Jerry Rinehart

RINEHART

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/10/2009 at 10:14:08

Jerry Rinehart extensively engaged in farming in Amaqua township, Jerry Rinehart is a representative of one of the oldest families in that part of Boone county, their connection with the development and progress of the locality dating from 1865.half the width of the continent separates him from his birthplace, for he is a native of Washington county, Maryland, born July 26, 1837. His parents, Samuel and Lydia (Prett) Rinehart, were both natives of Maryland, their home being in Washington county, where the father was engaged in farming for several years. He afterward removed to Hardy county, West Virginia, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until he was called to his final rest. His wife also passed away in that locality. A brave man, he served his country in both the Mexican and Civil wars,. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, seven of whom are yet living, as follows: Henry, who resides in Washington, D C, Jane, the wife of Rev A M Everetts, a resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, Mary, the wife of Jacob Snyder, who is living in Estherville, Iowa, Susan, the wife of Rev Zimeri Umstadt, who makes his home near Kaiser, West Virginia, Lydia, the wife of Calvin Smith, also of West Virginia, William, a large and prominent farmer of Amaqua township, living on Sec 11, and Jerry, whose name introduces this review.
In the common schools of his native state Jerry Rinehart pursued his education and while living in Hardy county, West Virginia, he was married June 7, 1859, to Miss Lydia Cosner, a native of Hardy county, born August 10, 1839. He parents were Adam and Rachel Cosner, and the former followed farming in West Virginia until his death. His widow afterward removed with her children to Missouri, where she spent her last days. Unto Mr and Mrs Rinehart have been born sixteen children, of who eight are yet living, namely: Allen, a minister, who married Sadie Duffield and lives in Shelby county, Iowa, Armedia the wife of Amiel Vaugniauz, who is an employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and resides in Boone, Iowa, Benona, who married Rosa Irwin and ins a farmer in Amaqua township, Washington, who married Lottie McCaskey, and is a resident farmer in Yell township, Minnie, the wife of George Duffield, a painter who is now living in Lincoln, Nebraska, Curtis, Vera and Herbert, all at home with their parents. Those who have passed away are, Cornelia, Charles, Orlena, Emma, Bertha, Audia, Jasper and Francis. All died in Boone County.
After his marriage Mr Rinehart removed to the west in a wagon and for one year lived in Tama, Iowa after which he came to Boone county, settling on his present farm in Amaqua township. Here he purchased 160 acres of land at five dollars per acres and at once began making improvements. His first home was a little sod house but it has long since been replaced by a more modern structure. He now has a beautiful residence located on Sec 24, Amaqua township. His farm is splendidly improved with all modern equipments, the buildings are kept in good repair, the fields well tilled an excellent grades of stock are found in the pastures. He also owns another farm in Amaqua township, his land possessions comprising 240 acres and in addition to farming and stock raising for the past quarter of a century he has also engaged in the operation of a threshing machine throughout this part of Boone county. He likewise built a gristmill in Ogden and he conducted its operation for several years. For a number of years he conducted a creamery in Ogden. His business interests have thus been varied and extensive and through his capable management, his enterprise and sound business judgment he has won very creditable success.
For six years Mr Rinehart filled the office of justice of the peace and won high commendation because his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He also filled the position of school director. In politics he at first supported the Republican party, but is now a Prohibitionist. He and his wife hold membership in the United Brethren church of Amaqua township, and take a great interest in the church work, doing all in their power to extend the influence of Christianity and promote the upbuilding of the denomination with which they are identified. Thirty-seven years have passed since Mr Rinehart came to his county and it has been within this period that he has advanced from a humble financial position to one of affluence. He owes his success entirely to his own effort and well has he merited the proud American title of a self made man.

1902 Boone County History Book