Robert Brinker
The qualities of thrift, perseverance and industry have ever been characteristic of the German race. the citizens of the Fatherland are rarely found in want, for their sturdy nature and self reliance can be counted upon to place them among the independent people of any community in which they find themselves, and for this reason this county owes a debt of gratitude for some of its best citizenship. Among the honored German names of Grant county is that of Brinker, which is represented in Center Township by Robert Brinker, who while not a native of Germany has inherited the qualities which have made this race famous the world over. Mr. Brinker, who is now carrying on agricultural operations on a farm within sight of the city of Marion, Indiana, was born in Washington Township, Grant County, Indiana, December 20,1 877, and is a son of William and Catherine (Schuelmeyer) Brinker.
The parents of Mr. Brinker were both born in the Fatherland, and emigrated as children to the United States, being reared and educated in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they became acquainted and were married. Subsequently they came to Washington Township, and here purchased a large tract of land, a part of which forms the farm on which was born Grant County's distinguished son, Col. George W. Steele. An industrious and thrifty citizen, Mr. Brinker accumulated a handsome property, and at the time of his death left his family in very comfortable circumstances. Although a busy man, with large interests, he ever had the welfare of his community at heart, and also did not fail to remember his moral duty, being a faithful member of the German Lutheran Church. He and his estimable wife were the parents of eight children, and of these Robert was the youngest.
Robert Brinker received his education in the city schools, and was reared to habits of honesty and industry, early learning the value of thrift and economy. As a result, at the time of his marriage he was able to settle upon a property of his own, and at this time he is the owner of a tract of 110 acres, located within sight of the city of Marion, in Center Township, a property that has been brought to a high state of cultivation through well-directed effort and able management. Mr. Brinker has devoted his activities to general farming and stock raising, along both of which lines he has been more than ordinarily successful, and he is justly considered one of the substantial men of his locality.
In November, 1907, Mr. Brinker was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Dibble, also a native of Grant county. They have had three children, sons, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Brinker are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which they attend at Marion. In political matters Mr. Brinker has always been affiliated with the Democratic party but has never cared for public office and has only taken that interest in public matters that is shown by any citizen who has the welfare of his community at heart. He occupies a beautiful country home, surrounded by a wide lawn, and fitted with all the comforts and conveniences of modern farm life.
Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.