My Genealogy Hound

JOHN RAINEY, a well known and highly respected resident of Flourtown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, is a native of county Cork, Ireland, his birth having occurred in the year 1844. His father was Michael Rainey, a farmer of that vicinity.

John Rainey was educated in the schools near the place of his birth, and after obtaining the educational advantages to be derived there he decided to emigrate to the new world, this being in his opinion the best way to improve his condition. Accompanied by his two brothers, William and Thomas, he sailed for America in 1867, landing in New York, from whence he removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later to Norristown, same state, where he secured employment as a laborer. In 1875 he took up his residence in Flourtown and began mining ore for the firm of McGuire, Boyd & Stinson, the two latter named being well known and prominent lawyers of Norristown. A few years later he began mining by the ton for the same firm, continuing at this occupation for twelve years, at the expiration of which time the ore began to get dull and scarce, and the firm abandoned their mines. Mr. Rainey then took hold of the mines operated by Charles Yeakle and William Luckens, which were well nigh worked out, but his operations met with success both for the firm and himself. After finishing up all the ore that it was possible to get in the old workings, that firm also retired from the business. Mr. Rainey then went to the adjoining mines operated by Captain Harvey and James Brooks, which were progressing very slowly, as the price of ore was getting low, many of the blast furnaces were closed down, and it was hard to find a market for ore at a price to pay for the labor and hauling. At the time when Mr. Rainey took charge of the latter named mines there were twenty-two men working, and they had not been able to keep one team hauling to the railroad. Mr. Rainey started eleven men to work, and in the course of two days had four teams hauling, and this fact alone gives ample evidence of the chief characteristics of the man- industry, perseverance and executive ability of a high order. The work was kept up for months, until the ore market was entirely played out and ore could not be mined at a profit in the vicinity. Mr. Rainey then turned his attention to farming, purchasing a farm in Springfield township, Montgomery county, to which he removed in 1866. He has since added to his property by the purchase of adjacent land, and his operations have met with success. He attends the Catholic church at Chestnut Hill, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He owes his position in life to his own unaided efforts, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all around him. Mr. Rainey is unmarried.