Zinn, J. R. Jr

ZINN, EMIG, BOYER, LENHART

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/30/2013 at 15:50:38

J. R. Zinn, Jr., deceased, was for two years prominent in the business circles of Oxford Mills successfully conducting the milling interests of this place. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 20, 1851, a son of Jacob R. and Elizabeth (Emig) Zinn, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, and there they also passed away.

J. R. Zinn, one of nine children born of his father's marriage, was reared in his native state and acquired his education in the common schools. During the period of his boyhood and youth he learned the milling business and in 1877, seeking the broader opportunities of the west, he removed to Russell county, Kansas, remaining in that state two years, when he took up his abode in Cedar county, Missouri, where he lived until 1895. In that year he came to Oxford Mills and purchasing the mill at this place conducted it until his death, which occurred on the 23d of December, 1897. Although his residence here was of short duration, he made many friends, while his business interests were conducted in such a straightforward manner as to commend him to the good will and patronage of the public.

It was while still a resident of the east that Mr. Zinn was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Amanda L. Boyer, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Solomon and Louise (Lenhart) Boyer, who were also natives of that state. The father, who was born in 1819, departed this life December 3, 1908, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-nine years. His wife preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring October 29, 1889, when in her seventy-ninth year, for her birth occurred December 17, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer's family numbered three children: Elwin, deceased; Aaron, still a resident of Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Zinn.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zinn were born eight children, namely: Harry A., a resident of Anamosa, Iowa; Kathryn, at home; George S., who has passed away; Nettie E., the wife of Charles Brink, a resident of Sioux county, Iowa; Frank E., who makes his home in Oxford Junction; Charles A., at home; and J. W. and Marian B., who have passed away. Mr. Zinn was a democrat in his political belief but was never active as an office seeker. He belonged to the Odd Fellows lodge at Eldorado Springs, Missouri, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the German Reformed Lutheran church. in the faith of which he passed away at a comparatively early age, being but forty-six years old at the time of his death. He was a man of excellent habits, possessing unquestionable integrity, and was most devoted to his family. Mrs. Zinn, who is a member of the German Lutheran church, occupies a fine residence in Oxford Mills, where she enjoys the friendship of a large circle of people.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 281.