Our subject grew to manhood in the county of his nativity and received but limited educational advantages, for at the age of ten years he began life for himself, working for neighboring farmers until seventeen years of age, when he was employed bya a railroad contractor, with whom he remained eleven months. He then became a porter in a hotel in Fultonville, where he remained for two years. He there acquired good business ideas and the experience of which he stood in need. Later we find him employed in a wholesale and retail liquor house of Troy, where he remained for three years.
In Fultonville, NY, July 29, 1840, Mr. Fink led to the marriage altar Miss Caroline, daughter of Peter M. Vrooman, a native of the Empire State, who engaged in farming, in Schoharie County, where Mrs. Fink was born. In 1842 the young couple determined to try their fortune in the West, and by way of the Erie Canal and Great Lakes came to Wisconsin, arriving at Racine on the 8th of July. The previous year Mr. Fink had come West and purchased land in the town of Mt Pleasant, Racine County, upon which they located. A partially completed log cabin was finished and made a comfortable home for the family. For twelve years they resided upon that farm and in that period the once wild land was greatly improved. Renting his farm in 1848, Mr. Fink and his family returned to New York, where they spent the summer in visiting old friends and again viewing the scenes amidst which their childhood days were passed. On again coming to Wisconsin, Mr. Fink resumed farming and in 1855 bought and located on a farm in Somers Township, Kenosha County. Subsequently he purchased another improved farm and one of those he carried on for some years, but has now given them to his two sons, he, himself, removing to his present home in Somers Township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fink were born four children: Albert J., who died in
infancy, James H., who married Olivia Leonard, and is a resident farmer of
Somers Township. He served as one of the Hundred Day men during the late war.
Martha is the wife of Joseph F. Bishop, who is engaged in farming in Somers
Township. John W., who wedded Orrie J. Stonebreaker, resides in Racine. The
cause of education has ever found in Mr. Fink a friend and he gave his children
good advantages, thus fitting them for the practical duties of life. Since the
organization of the Republican party he been found among its supporters, and is
a staunch advocate of its principles. Of the Somers Mutual Fire Insurance
Company he is President and has been one of its officials since its
organization. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fink are faithful members and active workers in
the Somers Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected since 1844.
He is now steward, trustee, deacon and church treasurer. His life has been well
and worthily spent, devoted to the interests of his family and the cause of
right. The Fink household is a hospitable one and our subject and his estimable
wife are held in high regard by all who know them.