Mark A. Prynn was born November 19, 1879, at Tywardreath,
England.
He was naturalized as a US Citizen at Somerset County Court House
on September 16, 1905. He was enlisted by Captain William P. Taylor
at Troop C, Reading, December 15, 1905. He resided at Elk Lick (Salisbury)
Somerset County. He was a coal miner, working for coal operator John
Meager at Elk Lick. He was 26 years old and was 5'11" tall. Prynn
was promoted to Sergeant July 18, 1907.
On January 26, 1909, Sergeant Prynn, and Private Reginald Gibson were
taking into custody Charles Razinski at Gilbertson. Razinski was wanted
for a stabbing at Mahanoy City. Sergeant Prynn dismounted and placed
cuffs on Razinski, while Private Gibson covered them. When Private
Gibson's horse bolted, his gun accidentally discharged, wounding Sergeant
Prynn in the shoulder. He was treated by a local doctor and taken
to Ashland Hospital. He was expected to recover. Due to a serious
infection, he underwent emergency surgery and died February 9, 1909.
At 29, Sergeant Prynn had completed three years and two months of
Constabulary service. His body was shipped from Ashland by railroad
to Elk Lick for burial at the Salisbury Cemetery. The sum of $100
was approved for burial expenses. Sergeant Prynn was survived by his
mother, Mrs. Luke Prynn, of Tywardreath, England, who depended upon
her son for support.
