Mount Morris Index
April 15, 1920
Front page

"RALPH BRINKMAN
DIES AT AGE 89"
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"CAME TO THIS TOWNSHIP FROM
GERMANY WHEN A YOUNG
MAN--LIVED HERE 60 YEARS."
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"Passes Away at Home of Grand-daughter, Mrs. Charles Stengle (sic)
--was Father of Mrs. Lewis Paul--Funeral at West Grove.

"Ralph Brinkman, a resident of Mount Morris Township for over sixty years, passed quietly away as the result of the infirmities of old age on Sunday at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Charles Stengle (sic), residing two miles northwest of town.

"Throughout his long residence here Mr. Brinkman ever proved himself to be among our best and most substantial citizens. Of quiet mien (sic) and generous impulses, his life was spent in bestowing love and kindness upon his family and those who surrounded him, by all of whom he will long be cherished in grateful memory.

"Since the death of his wife, which occurred some years ago, Mr. Brinkman made his home in part with his daughter Mrs. Lewis Paul, in Mount Morris, but in greater portion with his granddaughter, Mrs. Stengle (sic), his preference being to remain in the country where he had spent his long life time.

Ralph Brinkman was born in Ostfriesland, Germany, February 7, 1831, and with his wife came to America in the spring of 1857, coming to the vicinity of Mount Morris where he continued to reside, his death occurring at the age of 89 years, 2 months and 4 days.

"He was married to Helen Klock in 1857 and a daughter, Mrs. Lewis Paul of Mount Morris, was born to this union, who with a stepson, Simon Klock, and stepdaughter, Mrs. Annie Muller, both residents of Forreston, are surviving members of the family.

"From early manhood Mr. Brinkman was a devout Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church. The funeral service was held yesterday afternoon at the Reformed Church in West Grove, Rev. Mannes of Forreston officiating. Interment was made at the West Grove Cemetery on the family lot."

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