This is a blog post about one of my ancestors and some of his descendants. It will not be of interest to everybody, so feel free to skip it. If you are a relative, please let me know how to contact you.
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Generation 1
William Brink was born in Vermont in about 1769. This researcher has not been able to determine the identity of his parents or his exact birthplace.
He was living in Tinmouth, Rutland County, Vermont, in 1820 and in Goshen, Addison County, Vermont, in 1830. In the 1830 census he is listed next to a Horace Brink, who is possibly his son, and a William Brink, who is almost certainly his son. If he was the father of Horace, then he is the ancestor of the founders of the Brink’s armored car company of Chicago.
It appears that William Brink married twice. He married a woman named Thirza (or Thursey) Rider first in 1805. Then he married Naomi (or Naoma) Wilkins at a later date. Records indicate that she is the daughter of an Elisha Wilkins. Little else is known about either woman.
William and Naomi were listed in the 1850 census in Rochester, Windsor County, Vermont, with their son William. William Sr. probably died before 1860 in his 80’s.
The only child that I have been able to find proof for is William, Jr., who is Naomi’s son.
Generation 2
William Brink (Jr.) was born in 1811 or 1812, probably in Windsor County, Vermont. He is the son of William Brink and Naomi Wilkins.
In 1840 he was living in Goshen, Addison County, Vermont. By then he had two children, probably Maria and Norman, below the age of 5, and his property was estimated to be worth $200.
In 1850 he was living in Rochester, Windsor County, Vermont. His wife Polly (probably nee Smith) had six children by then, who were Maria, Norman, Truman, Henry, Darwin, and Alice. William’s father and mother were living with them.
They were still living in Rochester in 1860, but both of William’s parents probably died by then. Maria, the oldest child, had moved out or died. I have found documentation for a Maria Brink during that census year, but I do not know if she as William’s daughter or not, as another Maria Brink (possibly William’s niece) was born at about the same time as William’s daughter. By then a daughter named Christina had been born, bringing the total number of known children to seven.
In 1860, William’s real estate was valued at $300, and his personal estate was valued at $150, which was a good increase from the time of the previous census.
William and Polly moved to Sudbury, Rutland County, before 1870. Darwin and Christina were still living at home. Henry was living adjacent to his parents with his wife Mary Jane. Truman and his wife, Ellen (or Ella) were living with Henry. William’s real estate was valued at $1500, and his personal estate was valued at $300.
Polly died apparently before 1880. At that time William was still living in Sudbury but was boarding with a couple named Harry and Mary Hart. Darwin was living next door. I have wondered if Mary Hart was actually William’s daughter Maria, but it seems unlikely since William is listed as a boarder and a farm laborer. I don’t understand why he was living with strangers when his son was right next door. Perhaps he sold his farm to the Harts and they let him stay on. Or perhaps he gave Darwin his farm and moved in with the neighbors.
I’m not sure when William died.
Generation 3
* Maria Brink was born in about 1838, probably in Rochester, Windsor County, Vermont. She was the daugther of William and Polly Brink. She either moved out of her parents house or died by 1860. Perhaps she was married by then.
A Maria Brink was working at an inn in Springfield, Windsor County, but this might not be the same Maria. Another Maria, the daughter of an Oliver Brink, was born at about the same time as William’s daughter.
* Norman Brink was born in about 1840, probably in Rochester. His parents were William and Polly Brink. What happened to him after 1860 is unclear. He might have moved away or died.
A Norman Brink from Vermont was killed during the Civl War. He was with the 3rd Vermont Infantry. It’s possible that this soldier is the same person as William’s son.
* Truman Brink was born on May 1, 1841, probably in Rochester. His parents were William and Polly Brink. He enlisted in the army in 1861 but was discharged a year later because of chronic illness. In 1870 he was living with his brother Henry in Sudbury, next door to his parents. He was married to a woman named Ellen (or Ella), who was born in Vermont in about 1853 to parents who were born in Vermont. By 1880 they had moved to Brandon, Rutland County.
Truman and Ellen had two sons, Charles (born 1873) and Frederick (b. 1874). Truman died on October 10, 1895. His remains are buried in the Bingo Road Cemetery in Brandon.
* Henry Brink was born on February 15, 1844. He was in the 5th Vermont Infantry during the Civil War. He married a woman named Mary Jane in about 1868. She was born in 1844 in Vermont. They had one son, named Delmer, who was born in 1885.
