BIO: John K. REINOEHL, A.M., M.D., Lebanon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/lebanon/ _______________________________________________ Biographical Annals of Lebanon County Pennsylvania. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1904 _______________________________________________ Page 42 - 43 JOHN K. REINOEHL, A.M., M.D. The issues of life and death constitute important and grave responsibility and no one who has ever stood beside the sick bed and watched with agonizing expectancy every motion of the physician as he diagnoses the case can fail to estimate this responsibility at its value. An honest physician is in some respects the noblest work of creation; and when with honesty is coupled with profound therapeutic knowledge the combination is indeed a happy one. Dr. John K. Reinoehl (deceased), one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Lebanon for twenty years, and a gentleman whose sterling integrity, broad culture and genial personality caused his selection for political preferment, was a native of Lebanon, having been born in the city August 3, 1858, a son of George H. and Mary A. (Krause) Reinoehl. The latter was born on September 21, 1834, and still survives her husband. The Reinoehls were Lebanon county people as early as the present day record vouches, the first recorded name being George Reinoehl, the great-grandfather of our deceased subject. His son, Samuel, was born in the village in the year 1800, and died in 1866. The father of Dr. Reinoehl was born March 18, 1835, and died March 23, 1898. Dr. Reinoehl's youth was passed amid gentle home environment, and careful direction was given to his early training, both as to general culture and specific education. The excellent school system of the city grounded him thoroughly in the "three R's" and the Swatara Institute prepared him for his college course at Muhlenberg. From this latter excellent school he was graduated with distinction in 1879, with the degree of Master of Arts. Deciding on medicine as a profession he began a course of reading with the late Dr. George P. Lineweaver and in due time matriculated at the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. The diploma of this institution was issued him in 1882, and he immediately opened an office in his native city. His success was most marked from the beginning. Dr. Reinoehl was at home in the field of general therapeutics and also established an enviable reputation as a deft manipulator of the surgeon's knife. His practice was extensive and largely in counsel. Dr. Reinhoel had a fine conception of the duties of an American citizen, and was therefore always found ready to do his share of the unremunerative labor necessary in every municipality. His fine ability soon marked him for higher service, and he was sent to the Legislature in 1892, and again in 1894, in that body acquitting himself with great satisfaction to his constituents. As stated our deceased subject took great interest in the local affairs of the city. In his young manhood he served five years in the Pennsylvania National Guard. In 1883-85 and 1889-91 he was coroner's physician of the county. On the city board of health he gave good service in 1885-86 and 1890-91. In 1889 he received the appointment of secretary to the United States Board of Examining Surgeons, a position which he resigned in 1892 to enter upon his legislative duties. Fraternally Dr. Reinoehl was a prominent Mason, a Knight Templar of Hermit Commandery, and secretary of the Royal Arcanum. He was a member and strong supporter of the Lutheran church, and was charitable to a fault. He belonged to the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, being a charter member of the chapter of Muhlenberg College, and also belonging at the University of Pennsylvania. Miss Emma M. Dillon and Dr. Reinoehl were married in Philadelphia November 27, 1884. Mrs. Reinoehl is a daughter of Thomas H. and Catherine Dillon, and was born in Philadelphia September 11, 1868. To this union came three bright children: John K., Jr., born July 7, 1886; Mildred, born July 7, 1896, died August 5, 1896; Irene, born September 10, 1898. The death of Dr. Reinoehl was the result of an accident, and occurred July 10, 1902. In this event the community suffered an irreparable loss, the medical fraternity lost one of its brightest members, and the home a kind and indulgent husband and father.