond only to find another person used the same identification. He then added J.T.R. to the diamond, but this did not prove satisfactory either. Reynolds finally used the first two letters of his first name inside a diamond shape. This gave him his mark---and a nickname that lasted the rest of his life. (2) While in Chicago, Reynolds was also involved in the grain trade--buying wheat and shipping it to his mill in New York for processing. (3)		By 1856 Reynolds was operating a more successful tannery in Chicago. Every person in the industry marked their hides with an identification mark. According to his own account, Reynolds began using a black diamond only to find another person used the same identification. He then added J.T.R. to the diamond, but this did not prove satisfactory either. Reynolds finally used the first two letters of his first name inside a diamond shape. This gave him his mark---and a nickname that lasted the rest of his life. (2) While in Chicago, Reynolds was also involved in the grain trade--buying wheat and shipping it to his mill in New York for processing. (3)

	When Reynolds entered the grain trade, he found his rivals, major investors in the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad Company, were being granted preferential treatment when shipping their grain. Feeling that he had been unfairly treated by river shippers, Reynolds in 1862 constructed the steamboat "Lansing." Hoping to stop his competition, the packet company promised better service if Reynolds would sell them his boat. When Reynolds sold the boat and found the service did not improve, he responded by constructing the steamboat "Diamond Jo" and two barges, the Fleming and Conger. In February, 1864 the Minnesota Packet Company reorganized as the Northwestern Packet Company and again offered good service for the Reynolds if he sold his boats. That agreement only lasted until 1866 when the Northwestern Line was consolidated with the White Collar Line and renamed the Northwestern Union Packet Company. Once again, Reynolds found that major investors in this company were being given preferential treatment. Finally realizing that he had to have his own craft, Reynolds in 1867 purchased the "John C. Gault" and for the third time entered the business of steamboating. Moving quickly, he established a contract with the [[CHICAGO AND ~~NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY~~]] to handle all their freight moving north from their terminal at Fulton, Illinois. (4)		When Reynolds entered the grain trade, he found his rivals, major investors in the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad Company, were being granted preferential treatment when shipping their grain. Feeling that he had been unfairly treated by river shippers, Reynolds in 1862 constructed the steamboat "Lansing." Hoping to stop his competition, the packet company promised better service if Reynolds would sell them his boat. When Reynolds sold the boat and found the service did not improve, he responded by constructing the steamboat "Diamond Jo" and two barges, the Fleming and Conger. In February, 1864 the Minnesota Packet Company reorganized as the Northwestern Packet Company and again offered good service for the Reynolds if he sold his boats. That agreement only lasted until 1866 when the Northwestern Line was consolidated with the White Collar Line and renamed the Northwestern Union Packet Company. Once again, Reynolds found that major investors in this company were being given preferential treatment. Finally realizing that he had to have his own craft, Reynolds in 1867 purchased the "John C. Gault" and for the third time entered the business of steamboating. Moving quickly, he established a contract with the [[CHICAGO AND NORTH WESTERN RAILROAD]] to handle all their freight moving north from their terminal at Fulton, Illinois. (4)

	Reynolds' Chicago, Fulton and River Line, the name of his new company, by 1868 operated the John C. Gault, Ida Fulton, Diamond Jo, and the Lady Pike. New boats were constantly added and the business offices were established at Fulton. A regular service was also established to St. Paul. (5)		Reynolds' Chicago, Fulton and River Line, the name of his new company, by 1868 operated the John C. Gault, Ida Fulton, Diamond Jo, and the Lady Pike. New boats were constantly added and the business offices were established at Fulton. A regular service was also established to St. Paul. (5)

Randylyon at 18:46, 23 March 2018

2018-03-23T18:46:50Z

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Randylyon at 01:50, 12 September 2016

2016-09-12T01:50:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:50, 12 September 2016
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	Reynold's only child, Blake, died in California in 1890. Considered a fortunate child, he studied mechanical engineering in Boston as a youth but never practiced the profession. A $2,500 yacht was constructed for him in Dubuque and he often spent time sailing on the river. His health began to fail around 1886, and he toured the world trying to find a better climate. He returned to Cuba and then his father's silver mines before moving to California where he died. His body was returned the McGregor, Iowa where his mother lived. (13)		Reynold's only child, Blake, died in California in 1890. Considered a fortunate child, he studied mechanical engineering in Boston as a youth but never practiced the profession. A $2,500 yacht was constructed for him in Dubuque and he often spent time sailing on the river. His health began to fail around 1886, and he toured the world trying to find a better climate. He returned to Cuba and then his father's silver mines before moving to California where he died. His body was returned the McGregor, Iowa where his mother lived. (13)

	In 1891, while visiting his mine, Reynolds died. Reynolds left an estate estimated at $7 million fortune (approximately $150 million in 2006 dollars). (14) He generously willed substantial amounts to some individuals and made two other significant bequests. In memory of his only child, a son named Blake, who predeceased him, he and his wife established a memorial park in McGregor. Reynolds also bequeathed $200,000 to the University of Chicago to establish the Reynolds Club in his son's memory. (15) The building is still used as the institution's student union.		In 1891, while visiting his mine, Reynolds died. Reynolds left an estate estimated at $7 million fortune (approximately $150 million in 2006 dollars). (14) One month after his death, no will was found and consideration was made that he had never written one. Later it was discovered that as he lay dying in Arizona he dictated and then signed one. (15) He generously willed substantial amounts to some individuals and made two other significant bequests. In memory of his only child, a son named Blake, who predeceased him, he and his wife established a memorial park in McGregor. Reynolds also bequeathed $200,000 to the University of Chicago to establish the Reynolds Club in his son's memory. (16) The building is still used as the institution's student union. The estate was found to not owe not even one dollar. (17)

	The Diamond Jo Line passed to his widow and upon her death in 1895 to a group headed by her brother, Jay. In 1911 it was sold to the Streckfus Steamboat Company.		The Diamond Jo Line passed to his widow and upon her death in 1895 to a group headed by her brother, Jay. In 1911 it was sold to the Streckfus Steamboat Company.
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	14. Adney		14. Adney

	15. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories."		15. "Diamond Jo's Dissolution," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', March 22, 1891, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18910322&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

			16. "Diamond Jo Sale Revives Memories."

			17. "Diamond Jo' Dissolution..."