Herny and Mary Jane moved to Hubbardton, Rutland County, and then to Castleton, Rutland County. Henry died in Castleton on May 17, 1920. His remains are buried in the Hillside Cemetery in Castleton.
* Darwin Azro Brink, who is my ancestor, was born on August 8, 1846, probably in Rochester. He is the son of William and Polly Brink. He was in the 1st Vermont Cavalry during the Civil War. He was held prisoner from March 1, 1864 to April 18 of that year. After the war was over he remained a reservist for some time.
On October 25, 1865, he married Julia Phoebe Howard, the daughter of SIlas and Phoebe Howard. Their only know child is Walter Herbert, who was born in October of 1866. They moved around but settled in Brandon, Rutland County, by 1900.
* Alice Brink and Christina Brink have been hard to trace. They probably grew up and got married and moved away, but I know nothing about them after 1860 and 1870, respectively.
20 responses so far ↓
brad wilkins // May 24, 2008 at 1:41 pm |
I think elisha wilkins is my great great etc. grandfather. I was hoping to get as far back up into my family tree as possible. Looks like you have made quite a go out of it.
RG: Wow! It would be awesome if you could help me pin down the identiy of Elisha Wilkins. A person by that name is named as the father of Naoma Brink in her will. I have sent you an e-mail message with some questions, but if you come back here could you please give me any and all data that you have on your Elisha Wilkins?
Steve Brink // July 10, 2008 at 5:57 am |
I too am looking for the ancestors of Horace Wright Brink, of whom we think is William Brink and quite possibly a Joel Brink was his father.
Of course it could have been William Joel Brink and quite possibly the name was changed from de Brink or even van de Brink.
Horace W Brink is my g-g-g-g-grandfather. His son, Horace Agustus Brink served with the 4th Vermont, Company E and, of course, another son was Washington Perry Brink, who started Brink’s Chicago City Express which later became Brink’s Inc.
Perry Brink’s son, Arthur Perry (known as AP) Brink continued with Brink’s, his son, Percival Arthur (called PA) moved to the west coast to start a west coast Brink’s. The family has not owned the company since c. 1908 and has been in the LA area since then.
About 10 years ago, Brink’s was looking for the family of the founders and discovered my great aunt who was about 95 at the time. They sent a truck and took pictures of the family.
Would love to exchange any info on the Brink family in Vermont.
Steve Brink
RG: Thanks, Steve. I know almost nothing about Joel Brink, except that he existed. From his age, I would guess that he is a brother or cousin of William Brink. I don’t think that they are the same person, because Joel appears in the 1820 census in Rochester, Windsor County, while William appears in the 1820 census in Tinmouth, Rutland County.
I wish that I could determine the parents of William Brink and if Horace is definitely his son. Despite my research, William Brink seems to have appeared in Vermont from nowhere with no parents.
Concerning the surname, the best guess I can make is that William Brink was of Dutch ancestry, and his ancestors came from New York to Vermont. I think you are correct that the name was simplified. However, I simply have no details and have no evidence.
I probably cannot be of any further help, but I will send you an e-mail message.
Steve Brink // July 11, 2008 at 2:14 pm |
There is some speculation that a Joel Brink , if he was indeed William’s father, may have been a Tory during the Revolution, and that quite possibly is why there is little information.
How old was the Joel Brink in the 1820 Census?
If he is a contempory of William Brink, he could be a nephew or cousin of an older Joel Brink, which may have been William’s dad and named for him.
RG: The Tory angle is interesting. It could be, as other Tories moved to Vermont, as you probably know.
Here are a few more Brinks that I know about, although I don’t know much about them.
Joel Brink
Joel Brink was born sometime between 1755 and 1766. He was living in Rochester, Windsor County, Vermont, during the years 1810 and 1820. His wife must have died young, and no information has been found to determine her identity.
Joel Brink had at least two sons and four daughters.
He is possibly the brother or cousin of William1 Brink.
Alexander Brink
Alexander Brink was born probably between 1766 and 1770. He was probably born in Windsor County, Vermont. He was a farmer. He was living in the town of Hartford during the years 1800-1830. His wife’s name is currently unknown, but she was born about the same time as he. They had at least two sons and two daughters, whose names are not currently known. All of the children were born between 1790 and 1810. He probably died sometime before 1840.
