REITHER, JOHN A., assistant engineer of the city water works of Beardstown, and one of the capable, experienced men of his calling, has been connected with this plant for twenty years. He was born at Beardstown, July 24, 1851, a son of Andrew and Sophia (Comedollar) Reither, natives of Frankfurt, and of Cologne, Germany. The father was a blacksmith and farmer, who married in Germany, but took his bride to France, and thence to the United States. After landing in this country he came direct to Beardstown, arriving in this city on March 18, 1851.

John A. Reither was educated in the schools of Beardstown and learned engineering and has worked as an engineer and at pump work all his life. His promotion to the position of assistant engineer of the city water works is felt to be a well deserved elevation. He has also charge of the heating plant of the Goodell House and the Gem Theater. He owns his residence and all that he has he has earned by hard work and persistent thrift.

In April, 1895, Mr. Reither was married to Mrs. Louisa (Gilles) Lebencool, a daughter of Albert and Mary (Loyhide) Gilles. There are no children by this marriage, but Mrs. Reither had a son, Garry Lebencool, by her first marriage. Mr. Reither is a Lutheran in religious faith. In young manhood he was a Republican, but forty years ago became a Democrat and still supports the candidates of that party.