Samuel H. Kinne

KINNE

Posted By: Allamakee co. Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/3/2004 at 13:00:54

Samuel H. Kinne came to Lansing and entered the practice in 1857. I find his name among the early lists of practising lawyers, and in connection with reported cases. He did not, however, as I am informed, continue to confine himself exclusively to his profession, but distributed his forces by diverging somewhat into successful business lines. He also attained considerable prominence in public affairs. For three terms he was Mayor of Lansing, and in the fall of 1871 was elected to the Senate of the Fourteenth General Assembly, and in the fall of 1875 was re-elected, serving in all eight years in the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth General Assemblies. He was a Democrat of the old school, and while he served in a Legislature that was overwhelmingly Republican, he was placed on some of the most important committees, performed his duties in an efficient manner, and was highly respected by his compeers. During the Civil War he allied himself with what was known as the "War Democrat," and heartily supported all measures for the supression of the Rebellion. In 1872 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention, which nominated Horace Greeley for President. He was of New England and Revolutionary stock. Born in the State of New York in 1832; he was admitted to the bar of that State in 1856. He was a well educated and cultured
gentleman.

- source: Recollections and Sketches of Notable Lawyers and Public Men of Early Iowa; by Edward H. Stiles; 1916; pg. 885-891
- transcribed by S. Ferrall