Sergeant Mark A. Prynn
Pennsylvania State Police
Troop "C"
1879-1909
Biographical Info Age: 29 Years of Service: 3 years 2 months
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunshot (Accidental) Date of Incident:
January 26, 1909 Date of
Death:
February 9,
1909
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.
