Fink, John C.

KASEMEIER, KUHRT, JAHNKE, BUHR, FREESE, HILDEBRANT, SCHULTZ

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/1/2010 at 09:29:22

John C. Fink was the first male white child born in Fremont township. He was for many years closely and prominently connected with agricultural interests of this locality, having in the course of his long and honorable career won a degree of success which now permits of honorable rest after labor. His birth occurred January 23, 1855, and he is a son of Joachim Christopher Fink, a native of Prussia, Germany, born January 10, 1825. The father came to America in 1854 and went immediately to Cook county, Illinois, where he stopped one week and joined his brother-in-law, John Kasemeier, who had an emigrant wagon ready. Together they came to Bremer county, Mr. Fink stopping just over the line in Fremont township, where his son was born. He later located in Maxfield township but returned to Fremont township in 1865, buying a farm on section 4. He there carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1888, when he retired from active life, moving into Old Tripoli, where his death occurred September 20, 1892. He married in Germany and his wife died in Tripoli, September 20, 1902, when she was seventy-nine years and nine months of age. To their union were born five children: John C., of this review; Mary, the deceased wife of F.C. Kuhrt; Henry, engaged in the mercantile business in Tripoli; E.H., of Lodi, California; and Fredie, who died when one year and nine months old.

John C. Fink spent his boyhood upon his father's farm, acquiring an excellent German and limited English education. Being the eldest son, he was obliged to assist with the work of the homestead when he was still very young and he thus early became acquainted with the principles of practical agriculture. In 1886 he purchased his father's farm and for a number of years thereafter operated this property, making it by his careful supervision and practical methods one of the finest agricultural properties in this part of the county. In November, 1911, he sold the farm and moved into Tripoli, where he has since lived retired.

Mr. Fink married Miss Minnie Jahnke, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, a daughter of George Jahnke, who came to Bremer county in 1875 and who has now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Fink became the parents of five children: William H. and Ernest C., engaged in farming in Fremont township; Bertha, the wife of F.C. Buhr, of Maxfield township; Amanda, who married H.C. Freese, of Tripoli; and J.J., a clerk in Tripoli. The mother of these children passed away January 29, 1903, and Mr. Fink afterward married Mrs. Charles Hildebrant, who was in her maidenhood Miss Schultz. By his second marriage Mr. Fink has one son, Henry W.

Mr. Fink is a member of the Evangelical Association and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has lived in this township from his birth to the present time and can clearly recall the incidents and conditions of pioneer times. He has witnessed the development of the county and to a great extent has assisted in it, bearing his full share in the work of progress and advancement. During the years he has steadily adhered to high personal and business standards and he holds the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914