******
Samuel E. Rinn is a name which stands for leadership in Punxsutawney,where there are a number of distinguishing local institutions wholly or in part the result of this one man,who has spent most of his mature years there. Undoubtly Mr. Rinn is best known in business circle for his success in the development of coal properties,which have engaged his attention principally since youmg manhood,and in that association he has a reputation among operators in the county as an authority on mines and mining. In his particular section of Pennsylvania his is one of the master minds which have dictated the banking policies now prevaling,with such wholesome effect on all business operatons. But it is in his home town, the place where all his varied interests have centered, that his worth is best appreciated. There the effects of his stimulating influence have permeated every avenue of activity opened up by public spirit, and the prosperity of many an enterprise of utmost importance may be attributed without question to his energizing impulse and wide guidance. For it is notworthy that although Mr. Rinn has been carrying large undertakings of his own forward for years, their demands have never turned him from the call of good citizenship, of which he has been an example throughout his residence in the borough. Punxsutawney is proud of his achievements in big business and grateful for the industrial impetus they have given to the locality. But it is no less sensible of many other acts inspired solely by goodwill toward his fellows and an
unselfish desire to aid such projects as may be of service to a great majority of his townsmen. To these his talents and executive ability have been devoted as freely as to his private concerns.
Though almost a lifelong resident of Jefferson County,Mr. Rinn is a native of the adjoining county of Indiana, where his grandfather,Daniel Frederick Rinn, settled when he came with his wife and family from Germany. They located an a farm in Rayne Township,where the grandparents lived to a ripe old age.
John Rinn,father of Samuel A. Rinn,was born in Germany, and was seven years old when the family came to this country.
He [John] grew to manhood in Rayne Township, and what little education he received was obtained in the public school of the home locality. He was very young when he commenced to work, being employed in the timber and at anything else he could do. At the time of his marriage he settled on a farm of his own in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and later bought and moved to a farm in Perry Township,Jefferson County, where he died in 1894, when [he was] sixty-seven years old.
In Indiana county , he [John] was married to Margaret Haag, a native of Germany, who came to America with an older brother and younger sister. Mr. and Mrs. Rinn were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and joined the Evangelical denomination.
He was a Republican in political opinion.
Six children were born to this worthy couple:
~ Mary A.;
~ Mrs. Walter Hunter,now deceased;
~ Samuel A.;
~ Daniel Frederick,a successful business man of Indiana,Pa.;
~ Sarah,Mrs. William Brumbaugh;
~ Jennie,Mrs. Jacob Lingenfelter,deceased;
~ Lizzie,Mrs. Humble,deceased.
Contributors Note:
[ Margaret Haag was the daughter of Adam Haag and Margaret Linn,who ,along with their daughter were all born in Germany.]
Samuel A. Rinn was born on the farm in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and was six years old when he came with the family to Jefferson County, where he acquired his education in the common schools. When he commenced work it was in the employ of the Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal & Iron Company, and in a humble position. But before long his ability and character so commanded him to the good graces of his superiors that he was promoted steadily, and in five years he attained the post of superintendent,in which capacity he remained for ten years, during which time his services were uniformly satisfactory. It was while so engaged that he opened up the mine at Eleanora,Jefferson County , which came to be considered the best bituminous coal mine in the United States. Coming from there to Punxsutawney, he took charge of the mines at Adrian [Delancey] and Walston, but in 1898 he severed his connection with the Rochester & Pittsburgh Company to devote his time to his own interests,which had been increasing
steadily in importance. In 1892 he had entered into partnership with T.M. Kurtz,of Punxsutawney,for the purpose of operating coal properties, and their business grew to such an extent that he eventually resigned to give all his attention to it. Besides,he acquired ownership of a coal mine at Adrian [Delancey] which produces five hundred tons daily. With this as a foundation,Mr. Rinn has advanced to a foremost position among the business men of the county.
Upon his initiative the organization of the Summit Coal Company,of Dayton,Armstrong County,Pa., was effected, their workings being the first coal development in all that region. The output is now fifteen hundred tons daily.
