Rinker of Shenandoah Coounty

Jacob Rinker, Sr. was born in Zurich, Switzerland and came to the Shenandoah Valley where he built a home at the base of Cabin Hill, on the east bank of Shover Deich. Wife, Catherine. Jacob Sr. died inn 1788, aged 81. He has three sons: George, Henry and Colonel Jacob Rinker. The family graveyard is near the old home.

Jacob Rinker, Jr. was born 1749 near Conicville. He served in the Revolutionary War, as a Lieutenant, Captain in the county militia, and finally as a Colonel. He served as a first lieutenant in Capt. Jonathan Clarks company in the 9th Virginia Regiment from 4 March 1776 to 10 May 1777. In 1780 and 1781 he commanded a company during the Battle of Cowpens. For many years he was a surveyor for Shenandoah County. He owned 1600 acres of land at Zions Church and Lantz Mill, as well as at Conicville. His ract ran a mile below the village of Conicville to an oldd church known as Jacobs Church. He died at the age of 78 years and was buried in a cemetery near Cabin Hill. Issue:

• Absalom Rinker, married Elizabeth Snyder.
• Barbara Rinker, married Robert Gaw of Woodstock.
• George Rinker, married Dolly Hottle.
• Jacob Rinker, Captain, married (1) Mary Fravel (2) Elizabeth Haas.
• Ephraim Rinker, married Ann Brock.
• Catherine Rinker, married Philip Maphis.
• Elizabeth Rinker, married (1) Meyburn (2) Watt (3) Christopher Hickle.

Lantz Mill in Shenandoah County.

Sources:

A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia by John W. Wayland; Congressional Directory of 1886; Last Will and Testament of Henry Rinker dated 1796 in Frederick County; Last Will and Testament of Jacob Rinker dated 1797 in Shenandoah County.