John I. Rinaker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John I. Rinaker
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 16th district |
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| In office June 5, 1896 – March 3, 1897 |
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| Preceded by | Finis E. Downing |
| Succeeded by | William H. Hinrichsen |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Irving Rinaker
November 1, 1830 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | January 15, 1915 (aged 84) Eustis, Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | McKendree College |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands | 122nd Illinois Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Irving Rinaker (November 1, 1830 – January 15, 1915) was an important figure in American history. He was a U.S. Representative for the state of Illinois. He also served as a brave brigade commander in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Rinaker was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 1, 1830. When he was six years old, his family moved. They settled in Springfield, Illinois, in December 1836.
He attended Illinois College for a short time. Later, he graduated from McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, in 1851.
After college, John Rinaker decided to study law. He became a lawyer in 1854. He then started his law practice in Carlinville, Illinois.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John Rinaker stepped up to serve. In 1862, he helped create a military unit. This unit was called the 122nd Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
On September 4, 1862, he was made the first colonel of this regiment. He fought in the Western part of the Civil War. He commanded a group of soldiers called a brigade. This brigade was part of the XVI Corps of the Army of the Tennessee.
At the end of the war, he received a special honor. He was given the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general. This honor was given to him on March 13, 1865.
Political Career and Public Service
After the war, John Rinaker became involved in politics. He was a Republican. He attended the Republican National Conventions in 1876 and 1884. These conventions are where political parties choose their candidates.
From 1885 to 1889, he led an important board in Illinois. This was the Board of Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners. They helped manage railroads and storage facilities in the state.
In 1896, John Rinaker successfully ran for Congress. He became a U.S. Representative. He served in the Fifty-fourth Congress from June 5, 1896, to March 3, 1897. He tried to get reelected in 1896 but was not successful.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in Congress, John Rinaker went back to Carlinville, Illinois. He continued to work as a lawyer.
He passed away in Eustis, Florida, on January 15, 1915. He was buried in the City Cemetery in Carlinville, Illinois.
