In 1874, Sylvester Riney gave land to the Illinois Central Railroad, and the town was named for the family. His father, Zachariah, had been Abraham Lincoln's first teacher while living on Rolling Fork. In 1830 Zachariah moved to the Rineyville site, built this double log house, and later enlarged and clapboarded it. He lived there nearly 25 years with his son Sylvester. His grandson, Mancil G., became the first postmaster.