Lieut. J. C. Pinney (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

LIEUT. J. C. PINNEY, farmer, P.O. Longton, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., January 1829.  When nineteen years of age went to Massachusetts, was there nearly seven years.  In 1856, migrated to Kansas, locating in Douglas County, and was among the early settlers there.  There were no railroads in the State, and the county was ruled and overrun with border ruffians.  Pre-empted a claim, and in 1861, enlisted in the Eighth Kansas, Company H.  At the end of three months, was transferred to the Iowa Battalion, which had been the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, Company B, serving three years and two months.  Eighteen months of the time his company was fighting Indians.  In 1856, was Lientenant under Capt. Rambo, in fighting border ruffians, and was at Lawrence the time the mob came down on that city, and although there were but 117, succeeded in keeping the mob out.  After leaving the army, sold out, and settled in Greenwood County, while the Indians were still there.  Improved a farm, and remained four years.  In March 1869, settled in what is now Elk County, before the county was organized, and took a claim on Elk River.  Mr. Pinney was one of the first settlers in the county, and the first in the part of the country.  Was 170 miles from a railroad.  When the company was organized  his claim was on Section 9 and 16.  Was in the first county convention as a delegate, and was nominated for Sheriff, being the first Sheriff elected in the county.  Mr. Pinney has a fine farm, well improved, and has raised thirty-five to forty bushels to the acre.  Has a fine orchard of five acres, stone house, 18 x 36, with ell 16 x 20, two stories in height.  Has a fine lot of timber and running water, and is but two miles from Longton.  Was married in 1853 to Miss Mary E. Lufkin, of Massachusetts.  They have three children - - Edwin, Alice, and Fred.  Is a member of Mulligan Post, No. 91, G. A. R., Longton Lodge, No 26, A.F. & A.M.   Was a member of the Longton Town Company, and was President for four years. Also a stockholder, and director in the Longton Coal Company.