My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS RINEK, a successful business man and enterprising citizen of Easton, was born December 5, 1840, and is of German descent. His parents, Jacob and Maria (Bunstein) Rinek, were natives of Pennsylvania, and shortly after locating in Easton the father began the manufacture of rope. He was energetic and industrious, and the business became very successful, the large and prosperous Easton Cordage Works having grown from this small beginning. Beside this business he was instrumental in building the old forge on Bushkill Creek, and the planing-mill in Easton, situated on the Lehigh River. He was also a member of the firm of Rinek, Semple & Co., dealers in iron, and was identified with the old Dime Saving Institution as one of its Directors. Dealing largely in real estate, he was instrumental in building up the west side of Easton. He was likewise connected with the Olive Park Association, an improvement company, and was also interested in various companies for municipal improvement. A stanch Republican, he took a deep interest in public affairs, but was in no sense of the word a politician. He was a man of even temperament, well liked, and fond of fun, frequently playing practical jokes on his numerous friends. A member of the Third Street Reformed Church, he was a liberal giver to church work and always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. He was associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was a charter member. The children that gathered around his family fireside were nine in number, seven of whom survive, namely: John, Henry, Thomas, Howard, Mary, Sue and Annie.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of his native place, and from early life was identified with his father’s business. In 1863 he became a partner of the firm, and had charge of the business and finances of the company from the first. He is also a member of the firm of J. Rinek’s Sons, and is President of the Northampton County National Bank. For three years he was a member of the Council of the Burough of Easton and Prison Inspector for five years. He is a man of good judgment and business ability, faithfully attending to his numerous duties with promptness. He is recognized as a substantial citizen, worthy of the respect and esteem in which he is held.

Mr. Rinek was united in marriage, November 10, 1863, with Miss Mary J. Zulich. Her parents, now deceased, were Anthony and Jane M. Zulich, of Easton, both of whom were highly respected. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rinek, Thomas and Edward, both being deceased. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and supports the principles of that party with his influence and ballot. He is a consistent member of the Third Street Reformed Church and an active worker in the same.

Three years ago the business plant of the Cordage Company was sold to the National Cordage Company, and was then leased by the present firm for ninety-nine years. The past year, the National Cordage Company having gone out of business, a new corporation, the United States Cordage Company, purchased all the plants and franchises, and for this company the firm of J. Rinek’s Sons are now conducting the business.