Mr. Rinn is president of this company, and has other extensive holdings in the same locality. He is also president of the Bowersville Coal Company,in Gaskill Township,Jefferson County,whose daily production is five hundred tons. He is the largest independent coal operator in this county, whose daily production is three thousand tons.
Naturally Mr. Rinn has taken a hand in promoting other enterprises established for the convienience of local merchants and manufacturers. The Board of Trade was brought into exsistance and fostered largely through his efforts, and he has served as president. He is president of the Punxsutawney National Bank, the leading bank in the county, and his personal reliability has been to a great degree responsible for its strong position in financial circles, for had the privilege of control fallen to others less capable and conscientous, this depository could easily enough taken lesser rank among the foremost banking houses of Pennsylvania. This substantial institution came into existence in 1901,and has since then occupied perfectly appointed quarters in the Kuntz block, at No. 114 East Mahoning Street. When the Central Bankers' Association was founded, its territory embracing the counties of Jefferson,Clearfield and Indiana, with a membership of fifty-two banks, Mr. Rinn was installed as president, and is still a member of the executive committee. From the time of its organization he has been a director of the Indiana Street Railway Company. He was one of the organizers of the Punxsutawney Wholesale & Retail Hardware Company, and has been its president from the beginning.
Mr. Rinn's practical foresight has enabled him to judge accurately the value of various movements started with the idea of benefiting the community, and he is justly considered a safe guide in such matters. Whatever he favors is looked upon as worthy of support. He has been one of the moving spirits in the Hospital association, which he has served as president, and he has been vice president of the Punxsutawney Fair Association,which has flourished principally through his influence.
For four years the grounds of the association had been out of use, and the buildings had almost fallen into decay.
Mr. Rinn, to insure the rehabilitation of the property,purchased the grounds and was instrumental in organizing the new association,cooperating with a number of the most progressive men of the town and county. Their efforts were successful, and a number of profitable fairs have been held under their auspices. Other local affairs have had the benifit of his assistance,always disinterested, for he has not sought public honors or position.
His church relations are with the Central Presbyterian congregation which he is serving officially as trustee, and to whose maintinance he has been a gracious contributor.
In 1884 Mr. Rinn married Annie M. Kurtz, and they have an ideal home,famous for its hospitality and good cheer among the many friends Mr. Rinn has made in the course of his active career. Some twenty years ago he built what is considered the finest residence in Punxsutawney, and a popular center of entertainment in the borough,where his wife shares his popularity thoroughly.
Three children were born to them:
Mary Viola,now the wife of Thomas Dawson and living in Westmoreland County,Pa.,(they have one child,Clara Blanche);
Margaret S.,wife of Eugene Winslow,of Punxsutawney(they have two sons,Samuel R. and John C.);
and Ida Pauline,wife of Dr. Daniel Ritter, a physician of Punxsutawney and member of the Adrian Hospital.
Source:
Transcribed from the book, "Jefferson County,Pennsylvania: Her Pioneers and Her People,Volume I ",written by
William James McKnight,M.D.; published by J.H. Beer & Company ,1917.
Pages 72-74
Photo:
The Rinn Family Mausoleum seen at the Circle Hill Cemetery
holds the remains of 6 Rinn family members,including Samuel & his wife,Anna M. Kurtz Rinn.
------
A Fine Residence
Superintendent S. A. Rinn, of Walston and Adrian, has moved into his new house on West Mahoning street. It is one of the finest and most commodious dwellings in this part of the State. It contains twelve rooms beside a well finished attic and basement. The elegantly carved mantels, the beautifully polished woodwork and mosaic floors, make a very artistic interior. The house is equipped with all modern conveniences, including a fine conservatory. It is built of buff brick, and is surrounded by beautiful grounds. The house is an ornament to the town, and is certainly a very comfortable place in which to reside.
Source-
~ The Punxsutawney Spirit;Punxsutawney,Jefferson County,PA.;dated 26-Jan-1898, Page 5 Column 2 -via FindAGrave Contributor-Dead Ringer (#46986571)21 Nov 2014
******
Samuel E. Rinn is a name which stands for leadership in Punxsutawney,where there are a number of distinguishing local institutions wholly or in part the result of this one man,who has spent most of his mature years there. Undoubtly Mr. Rinn is best known in business circle for his success in the development of coal properties,which have engaged his attention principally since youmg manhood,and in that association he has a reputation among operators in the county as an authority on mines and mining. In his particular section of Pennsylvania his is one of the master minds which have dictated the banking policies now prevaling,with such wholesome effect on all business operatons. But it is in his home town, the place where all his varied interests have centered, that his worth is best appreciated. There the effects of his stimulating influence have permeated every avenue of activity opened up by public spirit, and the prosperity of many an enterprise of utmost importance may be attributed without question to his energizing impulse and wide guidance. For it is notworthy that although Mr. Rinn has been carrying large undertakings of his own forward for years, their demands have never turned him from the call of good citizenship, of which he has been an example throughout his residence in the borough. Punxsutawney is proud of his achievements in big business and grateful for the industrial impetus they have given to the locality. But it is no less sensible of many other acts inspired solely by goodwill toward his fellows and an
unselfish desire to aid such projects as may be of service to a great majority of his townsmen. To these his talents and executive ability have been devoted as freely as to his private concerns.
Though almost a lifelong resident of Jefferson County,Mr. Rinn is a native of the adjoining county of Indiana, where his grandfather,Daniel Frederick Rinn, settled when he came with his wife and family from Germany. They located an a farm in Rayne Township,where the grandparents lived to a ripe old age.
John Rinn,father of Samuel A. Rinn,was born in Germany, and was seven years old when the family came to this country.
He [John] grew to manhood in Rayne Township, and what little education he received was obtained in the public school of the home locality. He was very young when he commenced to work, being employed in the timber and at anything else he could do. At the time of his marriage he settled on a farm of his own in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and later bought and moved to a farm in Perry Township,Jefferson County, where he died in 1894, when [he was] sixty-seven years old.
In Indiana county , he [John] was married to Margaret Haag, a native of Germany, who came to America with an older brother and younger sister. Mr. and Mrs. Rinn were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and joined the Evangelical denomination.
He was a Republican in political opinion.
Six children were born to this worthy couple:
~ Mary A.;
~ Mrs. Walter Hunter,now deceased;
~ Samuel A.;
~ Daniel Frederick,a successful business man of Indiana,Pa.;
~ Sarah,Mrs. William Brumbaugh;
~ Jennie,Mrs. Jacob Lingenfelter,deceased;
~ Lizzie,Mrs. Humble,deceased.
Contributors Note:
[ Margaret Haag was the daughter of Adam Haag and Margaret Linn,who ,along with their daughter were all born in Germany.]
Samuel A. Rinn was born on the farm in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and was six years old when he came with the family to Jefferson County, where he acquired his education in the common schools. When he commenced work it was in the employ of the Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal & Iron Company, and in a humble position. But before long his ability and character so commanded him to the good graces of his superiors that he was promoted steadily, and in five years he attained the post of superintendent,in which capacity he remained for ten years, during which time his services were uniformly satisfactory. It was while so engaged that he opened up the mine at Eleanora,Jefferson County , which came to be considered the best bituminous coal mine in the United States. Coming from there to Punxsutawney, he took charge of the mines at Adrian [Delancey] and Walston, but in 1898 he severed his connection with the Rochester & Pittsburgh Company to devote his time to his own interests,which had been increasing
steadily in importance. In 1892 he had entered into partnership with T.M. Kurtz,of Punxsutawney,for the purpose of operating coal properties, and their business grew to such an extent that he eventually resigned to give all his attention to it. Besides,he acquired ownership of a coal mine at Adrian [Delancey] which produces five hundred tons daily. With this as a foundation,Mr. Rinn has advanced to a foremost position among the business men of the county.
Upon his initiative the organization of the Summit Coal Company,of Dayton,Armstrong County,Pa., was effected, their workings being the first coal development in all that region. The output is now fifteen hundred tons daily.
Mr. Rinn is president of this company, and has other extensive holdings in the same locality. He is also president of the Bowersville Coal Company,in Gaskill Township,Jefferson County,whose daily production is five hundred tons. He is the largest independent coal operator in this county, whose daily production is three thousand tons.
Naturally Mr. Rinn has taken a hand in promoting other enterprises established for the convienience of local merchants and manufacturers. The Board of Trade was brought into exsistance and fostered largely through his efforts, and he has served as president. He is president of the Punxsutawney National Bank, the leading bank in the county, and his personal reliability has been to a great degree responsible for its strong position in financial circles, for had the privilege of control fallen to others less capable and conscientous, this depository could easily enough taken lesser rank among the foremost banking houses of Pennsylvania. This substantial institution came into existence in 1901,and has since then occupied perfectly appointed quarters in the Kuntz block, at No. 114 East Mahoning Street. When the Central Bankers' Association was founded, its territory embracing the counties of Jefferson,Clearfield and Indiana, with a membership of fifty-two banks, Mr. Rinn was installed as president, and is still a member of the executive committee. From the time of its organization he has been a director of the Indiana Street Railway Company. He was one of the organizers of the Punxsutawney Wholesale & Retail Hardware Company, and has been its president from the beginning.
Mr. Rinn's practical foresight has enabled him to judge accurately the value of various movements started with the idea of benefiting the community, and he is justly considered a safe guide in such matters. Whatever he favors is looked upon as worthy of support. He has been one of the moving spirits in the Hospital association, which he has served as president, and he has been vice president of the Punxsutawney Fair Association,which has flourished principally through his influence.
For four years the grounds of the association had been out of use, and the buildings had almost fallen into decay.
Mr. Rinn, to insure the rehabilitation of the property,purchased the grounds and was instrumental in organizing the new association,cooperating with a number of the most progressive men of the town and county. Their efforts were successful, and a number of profitable fairs have been held under their auspices. Other local affairs have had the benifit of his assistance,always disinterested, for he has not sought public honors or position.
His church relations are with the Central Presbyterian congregation which he is serving officially as trustee, and to whose maintinance he has been a gracious contributor.
In 1884 Mr. Rinn married Annie M. Kurtz, and they have an ideal home,famous for its hospitality and good cheer among the many friends Mr. Rinn has made in the course of his active career. Some twenty years ago he built what is considered the finest residence in Punxsutawney, and a popular center of entertainment in the borough,where his wife shares his popularity thoroughly.
Three children were born to them:
Mary Viola,now the wife of Thomas Dawson and living in Westmoreland County,Pa.,(they have one child,Clara Blanche);
Margaret S.,wife of Eugene Winslow,of Punxsutawney(they have two sons,Samuel R. and John C.);
and Ida Pauline,wife of Dr. Daniel Ritter, a physician of Punxsutawney and member of the Adrian Hospital.
Source:
Transcribed from the book, "Jefferson County,Pennsylvania: Her Pioneers and Her People,Volume I ",written by
William James McKnight,M.D.; published by J.H. Beer & Company ,1917.
Pages 72-74
Photo:
The Rinn Family Mausoleum seen at the Circle Hill Cemetery
holds the remains of 6 Rinn family members,including Samuel & his wife,Anna M. Kurtz Rinn.
------
A Fine Residence
Superintendent S. A. Rinn, of Walston and Adrian, has moved into his new house on West Mahoning street. It is one of the finest and most commodious dwellings in this part of the State. It contains twelve rooms beside a well finished attic and basement. The elegantly carved mantels, the beautifully polished woodwork and mosaic floors, make a very artistic interior. The house is equipped with all modern conveniences, including a fine conservatory. It is built of buff brick, and is surrounded by beautiful grounds. The house is an ornament to the town, and is certainly a very comfortable place in which to reside.
Source-
~ The Punxsutawney Spirit;Punxsutawney,Jefferson County,PA.;dated 26-Jan-1898, Page 5 Column 2 -via FindAGrave Contributor-Dead Ringer (#46986571)21 Nov 2014
******
******
Samuel E. Rinn is a name which stands for leadership in Punxsutawney,where there are a number of distinguishing local institutions wholly or in part the result of this one man,who has spent most of his mature years there. Undoubtly Mr. Rinn is best known in business circle for his success in the development of coal properties,which have engaged his attention principally since youmg manhood,and in that association he has a reputation among operators in the county as an authority on mines and mining. In his particular section of Pennsylvania his is one of the master minds which have dictated the banking policies now prevaling,with such wholesome effect on all business operatons. But it is in his home town, the place where all his varied interests have centered, that his worth is best appreciated. There the effects of his stimulating influence have permeated every avenue of activity opened up by public spirit, and the prosperity of many an enterprise of utmost importance may be attributed without question to his energizing impulse and wide guidance. For it is notworthy that although Mr. Rinn has been carrying large undertakings of his own forward for years, their demands have never turned him from the call of good citizenship, of which he has been an example throughout his residence in the borough. Punxsutawney is proud of his achievements in big business and grateful for the industrial impetus they have given to the locality. But it is no less sensible of many other acts inspired solely by goodwill toward his fellows and an
unselfish desire to aid such projects as may be of service to a great majority of his townsmen. To these his talents and executive ability have been devoted as freely as to his private concerns.
Though almost a lifelong resident of Jefferson County,Mr. Rinn is a native of the adjoining county of Indiana, where his grandfather,Daniel Frederick Rinn, settled when he came with his wife and family from Germany. They located an a farm in Rayne Township,where the grandparents lived to a ripe old age.
John Rinn,father of Samuel A. Rinn,was born in Germany, and was seven years old when the family came to this country.
He [John] grew to manhood in Rayne Township, and what little education he received was obtained in the public school of the home locality. He was very young when he commenced to work, being employed in the timber and at anything else he could do. At the time of his marriage he settled on a farm of his own in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and later bought and moved to a farm in Perry Township,Jefferson County, where he died in 1894, when [he was] sixty-seven years old.
In Indiana county , he [John] was married to Margaret Haag, a native of Germany, who came to America with an older brother and younger sister. Mr. and Mrs. Rinn were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and joined the Evangelical denomination.
He was a Republican in political opinion.
Six children were born to this worthy couple:
~ Mary A.;
~ Mrs. Walter Hunter,now deceased;
~ Samuel A.;
~ Daniel Frederick,a successful business man of Indiana,Pa.;
~ Sarah,Mrs. William Brumbaugh;
~ Jennie,Mrs. Jacob Lingenfelter,deceased;
~ Lizzie,Mrs. Humble,deceased.
Contributors Note:
[ Margaret Haag was the daughter of Adam Haag and Margaret Linn,who ,along with their daughter were all born in Germany.]
Samuel A. Rinn was born on the farm in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and was six years old when he came with the family to Jefferson County, where he acquired his education in the common schools. When he commenced work it was in the employ of the Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal & Iron Company, and in a humble position. But before long his ability and character so commanded him to the good graces of his superiors that he was promoted steadily, and in five years he attained the post of superintendent,in which capacity he remained for ten years, during which time his services were uniformly satisfactory. It was while so engaged that he opened up the mine at Eleanora,Jefferson County , which came to be considered the best bituminous coal mine in the United States. Coming from there to Punxsutawney, he took charge of the mines at Adrian [Delancey] and Walston, but in 1898 he severed his connection with the Rochester & Pittsburgh Company to devote his time to his own interests,which had been increasing
steadily in importance. In 1892 he had entered into partnership with T.M. Kurtz,of Punxsutawney,for the purpose of operating coal properties, and their business grew to such an extent that he eventually resigned to give all his attention to it. Besides,he acquired ownership of a coal mine at Adrian [Delancey] which produces five hundred tons daily. With this as a foundation,Mr. Rinn has advanced to a foremost position among the business men of the county.
Upon his initiative the organization of the Summit Coal Company,of Dayton,Armstrong County,Pa., was effected, their workings being the first coal development in all that region. The output is now fifteen hundred tons daily.
Mr. Rinn is president of this company, and has other extensive holdings in the same locality. He is also president of the Bowersville Coal Company,in Gaskill Township,Jefferson County,whose daily production is five hundred tons. He is the largest independent coal operator in this county, whose daily production is three thousand tons.
Naturally Mr. Rinn has taken a hand in promoting other enterprises established for the convienience of local merchants and manufacturers. The Board of Trade was brought into exsistance and fostered largely through his efforts, and he has served as president. He is president of the Punxsutawney National Bank, the leading bank in the county, and his personal reliability has been to a great degree responsible for its strong position in financial circles, for had the privilege of control fallen to others less capable and conscientous, this depository could easily enough taken lesser rank among the foremost banking houses of Pennsylvania. This substantial institution came into existence in 1901,and has since then occupied perfectly appointed quarters in the Kuntz block, at No. 114 East Mahoning Street. When the Central Bankers' Association was founded, its territory embracing the counties of Jefferson,Clearfield and Indiana, with a membership of fifty-two banks, Mr. Rinn was installed as president, and is still a member of the executive committee. From the time of its organization he has been a director of the Indiana Street Railway Company. He was one of the organizers of the Punxsutawney Wholesale & Retail Hardware Company, and has been its president from the beginning.
Mr. Rinn's practical foresight has enabled him to judge accurately the value of various movements started with the idea of benefiting the community, and he is justly considered a safe guide in such matters. Whatever he favors is looked upon as worthy of support. He has been one of the moving spirits in the Hospital association, which he has served as president, and he has been vice president of the Punxsutawney Fair Association,which has flourished principally through his influence.
For four years the grounds of the association had been out of use, and the buildings had almost fallen into decay.
Mr. Rinn, to insure the rehabilitation of the property,purchased the grounds and was instrumental in organizing the new association,cooperating with a number of the most progressive men of the town and county. Their efforts were successful, and a number of profitable fairs have been held under their auspices. Other local affairs have had the benifit of his assistance,always disinterested, for he has not sought public honors or position.
His church relations are with the Central Presbyterian congregation which he is serving officially as trustee, and to whose maintinance he has been a gracious contributor.
In 1884 Mr. Rinn married Annie M. Kurtz, and they have an ideal home,famous for its hospitality and good cheer among the many friends Mr. Rinn has made in the course of his active career. Some twenty years ago he built what is considered the finest residence in Punxsutawney, and a popular center of entertainment in the borough,where his wife shares his popularity thoroughly.
Three children were born to them:
Mary Viola,now the wife of Thomas Dawson and living in Westmoreland County,Pa.,(they have one child,Clara Blanche);
Margaret S.,wife of Eugene Winslow,of Punxsutawney(they have two sons,Samuel R. and John C.);
and Ida Pauline,wife of Dr. Daniel Ritter, a physician of Punxsutawney and member of the Adrian Hospital.
Source:
Transcribed from the book, "Jefferson County,Pennsylvania: Her Pioneers and Her People,Volume I ",written by
William James McKnight,M.D.; published by J.H. Beer & Company ,1917.
Pages 72-74
Photo:
The Rinn Family Mausoleum seen at the Circle Hill Cemetery
holds the remains of 6 Rinn family members,including Samuel & his wife,Anna M. Kurtz Rinn.
------
A Fine Residence
Superintendent S. A. Rinn, of Walston and Adrian, has moved into his new house on West Mahoning street. It is one of the finest and most commodious dwellings in this part of the State. It contains twelve rooms beside a well finished attic and basement. The elegantly carved mantels, the beautifully polished woodwork and mosaic floors, make a very artistic interior. The house is equipped with all modern conveniences, including a fine conservatory. It is built of buff brick, and is surrounded by beautiful grounds. The house is an ornament to the town, and is certainly a very comfortable place in which to reside.
