Klink, John J., Jr. (1840-1892) Papers. 1861-1987

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Klink, John J., Jr. 1840-1892 

Title:  Papers. 1861-1987 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection:  0.33 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A K65 

Scope and Content Note 

The collection is primarily concerned with Frank Rankin’s search for information about his collateral ancestor, John Klink, Jr. During the 1970s and 1980s, Rankin corresponded with people knowledgeable about Confederate expatriates in Brazil, and with the descendants of John Klink’s wife. Two original letters regard Klink’s disillusionment with Brazil by 1892 and advice to his widow from his mother. The collection also includes photocopied and original records from Klink’s 3rd Georgia Cavalry Regiment, and those from Charles Klink’s 17th Georgia Infantry Regiment. Charles Klink was John Klink’s uncle. Other items in the collection are reprints from magazines published by Confederate descendants which examine the communities established in Brazil, newspaper obituaries, and Charles Klink’s photocopied will. 

Biographical Note 

John Klink (1840-1892), the son of German immigrants, joined the Confederate Army as a member of the 3rd Georgia Cavalry Regiment and was promoted to First Lieutenant. After the war, Klink returned to his home in Louisville, Kentucky, but soon emigrated to Brazil where he established a plantation near Sao Paulo. He married a 15 year old Brazilian, but they had no children. After the overthrow of the monarchy, Klink became disillusioned with Brazil and wanted to return to the United States, but died before he did so. 

Folder List 

Folder 1: Correspondence, 1871-1987 

Folder 2: Records and Reports, 1861-1865 

Folder 3: Magazines and Periodicals, 1951-1987, no date 

Folder 4: Newspaper Clippings, 1892, 1965-1967, no date 

Folder 5: Photographs, no date 

Folder 6: Genealogy and Miscellaneous, 1961, no date