Alexander Brink is possibly the brother or cousin of William1 Brink.
James Brink #1 and James Brink #2
There were two James Brinks in Windsor County, Vermont during the 18th and 19th Centuries. It is difficult to tell them apart from the existing records.
One James Brink was born about 1765, apparently in Connecticut. He lived in Hartford, Windsor County, Vermont, in 1790. He apparently moved to Royalton in the same county before 1800 and then moved back again to Hartford before 1810, where he was still living ten years later. His wife’s name is currently unknown, but she was born about the same time that he was. They had at least three boys and two girls, born between 1790 and 1810. He might be a brother or a cousin of Alexander Brink and/or of William1 Brink.
The other James Brink was born between 1790 and 1800. He was probably born in Hartford, Windsor, Vermont. He is possibly the son of the Alexander Brink or of James Brink #1. In 1830 he was living in Hartford, Windsor County, Vermont, with a wife, three sons, and two daughters.
Oliver L. Brink
Oliver L. Brink was born in 1797 or 1798 in Vermont. He was a farmer. His father was born in Vermont, but his mother was born in Scotland. Their identity is unknown so far. His wife Sarah was born in about 1805.
He was living in Hartland, Windsor County, Vermont in 1830 and 1840 and in Reading, in the same county, in 1850.
Oliver Brink seems to disappear until 1880. He was living still (or again) in Reading at the age of 82. He is boarding with Calvin and Sarah Robinson. This Sarah Robinson is probably his daughter, based on her age. However, he is listed as a boarder rather than a father-in-law in the census report. Also boarding with the Robinsons is Oliver’s son Willis, still single at age 48.
Children of Oliver and Sarah Brink:
o Louisa, born in about 1825.
o Sarah, born in about 1827.
o Willis, born in about 1831, a gunsmith.
o Marie, born in about 1834.
o Charles, born in about 1836.
o Harriet, born in about 1841.
Oliver’s dates make it possible for him to be the son of William1 Brink by a first marriage or the son of Alexander, James, or Joel Brink mentioned above, which could make him William’s nephew.
His daughter Marie may be the Maria who was living in Springfield, Windsor County, in 1860 (see Maria3 Brink above).
Horace W. Brink
Horace W. Brink was born on March 23, 1805, in Vermont, possibly in Rochester, Windsor County. He is probably the son of William1 Brink and his possible first wife, Thirza Rider, but it has not been proven.
He married sometime in the 1820’s Permelia McAllister, daughter of John Wentworth McAllister and Lovina M. Jones. She was born in about 1811 probably in Hancock, Vermont.
Horace bought land in Goshen, Addison County, Vermont, on September 22, 1828. He sold that land on January 23, 1837 for the sum of $200.
In 1830 Horace was listed in the Goshen census on the same page as two men who are probably William1 Brink and William2 Brink, which lends support to the theory that they are from the same family. He was still living in Goshen in 1840 with his wife and four children.
Horace’s wife Permelia died sometime between 1850 and 1858, probably in Rocehster.
In 1860 he was living with John and Ruth Copley in Rochester, Windsor County, and working as a day laborer. In 1870 he was living with his son Merritt. Then he was living with his daughter, Adeline Rogers in Stockbridge, Windsor County, Vermont in 1880 and until his death that year, which was listed as a “supposed suicide.”
Children of Horace Brink and Permelia McAllister:
o Female, born about 1825 and probably died young.
o Marshall D., born about 1830.
o Washington Perry, born about 1831, founder of the Brinks Company.
o Lovina, born about 1833.
o Almira, born about 1834.
o Female, born between 1835-1845, probably died young.
o Merritt A., born on January 23, 1841.
o Elisa, born in about 1842.
o Adeline, born on May 9, 1843.
o Horace, born on November 20, 1845.
o Permelia A. “Minnie”, born on March 3, 1848.
Reuben Brink
Reuben Brink was born about 1806. He was probably born in Hartford, Windsor, Vermont. He is possibly the son of the Alexander Brink or the James Brink above or of William1 Brink. In 1830 he was living in Hartford, Windsor, Vermont, with a wife and a daughter who was born between 1825 and 1830. In 1850 he was living still in Hartford with a farmer named Harry Samphire and is listed in the census as a pauper.
Adailton // July 17, 2008 at 6:00 pm |
Como posso adquirir fotos do Sr Washington Pery Brink?
