Simon M. Reinardy, an enterprising druggist of Burlington, not only occupies an enviable position in business circles but has also displayed marked public spirit in his devotion to the general good and has been called upon to fill many positions of honor and trust by his fellow townsmen who recognize his worth and ability. He was born in Chicago, November 18, 1868, a son of Peter and Margaret (Bohr) Reinardy, both of whom were natives of Germany. The paternal grandfather always remained in that country, but the maternal grandfather came to America in early manhood, bringing with him his family. This was in the late ’40s and he located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Peter Reinardy crossed the Atlantic when a young man and established his home at Brighton, Wisconsin, where he worked at the trade of sign painting, which he had previously learned in his native country. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted as a member of Company M, Illinois Heavy Artillery, and served throughout the period of hostilities, making an excellent record in his devotion to the country’s need. He still survives and now makes his home in Milwaukee.
Simon M. Reinardy is the eldest of a family of seven children. He spent his school days in Chicago and completed his education as a student in the pharmacy department of the Northwestern University at Evanston. Prior to that time, however, he had spent five years with the firm of Prasch Brothers, druggists, and in 1889 he returned to Burlington and purchased an interest in the drug store of G. C. Denniston. He continued in that partnership until 1900, when he bought the interest of the other member of the firm and carried on business at the original location until 1910. In the meantime the Prasch Brothers died and he bought their stock of drugs, which he removed to his present location in the Jones block. He has a splendidly appointed store, carrying a large and complete line of drugs and druggists’ sundries, and his trade is now extensive and gratifying-a recognition of his honorable business methods and enterprise.
On the 18th of May, 1892, Mr. Reinardy was married to Miss Ella Reuschlein, of Burlington, a daughter of Frank Reuschlein, who was born in Baden-Baden. Germany. Their children were: Francis C., who is a graduate of the pharmaceutical department of the Northwestern University and is now in business with his father; Charles J., a student in the dental department of Northwestern University, and Eleanor M. and Robert S.. who are attending high school in Burlington. The wife and mother passed away October 26, 1900, and in 1902 Mr. Reinardy married her sister, Emily C. Reuschlein, by whom he has two sons. Arthur LeRoy and Everett Wade.
Mr. Reinardy is much interested in public life and co-operates heartily in all well devised plans and measures for the general good. In 1900 he was elected County commissioner and served for two years. In the ’90s he was a member of the village board and in 1900 he was one of the three elected as the County poor agents, representing the western district of Racine County, and since that time he has been annually re-elected, so that he is now serving for the sixteenth year. He is and has been a member of the fire and police commission for the past seven years and in 1912 he was elected alderman, serving for two years. He was also a member of the board of civil service for the first assembly district and he is now serving for the second three year term as- a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus. which indicates that his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Reinardy is genial and pleasant and has many friends who appreciate his social qualities and his unfeigned cordiality.