Cook Co., IL Bio - Henry Farnsworth Frink

HENRY F. FRINK

Source: Album of Genealogy and Biography, Cook County, Illinois with Portraits 3rd ed. revised and extended (Chicago: Calumet Book & Engraving Co., 1895), pp. 122-123

HENRY FARNSWORTH FRINK, whose business and social relations cause him to be well known in Cook County, enjoys the distinction of being a native of Chicago, and represents one of its most esteemed pioneer families.   The house in which he was born stood at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Randolph Street, and the date of his advent was April 17, 1848.  His parents were John and Harriet Frink, an appropriate notice of whom is given elsewhere in this book.

Henry F. Frink was afforded excellent educational advantages, and at twenty years of age graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the Chicago University.  It is needless to add that his subsequent career has been such as to reflect credit upon his Alma Mater.   He began the study of law in the office of Sleeper, Whiton & Durham, and in 1872 was admitted to practice by a committee composed of members of the Bar appointed for the purpose of examining candidates.  Since that date he has been continuously engaged in practice, making a specialty of real-estate law and the examination of abstracts.  His ample experience and accurate knowledge of these subjects are of great value to himself and his clients, and cause his opinions to be received with respectful attention by attorneys and officials generally.  He deals in city and suburban realty to a considerable extent, and by the exercise of foresight and discrimination in these operations has accumulated a competence, which he endeavors to invest in such a manner as to promote the commercial interests of the community.  In 1891 he organized the Austin State Bank, of which he has ever since been the President, giving considerable of his time and attention to its affairs.  His business of all kinds has been conducted in such a manner as to secure the best results to his colleagues and at the same time to inspire the confidence of the public in his judgment and integrity.

On the 14th of April, 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Frink and Miss Louise Creote, a most estimable lady and a daughter of Joseph Creote, an early pioneer of Chicago.  A daughter, Mildred, helps to brighten the home circle of Mr. and Mrs. Frink.   The former of this couple adheres to the Episcopal faith, in the tenets of which he was instructed in youth, while his wife is a member of the Baptist Church at Austin, where the family resides.

Socially, Mr. Frink is identified with the Royal League and Athletic Clubs.  While never an active politician, he is not unmindful of the duties of citizenship, and usually casts his ballot in support of Republican principles.

Previous to the great Chicago fire he occupied an office with W. D. Kerfoot at No. 95 Washington Street, and for a time subsequent to that disaster he shared with that gentleman the historic cabin in the street, which served them as a shelter pending the rescue of their safe from the embers and the erection of their new building.  He did duty as a member of the citizens’ patrol guard immediately after the great fire, a temporary arrangement for the protection of homes and property, which was instrumental in preventing a great deal of the pillage and plundering to which the city was exposed until the police force could be re-organized.

                                -- Submitted on April 29, 2000 by Sherri Hessick ( [email protected] )