My Genealogy Hound

Ethan Allen Pinnell, attorney, was born in Crawford County, Mo., November 17, 1834. He was reared a farmer, and his education was obtained in the subscription schools before his fourteenth year. He worked on the farm until twenty years of age, and then spent one winter in Illinois, but, returning, he helped clear the way for the 'Frisco Railroad across the Meramec Bottom. He next engaged in teaching and studying until the outbreak of the war, and, in July, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Third Missouri Cavalry, being soon appointed sergeant. Upon the expiration of his term of service he returned home and raised Company A, Mitchell’s Regiment, of which he was chosen second lieutenant in August, 1862. The following October, by consolidation, he was elected captain of Company D, Eighth Missouri Infantry, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. He returned to Illinois where he worked on a farm one year, and for several years taught and studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1873, at Steelville, Mo., and prosecuted the practice of the legal profession in Cuba, Mo., until 1882, when he removed to Steelville. The same year he was elected probate judge, which position he filled four years. In 1871 he married Frances E. Collier, who was born in Letcher County, Ky., in 1849, but was reared in Gasconade County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Pinnell are the parents of six children. In religion they affiliate with the Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. Pinnell is a Democrat. He is also a Master Mason, and for fourteen years has successfully practiced law. His father, Wesley Pinnell, was born in Christian County, Ky., in 1810. His ancestors were French Huguenots who settled in South Carolina. Wesley Pinnell married Maria C. Marquis, also of French descent, who was born in Missouri, in 1813, and of their nine children six grew to maturity. Mrs. Pinnell died in 1852, and he afterward married Margaret Hamilton, who bore him five children. The father still lives, and has always been a farmer. In politics he has sympathized with the Republican party since the war.