My Genealogy Hound

JAMES K. KLINK. One of the large property owners, a justice of the peace and notary public, as well as a leading citizen of Newville, is James K. Klink, who was born Dec. 30, 1830, on the old Klink homestead, which is now a portion of the town site of Newville.

George Klink, the grandfather, was a native of Germany, but upon coming to the United States, he made this his adopted country, and served in the army for some time. He worked at day’s labor.

George Klink, Jr., son of George and father of James K., was born in Pennsylvania in May, 1792, but came of German descent. By occupation he was a shoemaker, and he followed that trade all his life, which was passed in his native county. He died in 1869. He married Elizabeth Holmes, who was born in Cumberland county, in 1788. She died in 1875, in the faith of the Lutheran Church. Thirteen children were born to this devoted couple, seven boys and six girls, eight of whom lived to be grown, James K. and two sisters being now the only survivors.

James K. Klink was liberally educated, as, after he attended school in the old Lutheran Church at Newville, he was sent to a select school taught by Professor French, and from it he was graduated. After completing this school course, the young man returned home, and before he was of age, he embarked in the dry goods business in Newville, which he established, later admitting his brother, Willis F. Klink, under the firm style of Klink & Bro. Later on, however, he disposed of his interest to his brother, and since then devotes his attention to the management of his real estate, and the conduct of his duties as justice of the peace and notary public.

In January, 1854, Mr. Klink married Miss Mary M. Schwartz, of Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pa., daughter of Frank Schwartz and Eliza (Kohler) Schwartz. Four children have been born to them: George F., deceased; Elizabeth M., a widow residing at home with her parents; James Foster, a printer; and Joseph F., of Oregon. Mr. Klink casts his vote for and supports the candidates of the Democrat party. For a number of years he has served very ably as justice of the peace, and for over ten years as notary public. In every respect he is an honorable, popular and able man, whose list of friends is a long one, and whose position in the community is unquestioned.