harles Edwin Brink, to whom belongs the honor of being the first Sabbath School superintendent in this end of the valley, was born in Marathon, N.Y., April 30, 1846. In 1848 his parents moved with their little family to their present home in Painesville, Ohio. He attended the high school in that place and afterward studied in Chicago University, until impaired health caused him to leave school at the close of the Sophomore year. His health improved and in December 27, 1870, he married Eulalia A. Bailey, daughter of Gilbert S. Bailey, D.D., secretary of the Divinity School of Chicago University.

In 1875 his health again becoming impaired, he came to California and after trying many places settled in Crafton, selected because of its freedom from fog and wind. There he was joined by his family in 1876. Mr. Brink's house and every article in it, except the sewing machine and one folding chair, brought in his wife's trunk, were the work of his own hands, -the home in the East having been left intact. Although Mr. Brink was a Baptist, he readily gave his assistance to any society when help was needed. He was one of the very helpful in the society started in 1876, in Lugonia, by Rev. Jas. T. Ford and a few members of his Congregrational church, and when the place of meetings of this society, attended by the people of all Christian beliefs, was changed from the homes of its members to the new schoolhouse, a Sabbath School was formed and Mr. Brink was elected superintendent. Walter Mossom, now of Boston, taught the Bible Class. About this time, also, an organization (suggested by Mr. Brink) of all Christian workers was formed somewhat after the plan of the Y.M.C. A. and Mr. Brink was elected its president.

Mr. Brink was tactful, energetic and a natural organizer and leader. He had always the respect and generally the liking of his opponents, and his friendships were very strong. His activity in church work lead many wrongfully to believe that he was a minister. Over fatigue and exposure in his work as chairman of the executive committee of Sunnyside ditch hastened his death, by consumption, on August 1, 1879. His widow, three sons, Irwin W., Gilbert N. and Edwin T., and daughter, Maisie A., are living in Pomona, where Mrs. Brink has taught for seven years.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 48)