Source-
~ The Punxsutawney Spirit;Punxsutawney,Jefferson County,PA.;dated 26-Jan-1898, Page 5 Column 2 -via FindAGrave Contributor-Dead Ringer (#46986571)21 Nov 2014
******
Samuel E. Rinn is a name which stands for leadership in Punxsutawney,where there are a number of distinguishing local institutions wholly or in part the result of this one man,who has spent most of his mature years there. Undoubtly Mr. Rinn is best known in business circle for his success in the development of coal properties,which have engaged his attention principally since youmg manhood,and in that association he has a reputation among operators in the county as an authority on mines and mining. In his particular section of Pennsylvania his is one of the master minds which have dictated the banking policies now prevaling,with such wholesome effect on all business operatons. But it is in his home town, the place where all his varied interests have centered, that his worth is best appreciated. There the effects of his stimulating influence have permeated every avenue of activity opened up by public spirit, and the prosperity of many an enterprise of utmost importance may be attributed without question to his energizing impulse and wide guidance. For it is notworthy that although Mr. Rinn has been carrying large undertakings of his own forward for years, their demands have never turned him from the call of good citizenship, of which he has been an example throughout his residence in the borough. Punxsutawney is proud of his achievements in big business and grateful for the industrial impetus they have given to the locality. But it is no less sensible of many other acts inspired solely by goodwill toward his fellows and an
unselfish desire to aid such projects as may be of service to a great majority of his townsmen. To these his talents and executive ability have been devoted as freely as to his private concerns.
Though almost a lifelong resident of Jefferson County,Mr. Rinn is a native of the adjoining county of Indiana, where his grandfather,Daniel Frederick Rinn, settled when he came with his wife and family from Germany. They located an a farm in Rayne Township,where the grandparents lived to a ripe old age.
John Rinn,father of Samuel A. Rinn,was born in Germany, and was seven years old when the family came to this country.
He [John] grew to manhood in Rayne Township, and what little education he received was obtained in the public school of the home locality. He was very young when he commenced to work, being employed in the timber and at anything else he could do. At the time of his marriage he settled on a farm of his own in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and later bought and moved to a farm in Perry Township,Jefferson County, where he died in 1894, when [he was] sixty-seven years old.
In Indiana county , he [John] was married to Margaret Haag, a native of Germany, who came to America with an older brother and younger sister. Mr. and Mrs. Rinn were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and joined the Evangelical denomination.
He was a Republican in political opinion.
Six children were born to this worthy couple:
~ Mary A.;
~ Mrs. Walter Hunter,now deceased;
~ Samuel A.;
~ Daniel Frederick,a successful business man of Indiana,Pa.;
~ Sarah,Mrs. William Brumbaugh;
~ Jennie,Mrs. Jacob Lingenfelter,deceased;
~ Lizzie,Mrs. Humble,deceased.
Contributors Note:
[ Margaret Haag was the daughter of Adam Haag and Margaret Linn,who ,along with their daughter were all born in Germany.]
Samuel A. Rinn was born on the farm in North Mahoning Township,Indiana County, and was six years old when he came with the family to Jefferson County, where he acquired his education in the common schools. When he commenced work it was in the employ of the Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal & Iron Company, and in a humble position. But before long his ability and character so commanded him to the good graces of his superiors that he was promoted steadily, and in five years he attained the post of superintendent,in which capacity he remained for ten years, during which time his services were uniformly satisfactory. It was while so engaged that he opened up the mine at Eleanora,Jefferson County , which came to be considered the best bituminous coal mine in the United States. Coming from there to Punxsutawney, he took charge of the mines at Adrian [Delancey] and Walston, but in 1898 he severed his connection with the Rochester & Pittsburgh Company to devote his time to his own interests,which had been increasing
steadily in importance. In 1892 he had entered into partnership with T.M. Kurtz,of Punxsutawney,for the purpose of operating coal properties, and their business grew to such an extent that he eventually resigned to give all his attention to it. Besides,he acquired ownership of a coal mine at Adrian [Delancey] which produces five hundred tons daily. With this as a foundation,Mr. Rinn has advanced to a foremost position among the business men of the county.
Upon his initiative the organization of the Summit Coal Company,of Dayton,Armstrong County,Pa., was effected, their workings being the first coal development in all that region. The output is now fifteen hundred tons daily.
