One Big Family

I had no idea how closely these families were associated with each other until reading their histories at Google Books. When I got the Archibald Fisher Probate records last year I noticed Robert Reynolds' had purchased some items from the estate sale. I figured he was probably related to Margaret Reynolds-Forgey. Now I know he was her nephew. John Beaird and his children developed close ties with Robert Reynolds and his children. Both men lived in Knox County, TN and migrated to southwestern Illinois. Since both the Beairds and Reynoldses were related to Hugh Forgey and Catherine Fisher I am hoping that those families may have some info about the Forgeys? The Reynolds family did write letters. I don't know whether the Beaird family wrote many letters? My plans are now to contact the Mesa Arizona FHC. Palma Scheumack had a collection of Reynolds family letters and may have used that FHC or deposited some of her research there? Hopefully I can get a lead on where her genealogy records may be?

I found two references today to the relationship between the Beaird family and the Reynolds family. According to Gov. John Reynolds a connexion of his father married John Beaird.

The reference I found in the History of St. Clair Illinois alludes to a kinship relationship. Palma Scheumack did not believe there was a blood relationship. Reynolds'cousins, i.e. Hugh Forgey's children, were cousins of John Beaird's children. Sort of a convoluted relationship :D.
"John Beaird was a prominent citizen of Knox County, Tennessee, which county he represented in the Tennessee Legislature. He was usually selected as leader when the community had trouble with the Indians. He was brave, energetic, and a successful Indian fighter. He came with his family to Illinois in 1801 and settled four miles from Kaskaskia. His son, Joseph, lived for some years in Cahokia, and was a member of the Legislature for several terms. The family was related to that of Governor Reynolds, and when John Reynolds, afterward Governor, started out to practice law, he made his home for a time with Joseph Beaird, at Cahokia. William A. Beaird, another son of John Beaird, naturally possessed a good mind, but obstinately refused to get an education or to receive any information thru the medium of books. However, by observation and experience, he did acquire much practical knowledtge. He never married. He served as Sheriff of St. Clair County from 1815 to 1830. He died in Belleville in 1843."