COL. JOHN RHEINLANDER, secretary and treasurer of the People's Savings Bank, has achieved an honorable record as citizen and soldier.

April 26, 1828, and the city of Heilegenstadt, Germany, were the date and place of his birth. His parents, Godfried Rheinlander and wife, emigrated from Germany to this country in 1844. A year later they reached Evansville, having sojourned for a time at Cincinnati, Ohio. They were respectable people, with the simple ways and industrious habits of the pioneers of this section.

The early training of Col. Rheinlander was obtained in schools of his native country. Soon after reaching this city and at the very commencement of his young manhood he enlisted in the volunteer armies of the United States to assist in the campaign against Mexico. Going to the front he rendered efficient service.

When the Civil War broke out he raised a Company - B of the Twenty-Fifth Indiana Infantry - and at its organization was commissioned Captain. Nine months later his valiant and faithful service won him the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, which he held until mustered out in the fall of 1864. In the battle of Hatchie River, Tenn., he received a gun shot wound through the right thigh and for a time was seriously disabled. His army record is lustrous with heroism and patriotism.

As a business man he has been enterprising and industrious. He began as a cigar manufacturer and for many years continued in that business successfully. His industry and good management constantly increased his business, and his integrity was always manifest in his dealings with his customers and employees.

He has served the public in many important relations, notably as County Commissioner and County Treasurer. In 1873 he was made a trustee and director in the savings bank, which important trust he continues to execute. In 1888 he was called to preside as chief executive of the bank.

He is a member of the F. & A.M. and A.O.U.W. fraternities. Intelligent, manly and modest, he has attained an enviable position in every relation of life.

He has been married three times. In 1849 Miss Maria Darling became his wife. Four children, Eva, Alice, Florence, and John W. were born of this union. The death of this wife occurred in 1862, and three years later the Colonel was married in Cincinnati, Ohio. to Miss Margaret Barg, to whom one child. Alexander, was born. She died in 1872. and a few years afterward he married Miss Christine Hedderich, to whom two children have been born.