FRED F. REINHARDT, editor of the Sandoval Times, was born September 3, 1860, in the city which is still his home. He is a son of Charles and Fredenka Reinhardt, of whom mention is made in the biographical sketch of the former, presented on another page.
In the common schools of this place he gained the rudiments of his education, which was further supplemented by attendance at McKendree College, of Lebanon, ILL., and the Bryant & Stratton Business College of St. Louis. From the latter institution he was graduated in 1879.
At the age of nineteen Mr. Reinhardt accepted a clerkship with the firm of Lichty & Steinner, dealers in lumber and grain at Sandoval, with whom he remained until their bankruptcy, in 1884. The business was then put in the name of Mr. Reinhardt, who, as their successor, has paid up the indebtedness of the former concern in full and made satisfactory settlements with all the creditors. This was an undertaking of no trivial character or importance, as the liabilities of the firm were over $16,000, and it required two years to settle up the business. For a time Mr. Reinliardt continued the business in partnership with M. M. Pate, whom, however, in January, 1894, he bought out, and since then has carried on the enterprise alone.
While the interests just named have consumed a great deal of Mr. Reinhardt's time and energies, he has nevertheless found time for other important enterprises. He does a large exchange and collecting business in fact, all the banking business in the town is done by him. He also handles farming implements of every kind, keeping in stock the machinery of most modern and improved pattern.
In 1891 he made his debut in the literary and journalistic world, at which time he assumed the management and accepted the editorship of the Sandoval Times. The paper is printed in Centralia, is strictly independent in politics, aiming to become a chronicler of social events rather than a party organ, and has a circulation in this locality of five hundred.
In 1885 the Sandoval Building & Loan Association was established, and from the date of its organization until the present time it has been actively and successfully managed by Mr. Reinhardt. This enterprise is recognized as one of the best in the county, and, indeed, one of the most thriving in the state, and its success is almost wholly due to the judicious management of our subject. With the public affairs of the village he has been identified ever since attaining his majority, and has held a number of responsible positions.
For some years he has been a member of the Town Board and the School Board, in both of which he has held official positions. He has also served as Township Clerk. In politics he is a stalwart champion of the Democracy, and that party has in the entire county no friend more devoted than he.
In his social affiliations he is identified with Minerva Lodge No. 432, K. P., of Sandoval; the Alliance Lodge No. 395, I. O. O. F.; the Encampment No. 113; and Rebekah Lodge No. 52.
In 1883 occurred the first marriage of Mr. Reinhardt, which united him with Miss Nettie L., daughter of Samuel and Jessie Reed, and a native of Marion County, ILL. Two sons, Harry and Frank, were born of this union.
After the death of Mrs. Nettie L. Reinhardt, our subject married her sister, Miss Jennie B. Reed, an estimable and accomplished lady, who is highly esteemed in social circles. One child, Nettie, has blessed their union.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 319-320
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer