J. F. Pinson

J. F. PINSON, senior member of the firm of J. F. Pinson & Son, grocers of Galena, is one of the most prosperous merchants of the city. He has long been closely identified with the interests of the place, materially aiding in its development as a councilman and as a public spirited citizen. He is at the present time serving Galena as city treasurer.

Mr. Pinson was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, July 29, 1846, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Hawkins) Pinson, being one of six children born to his parents. His father was born in North Carolina and his mother, in Virginia; they settled in Indiana as early as 1823.

Our subject was reared on a farm and received a limited education in the common schools of the home community. He first engaged in farming for some years, after which he turned his attention to merchandising which he has followed continuously ever since, with the exception of a short period spent at farming in Kansas. He came West to Cherokee County, Kansas, in January, 1880; soon after he became employed as a clerk in a grocery, and followed that line of work for several years. His son also gained experience as a clerk, and together they established their present store on South Main street, January 1, 1899. Being men of experience and enterprise, their success was assured, and each succeeding year since its inception this store has increased its stock to keep pace with the laregly extended trade. J. F. Pinson served four successive years as a member of the City Council, and in April, 1899, was elected city treasurer on the Republican ticket, William Smith, who is now postmaster of Galena, being at that time mayor. Mr. Pinson succeeded O. E. Allen as treasurer, and is still efficiently discharging the duties of that office.

On September 16, 1868, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage in Marion County, Indiana, with Esther Kellum, who is a daughter of John Kellum of that county. Four children were born to bless this union, namely: John, Ward, Nora and Wallace. Politically, Mr. Pinson is a stanch Republican and lends his utmost endeavor to the success of the party. He has frequently served as delegate to county conventions. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Sons and Daughters of Justice. He also belongs to the Commercial Club of Galena.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thomas Allison, 1904, transcribed by Crystal Frazier, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 2/27/97.