RG: Nao sei. Eu nao tenho nenhum. (I think you were writing in Portuguese.)
Ed Galvin // August 19, 2008 at 10:00 pm |
I invite people to check out my web site on the McAllister family. I am slowly putting up the children of John Wentworth McAllister. Almost finished with the eldest son William Ira, then will put up the last of 13 – Permelia Brink.
I also have notebooks of data on the families of William and Polly brink, Oliver Brink and Orson Brink which I’m hoping to get onto my web site next.
RG’s Reply: Thanks, Ed. You and I have actually corresponded–using my real name. I’ll check out your website again. I can’t wait to see what you have on the Brinks that I don’t have.
william brink // July 5, 2009 at 3:18 pm |
im trying to help my father find out whoes his fathers name was.my grandfathers name is charles brink and my fathers name is harold brink.
renaissanceguy // July 5, 2009 at 5:23 pm |
A Charles William Brink was born in 1915 in Vermont. His father was also named Charles and was born in 1873.
Another Charles Brink was born in 1836 in Vermont, but he is too far back probably to satisfy your query.
I have no information on a Harold Brink.
I’m not sure that you meant to to do it, but you actually seem to have answered your own question. Your grandfather is your father’s father.
If you come back, be sure to leave your e-mail address, so that I can discuss the question with you further. I would be glad to do a bit of research for you, but I would need more data to get started.
william brink // July 9, 2009 at 7:50 pm |
Ok i said that wrong and yes if you could help with any thing that would be great .
william brink // July 19, 2009 at 5:23 pm |
Ok we found out the charles brink my fathers father was born in 1915.we have no birth records other than that some where on his birth certificate shows minnesota. and my father was born in dekalb illinois in 1942.Is there any way to get more info on this ?
renaissanceguy // July 20, 2009 at 5:11 am |
I’m checking. I don’t have anything definite yet, but I’m working on it.
renaissanceguy // July 22, 2009 at 8:15 am |
A Charles Brink was born in about 1915 in Michigan, and was living in Chicago in 1920, according to the United States Census. He seems to be the most likely candidate to be your grandfather. Although you said Minnesota, it’s possible that the census taker wrote the wrong state, as happened often. (Or were you mistaken and wrote Minnesota instead of Michigan?)
His father, Wilbur (other sources say Wilbert), and his mother, Barbara, were born in Illinois, according to that census report. He had an older sister named Marion, who was born in Illinois in about 1906.
Does any of that ring a bell?
He appears again in Chicago in 1930, according to the United States Census, which also lists his birthplace as Michigan. There is some other interesting information in that census report, which I can give you, if we confirm that these are your ancestors.
Since your father is possibly still living, I do not want to give out any information about him. However, the answers to a few questions will help me.
1. Did/does your father have siblings named Kathryn, Barbara, Wilbur, Charles, or Philip?
2. Did your father and his family stay in Illinois, or did they live at least some of their lives in Minnesota?
3. Did any of your father’s relatives live in Ohio or Missouri?
4. Did anyone in your father’s family talk of ancestors from Sweden and Germany?
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The problem I’m having is that there are several people with the same names but living in different places. Any further information you give me will help narrow down the search, although, it is probably better to send it by e-mail.
renaissanceguy // July 22, 2009 at 8:20 am |
5. Oh, did/does your father have cousins with the names I listed above: Barbara, Kathryn, Philip, or Wilbur?
william brink // July 22, 2009 at 9:30 pm |
No he is a only child,tyhey always have lived in illinois,we may have some family in missouri,and germany was talked about , im not for sure on any relitives by those names.
renaissanceguy // July 23, 2009 at 2:38 am |
Okay. That should help. It will at least eliminate some of the people with similar names.
william brink // August 9, 2009 at 8:26 am |
have you found out anything new i have searched as much as i can and have came up with nothing
renaissanceguy // August 9, 2009 at 9:31 am |
Nothing definite. Don’t give up. I won’t. I’m just busy.
william brink // August 9, 2009 at 9:32 pm |
ok thanks a million
william brink // November 10, 2009 at 9:25 am |
i havent heard anything from you in a while just checking to see if you still have found out anything about them
william brink // November 16, 2009 at 8:59 am |
we think that there is one family member in r. illinios w. brink that is still alive
renaissanceguy // November 16, 2009 at 9:49 am |
I have found nothing new. I probably cannot devote more time to it either. I’m sorry.