California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


WILLIAM FREDERICK FINK. The substantial and respected citizens of Stanislaus county have 
no more worthy representative than William Frederick Fink, who occupies an assured 
position among the keen, progressive, and business-like farmers who are so ably conduct- 
ing the agricultural interests of this section of the state, his well-improved ranch lying about one 
mile northeast of Crows Landing. A son of the late Jacob Fink, he was born November 10, 1854, 
in Marion county, Ohio, of German lineage. 

Born and reared in Wurtemberg, Germany, Jacob Fink remained in his native land until 
1846, when, his prospects for earning a livelihood there not being very brilliant, he immi- 
grated to America, the land of promise for a poor man. Settling at first in Ohio, he was en- 
gaged in farming in Marion county for a number of years. In 1858 he removed to Minne- 
sota, and two years later, in i860, located in Sheboygan county, Wis., establishing himself 
in business as a tanner and farmer. Migrating to California in 1873, he bought a ranch of three 
hundred and twenty acres at Crows Landing, and was here engaged in agricultural pursuits until 
his death, in 1896, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. His wife, whose maiden name 
was Rosanna Harsch, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and died at Crows Landing, Cal. Of 
their union five sons and two daughters were born, William F. being the oldest son, and the 
third child of the household. 

Spending the days of his boyhood and youth in Sheboygan county, Wis., William F. Fink there 
acquired a practical common school education. Coming with his parents to California in 1873, 
he assisted his father in the improvement of a homestead, and in 1878 located one mile north- 
east of Crows Landing, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of his present farm. To this he 
has added other land by purchase, having now four hundred and sixty acres in his home ranch. 
Here Mr. Fink is carrying on general farming with eminent success, having seventy acres in al- 
falfa, which is a most desirable crop in this region, the soil being well adapted to its growth. 
He also pays a good deal of attention to stock growing, raising cattle, horses and mules. He 
has- made many valuable improvements on his place, and in 1890 built a fine two-story residence. 

Mr. Fink was married August 18, 1881, to Laura A. Pipkin, a native of Tennessee, and the 
only daughter of Andrew J. Pipkin and Elizabeth Gum Pipkin, both natives of Tennessee, where 
their ancestors were honored pioneers. Andrew J. Pipkin and family came to California in 1873, 
and settled in Yolo county. In 1874 they came to Stanislaus county, going back to Yolo county in 
1876, but returned to Crows Landing in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Fink are the parents of six children, 
namely: Ida M., George W., Clara E., Esther R., Eva M. and Lloyd W. Politically Mr. Fink is an 
earnest Democrat, supporting the principles of that party at the polls. He takes a genuine 
interest in local affairs, and for a number of years served as school director. Mrs. Fink is a 
most estimable woman, and a valued member of the Presbyterian Church.