William R. Kinyon Explained

William R. Kinyon
Order:13th
Office:Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives
Term Start:1875
Term End:1876
Predecessor:A.R. Hall
Successor:John L. Gibbs
Birth Date:February 3, 1833
Birth Place:Mannville, New York
Death Date:June 2, 1904
Alma Mater:Union College
Party:Republican
Spouse:Maryette Gillett
Children:George R. Kinyon
Residence:Owatonna, Minnesota
Profession:Banker

William Riley Kinyon (February 3, 1833  - June 2, 1914) was born and raised in Mannsville, New York. He was a Minnesota politician and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing Owatonna. His first year of service in the Minnesota House of Representatives was in 1868. After leaving the House as a representative, he served as Clerk of the House from 1869 to 1870. He was elected back to the body in 1874, and served as Speaker from 1875 to 1876.[1]

Educated in the district schools of Jefferson County, New York; Union Academy Belleville, NY, and graduated from Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1856. Moved to Juneau, Wisconsin in 1856 and was teacher in the public schools there for 1 year. He passed his Wisconsin Bar exam in 1858 after reading law in a law office. Moved to Owatonna in 1858 and engaged in the practice of law. William established a private bank with J.C. Easton in 1866; business was absorbed by First National Bank of Owatonna in 1871, of which William was made President and served until 1903. Commissioned Lieut. Colonel, Minnesota National Guard in 1861.[2]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/legdb/fulldetail.asp?ID=12171 Minnesota Legislators Past and Present
  2. Book: Polk & Co, R.L. . Little Sketches of Big Folks, Minnesota 1907 . . 1907 . 1-152-39124-0. Little Sketches of Big Folks, Minnesota 1907 .