Mr. Rinn is president of this company, and has other extensive holdings in the same locality. He is also president of the Bowersville Coal Company,in Gaskill Township,Jefferson County,whose daily production is five hundred tons. He is the largest independent coal operator in this county, whose daily production is three thousand tons.
Naturally Mr. Rinn has taken a hand in promoting other enterprises established for the convienience of local merchants and manufacturers. The Board of Trade was brought into exsistance and fostered largely through his efforts, and he has served as president. He is president of the Punxsutawney National Bank, the leading bank in the county, and his personal reliability has been to a great degree responsible for its strong position in financial circles, for had the privilege of control fallen to others less capable and conscientous, this depository could easily enough taken lesser rank among the foremost banking houses of Pennsylvania. This substantial institution came into existence in 1901,and has since then occupied perfectly appointed quarters in the Kuntz block, at No. 114 East Mahoning Street. When the Central Bankers' Association was founded, its territory embracing the counties of Jefferson,Clearfield and Indiana, with a membership of fifty-two banks, Mr. Rinn was installed as president, and is still a member of the executive committee. From the time of its organization he has been a director of the Indiana Street Railway Company. He was one of the organizers of the Punxsutawney Wholesale & Retail Hardware Company, and has been its president from the beginning.
Mr. Rinn's practical foresight has enabled him to judge accurately the value of various movements started with the idea of benefiting the community, and he is justly considered a safe guide in such matters. Whatever he favors is looked upon as worthy of support. He has been one of the moving spirits in the Hospital association, which he has served as president, and he has been vice president of the Punxsutawney Fair Association,which has flourished principally through his influence.
For four years the grounds of the association had been out of use, and the buildings had almost fallen into decay.
Mr. Rinn, to insure the rehabilitation of the property,purchased the grounds and was instrumental in organizing the new association,cooperating with a number of the most progressive men of the town and county. Their efforts were successful, and a number of profitable fairs have been held under their auspices. Other local affairs have had the benifit of his assistance,always disinterested, for he has not sought public honors or position.
His church relations are with the Central Presbyterian congregation which he is serving officially as trustee, and to whose maintinance he has been a gracious contributor.
In 1884 Mr. Rinn married Annie M. Kurtz, and they have an ideal home,famous for its hospitality and good cheer among the many friends Mr. Rinn has made in the course of his active career. Some twenty years ago he built what is considered the finest residence in Punxsutawney, and a popular center of entertainment in the borough,where his wife shares his popularity thoroughly.
Three children were born to them:
Mary Viola,now the wife of Thomas Dawson and living in Westmoreland County,Pa.,(they have one child,Clara Blanche);
Margaret S.,wife of Eugene Winslow,of Punxsutawney(they have two sons,Samuel R. and John C.);
and Ida Pauline,wife of Dr. Daniel Ritter, a physician of Punxsutawney and member of the Adrian Hospital.
Source:
Transcribed from the book, "Jefferson County,Pennsylvania: Her Pioneers and Her People,Volume I ",written by
William James McKnight,M.D.; published by J.H. Beer & Company ,1917.
Pages 72-74
Photo:
The Rinn Family Mausoleum seen at the Circle Hill Cemetery
holds the remains of 6 Rinn family members,including Samuel & his wife,Anna M. Kurtz Rinn.
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A Fine Residence
Superintendent S. A. Rinn, of Walston and Adrian, has moved into his new house on West Mahoning street. It is one of the finest and most commodious dwellings in this part of the State. It contains twelve rooms beside a well finished attic and basement. The elegantly carved mantels, the beautifully polished woodwork and mosaic floors, make a very artistic interior. The house is equipped with all modern conveniences, including a fine conservatory. It is built of buff brick, and is surrounded by beautiful grounds. The house is an ornament to the town, and is certainly a very comfortable place in which to reside.
Source-
~ The Punxsutawney Spirit;Punxsutawney,Jefferson County,PA.;dated 26-Jan-1898, Page 5 Column 2 -via FindAGrave Contributor-Dead Ringer (#46986571)21 Nov 2014
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