Samuel F. Fink

SAMUEL F. FINK. - Among those who by the very nature of their occupation come into close contact with many transactions tending toward the progress and development of a prosperous and growing community, Samuel F. Fink, one of Kansas City's leading real estate men, stands prominent. He has had experience in many fields of endeavor since he arrived at years of usefulness and discretion, and happily he has found the latest tried the one most congenial. He has attained to an independent position as the result of his own efforts and is well worthy of biographic honors.

Mr. Fink shares his natal day with that of American independence, his birth having occurred on July 4, 1861, in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. He is a son of William and Margaret (Murry) Fink, the former of whom was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and died after a long life of usefulness, at the age of eighty-seven years, on September 22, 1910. He was shortly preceded to the Great Beyond by his beloved wife, who died October 16, 1908, when her years numbered sixty-eight. To the union of this estimable couple were born seven children, all of whom are living at the present time, the subject being the third in order of birth. The father was a carpenter and machinist in his earlier life and in later years engaged for many years as a manufacturer at Tarrytown, near Philadelphia. He was known as one of the prominent business men of his community; was a member of the Presbyterian church and in political conviction was a Democrat.

Mr. Fink received his education in the schools of Baltimore and Tarrytown and learned the machinist's trade with his father. He secured a position with the Frick Manufacturing Company at Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and was in the employ of this concern for some four years, being meantime amply recommended by his ability and faithfulness. It was, indeed, in the interest of the Frick Manufacturing Company that he came to Kansas City, Kansas, the date of his first identification with the city being April 6, 1883. He came in the capacity of an expert and general road man, and was depended upon in the setting up of machinery. He continued with the company here for about five years and then engaged with the Metropolitan Street Railroad, with whom he remained one year. For the ensuing fourteen years and a half Mr. Fink held the position of police sergeant and as one of the principal exponents of the strong arm of the law gave service of signal zeal and energy. At the end of his long term of service he engaged in the real estate business - his present occupation.

On April 2, 1893, Mr. Fink was united in marriage to Miss Josephine L. Keepers, who was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Floury) Keepers, both of whom were born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and both of whom are deceased at the present time. They were the parents of five children, one a son and four daughters. The son, Adam Keeper, is a physician in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and the wife of the subject is the fourth born. Joseph Keeper was one of the pioneers of Indiana in the stage business and he was a valiant veteran of the Civil war, receiving a wound in one of the numerous engagements in which he participated. He was Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Fink share their delightful household with one son, Kenneth W.

Mr. Fink finds no small amount of pleasure in his fraternal relations with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Brotherhood of the First Presbyterian church. His wife is a member of the Triple Tie.