HENRY F. REINKING

Henry F. Reinking, owning and operating a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Springfield township, is an agriculturist whose well directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity. His birth occurred in that township on the 15th of June, 1866, his parents being Carl and Caroline (Tonne) Reinking, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. The father was born March 19, 1835, while the mother’s natal day was December 6, 1837. During the first few years following his arrival in the United States, Carl Reinking carried on general agricultural pursuits in Linn county, Iowa, where his marriage was celebrated. Subsequently he was engaged in the milk business at Chicago for two or three years, on the expiration of which period he purchased forty acres of land in Linn county, Iowa. On disposing of that property, he bought eighty acres in Springfield township, Cedar county, and later added an adjoining tract of similar size. Subsequently, he purchased two hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Red Oak township, this county, where he carried on general farming and stock-raising for a period of eleven years, leasing his quarter section in Springfield township. After selling his property in Red Oak township, he removed to Clarence and there spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement, passing away on the 9th of October, 1891. He gave his political allegiance to the democracy but had neither time nor inclination for public office. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church at Lowden. He was upright and honorable in all the relations of life and gained the warm esteem and friendship of those with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives him and makes her home with her daughter Alma in Clarence.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carl Reinking were born eight children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are as follows: Caroline, the wife of Ernst Schluter, of Massillon township; Sophia, who gave her hand in marriage to Diedrich Bergmann and resides in Fairfield township; Henry F., of this review; Alvena, who is the wife of Herman Freese, of Cedar county; Minnie who wedded Louis Conrad and resides in Fairfield township; Emma, the wife of William Freese, of Fairfield township; and Alma, who is at home with her mother.

Henry F. Reinking attended the district schools in pursuit of an education and also spent three terms in a German school at Lowden. After completing his studies, he assisted his father in the work of the fields and later rented the latter’s farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Springfield township, operating the place in association with his brother-in-law Diedrich Bergmann for one year. Following the death of Carl Reinking they rented that farm from the estate for a year, at the end of which time our subject purchased the property. As before stated, it embraces one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Springfield township and the substantial buildings thereon provide ample shelter for grain and stock. All of the improvements which adorn the farm were made by Carl Reinking. Mr. Reinking of this review carries on the work of tilling the soil and also raises stock and his business interests are so carefully managed, that annually his sales of grain and stock return to him a good financial reward for his labor.

On the 24th of June, 1896, Mr. Reinking was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Hasemeyer, a daughter of Frederick and Minnie (Bushing) Hasemeyer, who came to this country from Germany in 1893 and are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reinking have been born four children, namely: Irene, Esther, Ervin and Paula.

When exercising his right of franchise, Mr. Reinking is not bound by party ties, casting an independent ballot. He formerly served in the capacity of road supervisor and is now acting as school director of district No. 8 in Springfield township. Both he and his wife belong to the Evangelical church at Clarence. He has always lived in this county and that his life has ever been an upright and honorable one is indicated by the fact that his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him for his boyhood.