In Westphalen, Prussia, Germany, on the 23rd of March, 1841, William Brinkmann was born, and the days of his childhood and youth were passed upon the farm. In accordance with the laws of his native land he acquired his education and in Germany he remained until 1865, but the broader opportunities of the new world attracted him and he bade adieu to home and friends, preparatory to coming to America. Taking passage on a west-bound steamer he started for New York city, and thence made his way to Covington, Ohio, where he secured employment in a stone quarry, with which he was connected for five years. On the expiration of that period he rented the land upon which he now resides and turned his attention to farming. As the years passed he added to his capital, and when he had acquired a sufficient amount he purchased a farm comprising ninety acres on section 4. Of this eighty-five acres is under cultivation. Six acres is annually planted to tobacco, which is a profitable crop. Other fields are planted to corn, wheat and oats, and in his pastures are found good grades of cattle. He is also engaged in the dairy business and the products of his dairy find ready sale upon the market.

In 1867 Mr. Brinkmann was married to Miss Mary Boehringer, and unto them have been born ten children: Henry, Maggie, Jane, Charley, Casper, Lewis, Agnes, Ida, Edward and Frank. The family circle yet remains unbroken and the children have been trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty, so that they have been a credit to the family name. Mr. Brinkmann is a member of the German Lutheran church. He came to this country in limited circumstances, but possessed a sturdy and determined spirit, which. has stood him in stead of fortune. Scorning no honest labor, he worked early and late to secure a start, and since becoming the owner of his farm he has yearly received a good income from its crops. He is methodical in his business methods, is never dilatory in performing his work, and by the careful prosecution of his business interests he has met with creditable success.