Born in Eureka, Illinois, Poynter completed his college studies at Eureka College, graduating in 1867. He married Maria Josephine McCorkle in 1869, and the couple had two children: Josephine and Charles.[2] Poynter worked as a merchant in Eureka, Illinois, for several years until relocating his family to Albion, Nebraska in 1879.
Poynter was nominated again for President pro tempore of the Nebraska Senate in 1892, but he was defeated by Republican George D. Meiklejohn. He served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature for nearly two decades before being elected governor in 1898.[6] During his tenure as governor, railroad regulations were promoted, and legislation was sanctioned that established Lincoln, Nebraska, as the site for the state fair.[3] Poynter served only one term as governor, being narrowly defeated in 1900 by Charles H. Dietrich. When he retired from public life, he remained active in his own business affairs and was also president of the Security Savings and Loan Association.[3]
