Biography - JOHN I. RINAKER

Indelibly impressed on the history of Carlinville and Macoupin county is the life and career of the late General John I. Rinaker. From the time of the trouble over the building of the present court house came into the public eye, Gen. Rinaker was actively engaged as attorney in behalf of the people. He was outspoken in his opposition to the methods used in erecting this famous temple of justice. He was graduated from McKendree College in 1851, and then took up the study of law in the office of Gen. John M. Palmer. Four years later Gen. Rinaker was admitted to the bar. From the time of his admission until his death, Jan, 15, 1915, a period of sixty-six years, he enjoyed a large practice; was one of the recognized leaders of the Macoupin County bar and his ability as a lawyer had a state wide reputation. Gen. Rinaker was a profound student; approached all problems with which he was confronted, with an open mind and his judgment on matters of law and state was respected by men in all walks of life.

In 1862 Gen. Rinaker organized the 122d regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry for the union army and was appointed its colonel. He served until the close of the Civil war; was in many battles and when the great struggle was ended came home with a brigadier generalship which he won by his soldierly qualities. In politics Gen. Rinaker was a staunch Republican. He was for many years the recognized leader of his party in this section of Illinois. Gen. Rinaker was elected to congress in 1894 from this, the 21st district. He was in the 85th year of his age at the time of his death.

Gen. Rinaker took into partnership his son, Thomas Rinaker, which association continued until the father's death. Thomas Rinaker demonstrated his ability as a lawyer and was one of this county's most successful practitioners, with a large clientele, who entrusted him with their business. Mr. Rinaker served with distinction as a member of the House in the Illinois General Assembly, and as a member of the constitutional convention in 1920. He died June 18, 1926.

His son, Thomas Kelly Rinaker, who was admitted to the bar in 1916, has continued the family name in one of the oldest professions with credit to himself and to the legal fraternity. It has been eighty years since Gen. Rinaker began the practice of law. The name is still carried on, commanding the respect of all who are familiar with the history of this distinguished family.

Extracted 15 Dec 2018 by Norma Hass from History of a Famous Courthouse, by W. B. Brown, published in 1934, page 37.