"History of Northeast Indiana LaGrange, Steuben, Noble and DeKalb
Counties" by The Lewis Publishing Company Chicago and New York 1920 Volume II page 372

Lawrence N. Klink. While Mr. Klink has made his name and services known at Angola and over the surrounding territory as one of the leading undertakers, his own career has been only part of the honorable record made by his family in Steuben County since early pioneer days.

He is a grandson of Christian Klink, who was born in one of the German countries, and served five years and three months in the Napoleonic wars of Europe. Then when still unmarried he set out to find a new home in America, landing at Baltimore. According to the custom of the time he was "sold' for his passage money, and worked it out before leaving Baltimore. He then removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, and later to Seneca County in that state, and in 1848 established his home in Steuben County, Indiana. He was one of the early settlers of Salem Township, and acquired a tract of land which is now owned and farmed by his grandson, Chester C. Klink. Only three acres of his land had been cleared when he took possession, and he lived to see much of it in cultivation, and was surrounded with all the comforts of life when he and his wife died there. His first home was a log cabin, replaced later by a frame house, and in 1878 the old homestead was improved by its then owner, the father of Lawrence N. Klink, with a large two-story, fourteen room brick house, one of the best country homes in Steuben County.

Eli Klink, father of Lawrence N., was born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 25, 1844, and was a small child when brought to Steuben County. He was educated in the local schools, and became one of the successful farmers in his neighborhood. The last four years of his life he lived retired at Angola, where he died in 1909. He was nominally a democrat but on all important issues cast an independent ballot. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the United Brethren Church. He married Syrena Deller. She was born in Steuben County, Indiana, in 1850 and is still living at Angola. Her father, Nicholas Deller, and her mother, Mary Ann Deller, were among the early settlers of Steuben Township. Their first home was just south of the Mount Zion Church. Nicholas Deller died there and his widow spent her last days with Mr. and Mrs. Eli Klink. The latter were the parents of six children: Etta, wife of W. J. Huber, of Angola; Olen, who died in infancy; Ernest C., of Toledo, Ohio; Chester C., above mentioned as owner of the old homestead farm in Salem Township; Lawrence N.; and Zella, who died in infancy.

Lawrence N. Klink was born on the old farm in Salem Township May 15, 1882. He lived there until nearly grown, and supplemented the advantages received in the public schools by attending the Tri-State College. In December, 1902, he graduated from the Chicago College of Embalming, and the following two years he was in the furniture and undertaking business at Reading, Michigan. On September 1, 1904, he began his business and service at Angola, and has capably served this community for fifteen years. Mr. Klink is a democrat in politics but has been too busy to concern himself with the responsibilities of public office. He is affiliated with the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America at Angola, and is also a member of the Rotary Club. He and his family are members of the Congregational Church. May 15, 1905, Mr. Klink married Miss Mabel Abbott, of Reading, Michigan. They have two children: Lurene and Harry.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com