Justice Thomas Reynolds

  • Born:
    March 12, 1796 in Bracken County, KY
  • Illinois Supreme Court Justice:
    1822-1825
  • Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice:
    1822-1825
  • Succeeded:
    Joseph Philips
  • Succeeded by:
    Theophilus W. Smith
  • Represented:
    3rd Circuit (1822-1824)
  • Political Party
    Democrat
  • Other Political Offices:

    Illinois House of Representatives (1826-1828), Missouri House of Representatives (1832-1837), Missouri Circuit Judge (1837-1840), Missouri Governor (1841-1844)

  • Died:
    February 9, 1844 in Jefferson City, MO
  • Buried:
    Woodlawn Cemetery, Jefferson City, MO
  • Notes:
    Portrait courtesy of the Illinois Supreme Court

Images

  • reynolds-thomas-sig
  • reynolds-thomas-lg

Cases

Ackles et al. v. Seekright et al.

Seekright on the demise of the heirs of Lunceford sued Ackles and others in an action of ejectment. The circuit court ruled for Seekright. The Supreme Court addressed four errors presented for judgment reversal. First, Lunceford's will's attestation by two witnesses, one being a devisee, did not violate applicable law requiring three subscribing witnesses. Second, the will's proof adhered to legal requirements. Third, the contention that Lunceford's interest was void due to Rebecca McCann's fee simple estate was dismissed, citing legal precedents supporting the executory devise. Finally, the death of Lunceford before the contingency did not nullify his interest, confirming its transmissibility to his heirs. The court affirmed the judgment.

County

Monroe County