Collection: Rhyne Family Collection | Archives, Special Collections, & Community

Scope and Contents

The collection focuses on Rhyne family history, the history of the Mount Holly community, and the cotton mills owned and operated by the Rhyne family. Also included in the collection are numerous plot surveys and warranty deeds related to properties associated with the Rhyne family and its businesses. Highlights of the collection include the Civil War memoir of A.P. Rhyne; extensive research material related to the Rhyne family and the town of Mount Holly; and books related to cotton manufacturing and trade.

Dates

1814 - 1974

Creator

Rhyne family (Person)

Biographical / Historical

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).