Nashville Journal July 19, 1917
page 1 column

Friedrich Ernst Brinkmann

Mr. Friedrich Ernst Brinkman passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Centralia, Ill., on Fri. The 13th of July 1917, at 9:00 AM at the age of 75 yr., 2 mo., and 26 da. Although throughout the past year he was suffering from different ailments and could not expect recovery, the hour of his passing came such sooner than was expected. On Fri. Morning, shortly before the onset of his death, he went outside as usual and fed the hens. His wife went to the store to take care of household needs. In the meantime a friend and neighbor, Mr. Louis Hussmann, came by. They went into the sitting room, and in the course of discussing the affairs of the day, Mr. Brinkmann became silent with his head resting on the back of the chair, and softly slumbered into a better eternity. That was for the one going home a beautiful, blessed end.
However, for the widow and children left behind, a hard blow, since no one could prepare for such a sudden departure, and did not have the opportunity to be at his side when he passed away. Nevertheless the beautiful German words, "Auf Wiedersehen" are comforting for them. Mr. Brinkmann, the deceased, was born April 17, 1842 at Eidinghausen, Germany. He came to America with his parents at the age of 8 and settled at New Minden, Ill. Here he was confirmed by Pastor Huesemann, On March 4, 1865 he married Miss Caroline Althoff. This union was blessed with 14 children, of whom 6 preceded their parents into eternity. On June 1, 1904, his wife, who he had spent 39 happy years, was taken from him in a blessed death. On Jan. 14, 1906, he was married a second time, this time to widow Justine Kuse. This union was blessed with a daughter. Mourning the blessed going-home of the deceased are his widow and 9 children. Namely Friederich Karl and Edward B. residing at New Minden. August B. of Posey, Wilhelm B of Hoyleton, Johann B. and Bertha, wife of Emil Stuehmeier of Centralia. Adolph H. B.. teacher at the Immanuel church school at Aurora, Ill., Edna B. the youngest daughter, still at the home with her mother; also 7 daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, 3 step-children; Malinda, wife of Mr. Hermann Rapp, Heinrich Kuse, 1st Inft., Scholfield Barracks, Honolulu, Hawaian Islands, and Edwin Kuse, at home; 24 grandchildren, 5 half-brothers and sisters, and a large number of other relatives and friends.
Mr. Brinkmann lived on a farm north of New Minden, Il. Following his first marriage, and farmed with great success, which brought him considerable wealth. When up-in-years, he moved in 1908 to Centralia to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Since then he has been a member of the Ev. Lutheran church there, and served the church in both word and deed. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon under the direction of Pastor Hussmann, his last pastor in the Ev. Lutheran Church in Centralia. Pastor Hussman preached the funeral sermon on the basis of the Bible words of comfort and exhortation. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous" Matthew 6:3. The committal followed at the city cemetery north of Centralia. Those left behind have our sincere sympathy.

14 children: Herman, Fred, Heinrich, John, Adolph, Carolina, Maria, Wilhelm, Louis, August, Ludwig, Edward, Philip and Anna

children from 2nd marriage: Edna Brinkmann French