Christ H. Brink
Among the enterprising and successful men who have come from Germany and have gained an established standing in Crawford county is Christ H. Brink, who owns one hundred and eighty acres of good land in Willow township and through his business ability and acknowledged integrity ranks as one of the substantial men of this section.
He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, February 9, 1855, a son of Hans and Christina (Lorensen) Brink, both of whom were born in Germany. There were four children in the family: Kate, who is now living in the old country; Christ H., of this review; Louise, who also makes her home in Germany; and Anna.
Christ H. Brink was educated in his native land and remained in the parental home until sixteen years of age. In 1871 he emigrated to America and spent three years in Scott county, Iowa, at the end of which time he came to Crawford county and for four years made his home in Morgan township. The next two years he spent in Denison and then went to Brule county, South Dakota, where he took up a homestead, which he cultivated for eleven years.
However, he was again attracted to Crawford county and after living for one year in Denison he established his home permanently in Willow township, being now the owner of one hundred acres on section 24 and eighty acres on section 23. He engages in general farming and as he is devoted to his work and gives to it his best thought and energy he has attained a goodly measure of prosperity.
In 1882 Mr. Brink was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hargens, who was born in Germany, and six children have blessed their union: Hans, now living in Willow township; Louise, who is the wife of Thomas Hartwick, of Charter Oak; and Christ, John, George and Anna, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Brink as the head of a promising family has set an example well worthy of emulation by his children who have all been given excellent advantages of education and training. Mrs. Brink has proven a faithful companion to her husband and a kind mother whose main happiness it is to promote the comfort and welfare of others. She and her husband are sincere members of the Lutheran church and active workers in its behalf. Politically he gives his support to the democratic party.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.