Alva R. Brink, carrying on general farming and stock-raising in Massillon township, is the owner of what is known as the Long View Farm, a tract of one hundred and twenty acres which has been brought under a high state of cultivation. The attractiveness of Cedar county as a place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of her native sons have remained within her borders, feeling that no better opportunities are offered elsewhere, and in fact statistics show that in its agricultural advantages, Iowa is second to no state.
Mr. Brank is one of the native sons, his birth having occurred August 8, 1866, on a farm adjoining his present place of residence. The days of his youth there passed and his experiences were those usual to the farm lad of the period, upon whom rests the necessity of aiding in the development of a farm, while at the same time there comes to him the opportunity of attaining a good English education in the common schools. He remained with his father until he attained his majority and started out in life by working by the month as a farm hand. His early experience qualified him for the duties which have devolved upon him since he began farming on his own account.
On the 19th of December, 1894, in Oxford Mills, Jones county, Mr. Brink was married to Miss Susie Doty, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, but was reared and educated at Oxford Mills. Her father, Hiram Doty, a native of Indiana, came to Iowa when a young man and married here.
Mr. Brink, following his marriage, located on the farm where he now resides, having previously purchased the place. With unremitting diligence he has since devoted his energies to its cultivation along modern lines of progress and the improvements upon his farm indicate his practical and resultant methods. In the midst of the farm there now stands a large and attractive dwelling, two good barns, corn cribs and wind pump. He has also sunk a well ninety feet deep, so that he has a good supply of water for the stock. He has also fenced the place and none of the improvements of a model farm are lacking. Good horses, high grade shorthorn cattle and Chester While hogs are found in his pastures and feed lots, and the fields return rich and abundant harvests. He sells quite a large number of hogs each year.
Mr. and Mrs. Brink have one son, Roy H. The household is a hospitable one and the parents occupy an enviable social position. Politically, Mr. Brink is a republican, but aside from casting his ballot to indicate the harmony of his views with the principles of the party, he takes no active part in politics. He has served on the petit jury and on the school board for seven years, but otherwise has devoted his attention to private business affairs, and his close application contains the secret of the success which has made him the prosperous owner of the Long View Farm.
