The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-08-23
JAMES REYN0LDSISNOM MORE
PASSED AWAY EARLY ON THE
 SABBATH MORN.

tense DeYOtion 10 the cause or Irish
 Liberty-A Citizen of Sterling Worth and
 Probity-The Part He Played in the
 Famous "Catalpa" Expedition.
 In the death of ex-Town Agent James Reynolds, which occurred yesterday izen and man of sterling integrity who had for many years occupied promi- nent political position in New Haven, serving the town with probity, recti- tude and honor, has passed away. For nearly a year past his health had been uncertain and for sever al months past had been failing so seriously as to alarm his many friends. He experienced a similar attack of physical disorder, however, about twelve years ago, and it was hoped that as then, he would pull through, but it was not to be, and "Catalpa" Jim, as he was affectionately called, one of the most devoted lovers of Ireland, the country of his nativity, is dead For many hours just prior to his death he was un- conscious, and while still unconscious he passed away to join that innuinnr- able caravan" who make up the "si- lent majority"
 James Reynolds was born in County Cavan, Ireland sixty-five years and ten months ago, and came to this country while still in his teens. Almost fifty years of his eventful life were spent in this city. During that time he well won the respect, regard and sincere es- teem of his fellow townsmen;, Thirty years or so ago he was prominent in the Fenian movement when the project . was to invade Canada, and many meet .ngs were held in this city in which he was one of the leaders.
 Being a pleasant and forceful public speaker MT. Reynolds became interest ed in local politics, and addressed many meetings in favor of Fenianism. He soon proved himself an efficient and able worker and man of great popu- larity, and later on was appropriated as the candidate of the democratic par ty of the town for the office of town agent. He was elected in 1879, and by successive re-elections held the office 9 consecutive years, discharging the du- ties thereof with great fidelity. After few years interval he was re-nominated and again reelected, this time hold ing the office two years. More recently, also, he served term as one of the county commissioners for New Haven county, and for many years conducted g brass foundry in the Eighth ward and some ten years ago, when his bus mess had increased, he built a factory on the newly made ground on the banks of Mill river at the foot of Beach street, where he had since conducted busi- ness, aided during his failing health by his son-in-law, Captain O'Connor. MT. Reynolds conducted the brass foundry individually and was also interested in the business of making molding and other machines, which was conducted by his son-in-law, Captain O'Connor and John F. McNamara In the inter- i'm between his occupation of his orig inal brass foundry and the erection of his new one he, for several years con- ducted his business in a foundry on Orange street. where the c. Cowles & Co formerly had their manufactory
 Mr. Reynolds learned the trade of a brass founder, engaging in that line of enterprise directly after coming to this city, when he was about sixteen years of age He at one time worked for years at the Mallory, Wheeler & Co., manufactory, and was at one time for years foreman at the Sargent & Co., factory this city. Previously he had for some time worked for MT. J. B. Sargent, when the latter conducted bus iness in New Britain.
 Mr. Reynolds never laid aside his deep interest in the cause of Irish lib- erty, and some years ago was largely Instrumental in having boat, the "Ca- talpa," fitted out to rescue the Fenian prisoners In Australia He was at that time so deeply interested in the move ment that he mortgaged his home, corner East and Beach streets, for the purpose of raising funds for that pro- ject
 The Catalpa was small boat, but she accomplished her hazardous er- rand her crew rescuing five or six Fenian prisoners and bringing them to this country. From his connection and prominent Identification with this per- iious enterprise, born of his love for his native land, he received the affectionate title of "Catalpa Jim.'
 MT. Reynolds about twenty-two years ago bought of the late Major Sidney M Stone the little unpretentious home, where ever since had been his home hearthstone and f1reside, and where he died.
 A few months ago MT. Reynolds was presented with very elegant sS50 lov- ins cup at large mass meeting of his friends from all parts of Connecticut, New York city, and other places, held in the New Haven house Many speech es were made at that banquet in his honor. and the genuine love with which his friends rewarded him as shown on that occasion, had been to him one of the pleasantest memories of his inter- esting life.
 Mir Reynolds health at the time of the presentation was precarious, and it was remarked at the time that the be- stowal of the gift was most timely a S the genial recipient gave evidence of declining strength. although his speech showed that his mental forces and his patriotism burned as brightly as ever. and he spoke with all of his old time foroa Had tba