Pinn, Robert Alexander, 1843-1911

Hide Profile

Robert Alexander Pinn (March 1, 1843 – January 5, 1911) was an African American Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. Robert A. Pinn was one of only four Black Americans from Ohio to receive the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War. Pinn was born on a Perry Township farm and was the sixth of 10 children born to William and Zilphia Penn. He attended school and worked on the farm until he was 18. Pinn joined the Army in Massillon, Ohio, and by September 29, 1864, he was serving as a First Sergeant in Company I of the 5th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, also known as the 127th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On that day, his unit participated in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia, and it was for his actions during the battle that he was awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on April 6, 1865. Pinn returned to Massillion after the war where he worked as a contractor and teamster. In 1874 he entered Oberlin College and after graduation served as principal of Cairo High School and taught school in South Carolina. After teaching, Pinn returned to Massillion and read in the law office of Robert H. Folger. Pinn was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1879. Pinn was married to Emily J. Manzilla, (deceased 1890) and they had a daughter Gracie R. Pinn (deceased 1938). Pinn died at age 67 and was buried in Massillon City Cemetery, Massillon, Ohio.
Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Congressional Medal of Honor File of 1st Sergeant Robert Pinn, Company I, 5th U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment National Archives Library, National Archives Records Administration
Role Title Holding Repository
contributorOf Approved Pension File for Sergeant Robert A. Pinn, Company I, 5th U.S. Colored Troops Infantry Regiment (SC-55644) National Archives Library, National Archives Records Administration
Relation Name
almaMaterOf Oberlin College corporateBody
honoredBy Ohio. National Guard corporateBody
employeeOf United States. Army corporateBody
memberOf United States. Colored Troops corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Ohio OH US
Subject
Occupation
Teachers
Farmers
Lawyers
Principals
Soldiers
Activity

Person

Death 1911-01-05

Birth 1843-03-01

Male

Americans

English

Related Descriptions
Information

Permalink: http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60d5k6k

Ark ID: w60d5k6k

SNAC ID: 84524942