Serving 5 terms as Boise mayor, James Pinney was also a postmaster, prominent businessman

James Alonzo Pinney was elected mayor of Boise for five nonconsecutive terms: 1881, 1883, 1889, 1891 and 1905. Like so many of Idaho’s pioneers, he had been attracted to Idaho by the 1860s gold rush to Boise Basin — not to mine, but to open a general store to supply the gold seekers with basic necessities.

In June 1863, he was in partnership with J.W. Stearns when this ad appeared in Idaho City’s Boise News: “Pinney & Stearns, Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Groceries, Provisions, Hardware, Mining-Tools, Rope, &e, &e. — Goods Taken on Storage & Commission.”

On May 11, 1865, Boise’s Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman reported: “A.M. Swinnerton has sold his establishment to Mr. Pinney, who is making improvements, and expects a large invoice of books and stationery in a few days. Mr. Pinney has also been appointed Deputy Postmaster of Idaho City.”

On April 6, 1867, the World reported: “The Senate has confirmed the appointment of J.A. Pinney as Postmaster of Idaho City. He has made a faithful and accommodating officer during the time he has had the office of deputy.”

On May 25, the World noted: “Change of Location. Postmaster J.A. Pinney will commence on Monday the erection of (a new) Post Office building on the on the southwest corner of Wall and Montgomery streets, on the same block with the Masonic Hall and the World office, opposite J.J. Bernstiel’s.”

In July 1868, Pinney advertised in the Idaho World: “Post Office Book and Variety Store, James A. Pinney. Having purchased the interests of Clayton Yale & Co. in the above named establishment, takes this method of announcing to his friends and the community at large that he intends to keep a full assortment of goods in his line at the most reasonable rates.”

In June 1869: “Magazines and papers. At his Post Office Book and News Depot, Mr. Pinney has for sale all the magazines for June, and the latest papers and pictorials from all parts of the globe … He has the latest sensational pictorials, with stunning illustrations.”

“A Day of Gloom and Grief,” proclaimed the Idaho World in announcing the death of Mary E. Pinney on July 12, 1869, at only 25 years of age. Ten days later: “Mr. James A. Pinney, Postmaster of this city, left by stage on Tuesday morning for his former home in Iowa City, Iowa, there to pay a visit for a few weeks, then to visit other States on that side of the country, and return here. He carries with him the best wishes of a host of warm and steadfast friends, who will also give him a glad welcome back.”

On Sept. 16, 1869: “Home Again Our worthy fellow citizen and very efficient Postmaster, Mr. James A. Pinney, returned by Tuesday’s stage from a visit to his old home in Iowa and was warmly greeted by his many friends here.”

Pinney brought with him “some iron railing of very handsome mourning pattern to ornament the resting place of his beloved wife, lately deceased. It will make at once a handsome and enduring monument both to her departed worth and the tender memories which the living cherish.”

In November 1869, Pinney opened a branch store in Boise City, his future town of residence.