Edward Seaman Reynolds was the son of Arthur and Fanny Reynolds. He married Mabel Armitage in Nottingham in 1901 and they had four sons and four daughters. They were a Quaker family. Reynolds joined Bridport Town Council in 1902. He served in World War I, and later became Mayor in 1919 and 1945. He also became a County and Borough Magistrate and received the Honorary Freedom of Bridport in April 1948. He was honoured with the gift of a gold watch for 30 years service to Bridport Fire Brigade and Chief Officer. Reynolds also ran A. Reynolds Ltd on the corner of Downes Street and East Street. The shop closed in 1955. He was interested in education and was involved in founding Bridport Grammar School.