Patrick Pioneers – Ida Penn Reynolds

Imagine being born into a world where your life is not your own—where you have no freedom, no choices, and no voice. Now imagine, despite all that, you grow into someone who gives life to others.  Today, we’re going to meet a woman who was born enslaved, became a healer and helper to her people, and lived to be 103 years old.

Ida Penn was born in Critz, Virginia to Richard “Dick” Penn and Susan Kellam Penn on the third of March 1863. Ida’s first years were spent on the Rock Spring plantation, which would become known as Reynolds Homestead-Virginia Tech a hundred years later. 

In the 1880 census, we find young Ida living just two miles from the Rock Spring plantation with her parents, Susan and Dick Penn, and her siblings: Nannie, age 6; Ben, age 4; and baby Sallie, just one year old. By the turn of the century, the family had grown—two more children, Susan (born in 1888) and Peter (born in 1893), had joined the household.

The 1900 census offers a glimpse into the depth of the Penn family’s roots: Susan Kellam Penn reported that she and Dick had been married for twenty years and were parents of ten children—a testament to both the strength of their bond and the enduring legacy they were building together.

According to Patrick County marriage records, Ida married Robert Reynolds on December 29, 1887. Robert was the son of Hannah Reynolds of the Rock Spring plantation, tying the couple to deep roots in the region’s history.

By the time of the 1900 census, Robert and Ida were raising a bustling household of eight children: Grover, 14; William, 12; Hassel “Hassie,” 10; Richard “Dick,” 8; Lonzo, 6; Wesley, 4; Addie, 2; and baby Annie, just two months old. By the time of the 1910 census, Robert and Ida had welcomed three more children into their growing family: Lawyer, age 7; Roosevelt, age 5; and Edward Reynolds, age 4. But the records also reveal a quiet heartbreak—little Addie, their daughter who was just two years old in 1900, was no longer listed. Her absence suggests that she passed away sometime in that decade, a sorrow undoubtedly felt deeply by her family.

Moreover, the 1910 census lists Ida as the head of the household, indicating that Robert passed away sometime between 1905 and 1910. Left to raise her children on her own, Ida faced a challenge few could imagine—yet she endured, carrying the weight of motherhood and survival with unshakable strength.

Ida supported her large family not just with strength and determination, but with skilled, compassionate hands. She served as the community midwife, a role that made her a vital figure in the lives of countless families across Patrick County.

In an article from the Winston-Salem Journal dated April 28, 1966, her neighbor Sandy Bingman shared a vivid memory:

“I remember as a young man seeing Aunt Ida riding on an old mule with her little black bag in her hand. I knew she was off to deliver another baby.”

Ida delivered hundreds of babies throughout her lifetime, becoming a symbol of comfort, care, and quiet heroism. Remarkably, she continued her midwifery work well into her 90s—welcoming new life into the world, even as she neared the century mark herself.

When you look through the census records of the early 20th century, a beautiful pattern emerges—one that speaks volumes about Ida’s love, compassion, and selflessness.

In 1920, she was still raising six sons at home, while also opening her doors to her sister Sallie and Sallie’s two young daughters, Alice and Blanche.

By 1930, Ida was caring for two grandsons, a granddaughter, and a niece—continuing her role as a steady source of support for her family.

And in 1940, even in her later years, she was still nurturing three grandsons and two granddaughters, a quiet testimony to a life spent lifting others.

Ida brought more than just strength to her family — she brought warmth, joy, and a deep, enduring love that spanned generations. Her granddaughter Gracie fondly remembered the weekends when Ida and her sister Sallie would visit their home. Those visits were filled with laughter, stories, and most importantly—Ida’s homemade chocolate candy, a treasured treat and the highlight of the week for the grandchildren.

And even when supplies were scarce, Ida never let that stop her. With simple ingredients, she created something special—spreading butter and sugar over slices of loaf bread and toasting them until they were golden and sweet. It wasn’t just about the food — it was the love baked into every bite that made those moments unforgettable.

Ida was one of the few widows in the country who drew social security payments after the death of her son. Harrison Reynolds helped support his mother, and when he died, Ida began receiving social security payments at the age of 89. 

At the time of Ida’s passing on April 25, 1966, at the age of 103 years old, Ida had fourteen children, of which only three survived her. She had 86 grandchildren, 152 great-grandchildren, a number of great-great grandchildren, and one 3x great grandson! Ida was laid to rest at the Mount Nebo Church Cemetery in Spencer. 

Thank you so much to Ida’s granddaughter, Gracie and great-granddaughter, Diantha Williamson for providing information and photographs for this article. Woody may be reached at rockcastlecreek1@gmail.com or (276) 692-9626.