McDonough ILGenWeb

RINK, Isaac C., D. D. S. — He who would succeed in dentistry at the beginning of the twentieth century is a long way removed from his prototype of even a decade ago. In no branch of human endeavor have there been greater strides, nor is there any occupation more directly responsible for good health and good appearance, those greatest aids to human happiness and human achievement. Eternal vigilance sits at the elbow of the dental operator, and, if he would defy competition, demands of him high pressure attention to the signs of the times. Art, science and mechanical ingenuity beckon him with their alluring possibilities. One of his chief compensations is the possibility of invention, or the chance to do something a little better than has thus far been accomplished. The ability to see and grasp these advantages in a business of such universal importance differentiates the unambitious plodder from his more promising and often famous fellow practitioner. Dr. Isaac C. Rink, of Bushnell, is one of the men who, while he has gained laurels of a practical and satisfying kind, is never content to depend upon them alone, but pushes forward so persistently that his practice extends beyond the limits of both town and county, and includes the most exclusive and exacting of patrons.

Dr. Rink's profession is a direct departure from that fostered by his early surroundings and followed by several generations of his forefathers. He was born on a farm near Indiana, Indiana County, Pa., September 10, 1867, a son of George and Nancy Rink, farmers and large landowners of Indiana County. Dr. Rink started his education in that great school of human equality, the district institution, and thereafter attended the State Normal School, at Indiana, Pa. His professional training was obtained at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Baltimore, Md., and he subsequently has added greatly to his knowledge through post-graduate work, and conventions held by his fellow practitioners. He began his independent life in Bushnell, and from the first his work was of such a character as to insure its permanency and extension.

Dr. Rink was married May 31, 1899, to Miss Susan Nance, a daughter of Dr. H. H. and Susan (Rinker) Nance, and they have one daughter, Josephine. Mrs. Rink is a graduate of the Bushnell High School and of the "Western Illinois College" of Bushnell, Ill., and is also an accomplished musician. Dr. H. H. Nance is a native of Vermont, Ill., and his wife of Ohio, their marriage taking place in Illinois. They resided for a time at Vermont, Ill., where Dr. Nance was engaged in the general practice of medicine until about 1866, when they removed to Bushnell, where they still reside, the Doctor having retired from his profession. Mrs. Rink is the youngest of a family of five children — two sons and three daughters — all living. Dr. Rink is a prominent and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been connected with that denomination since his boyhood, and in which he is an active worker. He is also prominent in the social life of his home city, and is highly esteemed not only for his professional acumen and skill, but also for his tact, courtesy, gentleness of manner and for his high moral character and purposeful aims in life.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 991, extracted 29 May 2020 by Norma Hass.