Johann Fink, 1899 Biography

FINK, FISCHER

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 3/25/2006 at 11:38:13

I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

Johann Fink

The bearer of the above name, Mr. Johann Fink, of whom an accurate picture appears here, was born on 11 October 1835 in Anholt, County of Borken, Westphalia, Germany. After finishing school, he worked for his parents until he was 22 years old. He then worked at the engineering works in Isselborg [possibly should be Isselburg]. In 1859 he was inducted into military service and was honorably discharged after serving three years. He was then employed again at the engineering works in Isselborg. Since Prussia became involved in a war with Denmark in 1864, Mr. Fink received his marching orders as a reservist. He followed the call of his king and took part in the battles at Missunde and Dueppel, as well as the transfer of Alsen, and several other actions. He was discharged with special distinction. In October 1865, we find him on his to Essen, where he found employment in the world famous cannon factory of Friedr. Krupp. When the war with Austria broke out, Mr. Fink was again called up. He received his stripes [promotion], but at the complaint of Mr. Krupp, the factory owner, he was released from service. He married Miss Wilhelmina Fischer on 4 November 1866. As a militiaman, he took part in the German-French campaign [Franco-Prussian War], and when the war with France was over, he worked another eight years at the Krupp factory. In 1879 he moved with his family to America, where he settled in Kniest Township, Carroll County, Iowa. He lived here for 11 years, and then Mr. Fink purchased a farm in O’Brien County, Iowa, where he lived with his family until 1899. He then sold the farm and moved to the town of Carroll, where he acquired a beautiful home. Mr. Fink and his wife and children are well known in Carroll County and enjoy an excellent reputation. This happy marriage has produced five children: Theodor, Johann, Bernhard, Wilhelmina, and Maria.

NOTES: The Krupp steelworks in Essen, Germany was one of the world’s largest arms manufacturers in the 1800s.