John Reynolds was an American politician who served as the first Governor of the state of Illinois from 1820 to 1824. He was born on December 22, 1780, in Pennsylvania and moved to the Illinois Territory in 1800. Reynolds played a significant role in the early development of the state, advocating for infrastructure improvements and education. During his governorship, Reynolds faced challenges such as conflicts with Native American tribes and issues related to land disputes. After leaving office, he continued to be active in politics, serving in the Illinois State Legislature and as a U.S. Congressman. He passed away on January 8, 1865.