Benjamin Franklin McReynolds, secretary of the board of fire and police commissioners of Grand Rapids and the eldest child of Gen. Andrew T. and Elizabeth (Brewster) McReynolds, was born in Detroit, Mich., October 31, 1842, and the Wolverine state has always been his home. He came with his parents to Grand Rapids May 1, 1859, was educated in the common schools of both cities and at Hobart College, N. Y., where he became a member of the Sigma Phi society, and was reared to business pursuits. His first venture was as a partner with Charles Taylor in the wholesale and retail grocery trade, and together they laid the foundation of what has since become one of the largest concerns in its line in the state of Michigan, although, after some years they sold their old stand and erected a new store on Canal street, where Mr. McReynolds was manager until he became interested in quarrying and other enterprises. For a few years after 1869, he and Mr. Taylor conducted the Emmett plaster quarries and mills. He was chosen general passenger agent and cashier of the Chicago & Canada Railroad company in 1878, which he filled with marked ability until 1882, when he was elected to his present position, which he fills with equal satisfaction.

Benjamin F. McReynolds became a soldier of the Civil War almost at its outbreak, when he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the First New York Lincoln Cavalry, and for meritorious conduct was soon promoted. He went into active service September 20, 1862, and served with distinction until March 11, 1865, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability, have undergone severe and rugged service.

October 15, 1887, Capt. McReynolds married Miss Hattle I. Miley, daughter of John Miley, one of the pioneer furniture manufacturers of Michigan, located at Niles, and this union has been blessed with one son, John, now two years of age, and who will, it is fondly hoped, perpetuate the name of his father and illustrious grandsire. In politics the captain is a democrat, has been junior vice-commander of Custer post, G.A.R., was once a delegate to the national encampment at St. Paul, was senior aid on the staff of Gen. Eaton, department commander, G. A. R. of Michigan, and is a genial gentlemen in all respects and honored by all who know him.