Abel Peterson Rhyne (1844-1932) was a Civil War veteran and pioneer cotton manufacturer who played a major role in shaping Gaston County. Rhyne returned home after three years in the Civil War in 1865 and, in 1867, purchased a half-interest in the Hoffman-Rhyne Store from his Uncle Hoffman and managed the store for a period. In 1869, Rhyne purchased his father's 25% interest in Pinhook Mill (Woodlawn) and assisted in the management of the mill until 1873. He sold his interest in the Hoffman- Rhyne store in 1871 and later, in 1874, divested of his shares in Pinhook to Caleb Lineberger for $19,000. In 1875, Rhyne, along with two partners, build the Mount Holly Cotton Mill, which was the first mill to be constructed after the Civil War. Rhyne later founded Tuckaseege Manufacturing Co. (1883) and Mount Holly Knitting Co. (1888).