RINEHART, Joseph

RINEHART

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/31/2021 at 14:13:39

Joseph Rinehart

Joseph Rinehart—Hotel Rinehart is one of the most popular hostelries of Battle Creek, Iowa, being centrally situated, and within a short distance of the depot. Under its careful management it offers a refreshing retreat for the weary and hungry, who are cordially welcomed and well-cared for during their sojourn under its hospitable roof. The building is commodious, being 24 x 50 feet, two stories high, with an L, 22 x 26 feet, of the same height, comprising fourteen bright, cheery, neat and comfortable rooms, whose appearance is very inviting to the dusty, fatigued traveler. In connection with these there is a restaurant and lunch counter, where the best of meals and all temperance drinks are provided at small cost. The able proprietor and manager of this resort is deserving of mention in the history of Ida County.
Mr. Rinehart was born in Frederick County, Maryland, February 21, 1859, son of Daniel and Margaret (Hyder) Rinehart, both natives of the same State. Mr. Rinehart was reared and educated in his native county. In 1882 he joined the westward tide of emigration, removing to Ida County, Iowa, where he entered the employ of the Bowman Lumber Company, and after one year’s service there was transferred by the company to Holstein, where he remained two years. He then removed to Ida Grove for the same company, remaining there until March, 1884, at which time he went to Arthur, and took charge of that company’s yards at that place, remaining there fifteen months. He was then transferred to Battle Creek to superintend the same company’s yard at that place, in charge of which he remained until in June, 1892, when the company sold out to other parties. The same month Mr. Rinehart bought his present hotel, which was then known as Hotel Hopkins. This house has been overhauled and much improved under Mr. Rinehart’s able management, who is nothing if not a “rustler,” and gifted with a genial cordiality which attracts and retains customers and friends.
Mr. Rinehart was married in Ida Grove, to Miss Elizabeth Estep, a native of Illinois, and daughter of George W. and Sarah Estep. She is a lady of intelligence, and has been a true helpmate to her husband, assisting him in the management of the house, and contributing in a great measure to his prosperity. They have two bright children, both daughters: Hazel Pearl and Jennie Cecil. Politically, Mr. Rinehart affiliates with the Republican Party, and he has served as a member of the City Council for three years, discharging his duties in that capacity with ability and honor. Socially, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. As a citizen he is widely known and highly esteemed.
Source: Biographical History of Crawford, Ida, and Sac Counties, Iowa, 1893, p.528