Ida Penn Reynolds (1863-1966)

Born enslaved on the Rock Spring Plantation, Ida Penn Reynolds (1863-1966) later became a healer and midwife, helping her community throughout her life.

Ida was born on the Rock Spring Plantation in March 3, 1863. Her parents were Richard "Dick" Penn and Susan Kellam Penn. After emancipation she lived with her parents, Susan and Dick Penn, and her siblings Nannie, Ben, Sallie, Susan and Peter only a few miles from the Rock Spring Plantation.

Ida married Robert Reynolds on Dec. 29, 1887. Robert's mother, Hannah Reynolds, had also been enslaved on the Rock Spring Plantation. 

Ida had 11 children: Grover, William, Hassel “Hassie,” Richard “Dick,” Lonzo, Wesley, Addie, Annie, Lawyer, Roosevelt, and Edward.

Robert died in 1922, leaving Ida to care for the children who remained in the household. She earned money and bartered goods as a midwife and healer for families across Patrick County. She traveled by mule to deliver babies and treat those who were ill.

In addition to raising her children, she also provided a home to her sister Sallie and her daughters, Alice and Blanche.

Ida continued caring for grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren throughout her life. At the age of 103, on April 25, 1966, she died. She is buried in the cemetery at Mount Nebo Holiness Church, which she had helped establish only a few miles from her birthplace.

Read a story from The Enterprise newspaper about Ida's life.