OBITUARY
Name: Alexander Dunham Frink
From: The Journal-Telephone, Milton
Junction, Wisconsin
Date: July 29, 1915
The community was shocked Tuesday morning to hear of the sudden demise of A. D.
Frink, one of the pioneer citizens of the town of Milton. His wife arose early
and thought to let him rest longer, but on trying to arouse him about seven
o'clock found him lifeless, though apparently having just passed away. He had
been troubled with his heart during the past few months, but his friends did not
look for the end so soon.
Alexander Dunham Frink was born in the Town of Milton Wis., March 10, 1845,
while Wisconsin was still a territory. He was the eldest of four children born
to Ezekiel Potter and Soloma Babcock Frink and when he was not yet ten years old
his mother died leaving the four little ones to buffet the hardships of an
unsympathetic world. Dunham, however, was a manly boy and took especial interest
in the welfare of the younger children, who with himself were cared for by
different families of the community for several years.
The deceased in his early life learned the painter's trade, and afterwards the
carpenter's trade and in the later he was most proficient. Many of the older
buildings of this section still testify to his skill. He helped in the building
of the Seventh-day Baptist church and was a substantial contributor to the
building fund. For a short time during the Civil War he was in the
government service as a tradesman. He was not allowed to enlist on account of a
lameness he had from birth.
He was married at Rock River by Elder James Rogers September 12, 1866, to Esther
Marilla Garthwait, who with their two daughters, Louie A., Mrs. Fred L. Burdick
of this village and Ella M., Mrs. George L. Walters of Albion, their only two
children survive. Besides these are his two sisters, Mrs. Emergene Stone of
Rhinelander, Wis., and Mrs. C. M. Williams of Albion, and one brother, Lucius H.
Frink of Rock Island, Ill., and three grandsons, Rex Burdick and LaClede and
Fred Walters.
Mr. Frink was of strong convictions and had often made the statement to his
family that everything was all right between him and God. He was a great lover
of nature, especially of fruit and flowers. His greatest pleasure was in his
garden where he spent many happy hours. Though never in his life was he sick in
bed himself, he was especially thoughtful and helpful when others were sick and
spent many long hours watching with them. He was naturally of a sunny
disposition and loved his joke. He was a loving father, a most faithful husband
and a true brother, and this first break in the family circle is keenly felt.
Mr. Frink took a deep interest in local and national politics and was a staunch
Republican from early manhood. His words in the councils of the local
organization carried weight, and at different times he was honored with
positions of trust and responsibility. He became an Odd Fellow when the
organization first came to Milton Junction and remained a faithful member till
his death, ever maintaining and practicing with fidelity the great principles
taught by the order, Friendship, Love and Truth.
The funeral services were held this Thursday afternoon from the home of the
deceased on Madison Avenue, Rev. H. N. Jordan officiating. The burial service
was in charge of Du Lac Lodge No. 322, I. O. O. F. of Milton, and interment was
made in the Milton Junction cemetery.