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Burch Family Cemetery ~ Harrison Brunk ~ part of the Polk County Pioneer Cemeteries of Oregon
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Brunk, Harrison
LAST NAME: Brunk FIRST NAME: Harrison MIDDLE NAME:  NICKNAME: 
MAIDEN NAME:  AKA 1:  AKA 2:  AKA 3: 
GENDER: M TITLE: 
BORN: 17 Apr 1812 DIED: 23 Oct 1895 BURIED: 25 Oct 1895 ~ Burch Family Cemetery
OCCUPATION:  Farmer
BIRTH PLACE:  Kentucky
DEATH PLACE: Eola, Polk Co, Oregon
NOTES: 
1850 OR CENSUS - Harrison Brunk, age 36, occupation farmer, b. Kentucky, is enumerated with Emily, age 29, b. Illinois, along with Marg. A., age 9, b. Missouri, Hugh, age 6, b. Missouri, Wm. H., age 6, b. Missouri, Mary A., age 4, b. Missouri, and James B., age 1, b. Oregon Territory.
1870 OR CENSUS - Harrison Brunk, age 58, occupation farmer, b. Kentucky, is enumerated with Emilie, age 50, b. Indiana, along with Margaret, age 28, b. Missouri, [Hugh?], age 25, b. Missouri, Wm., age 25. b. Missouri, James, age 22, b. Missouri, Reason, age 20, b. Oregon, George, age 17,. b. Oregon, Hezakiah, age 12, b. Oregon, Thos., age 10, b. Oregon, Mary, age 24, b. Oregon [Missouri], Emma, age 15, b. Oregon, Mellissa, age 12,. b. Oregon, and Elora, age 6,. b. Oregon.

BIOGRAPHICAL:
"The Oregon Statesman dated September 5, 1864 tells of the Polk County Agricultural Fair at Rickreall and lists as sheep committee members; Harrison Brunk, W. Burnes, and Perry Smith.  Harrison Brunk came to Oregon in 1849.  The Brunk family settled northwest of Rickreall first, but soon moved to what is still known as Brunk's Corner.  Thomas, their son raised Cotswold sheep as well as other livestock.  He was also a well known livestock judge.  The Thomas Brunk's son, Earl, still lives on the Century farm".
(Source - McCrae, Dorothy M., "Polk County Sheep Industry," Historically Speaking, Vol. II, (August 1970): pg 32

PHOTOGRAPH NOTE - The picture of Harrison Brunk is shown courtesy of the Polk County Historical Museum.

SEE: Wirfs, Charlotte L., "House at Brunk's Corner," Historically Speaking, Vol. IV (Aug 1980 ): pg 5-7
DEATH CERTIFICATE: 
OBITUARY: 
Died at the residence of T.W. Brunk near Eola, October 23, 1895, at 6 o’clock pm, Harrison Brunk, of general debility, aged 83 years, 6 months and 6 days. Harrison Brunk was born in Kentucky, April 17, 1812; emigrated to Oregon in 1849 and located in Polk county. He first located on a ranch north of the Dr Boyle place, but subsequently removed to the farm now owned by his son T.W. Brunk, on the lower Rickreall, near Eola. Mr Brunk was one of the leading pioneers of the county, and was universally esteemed for his sterling qualities of both head and heart. He was honorable, high-minded and hospitable, a worthy citizen and a sincere christian gentleman. Another link in the broken chain of Polk county’s little band of pioneers is gone to mingle with the great majority on the silent shore. Harrison Brunk lived a long and useful life. The life partner of his joys and tribulations crossed over the mysterious river some seven years ago, but his last years were passed in peace and repose in the bosom of his family surrounded by dutiful and loving children. There are ten children living, namely: William Brunk of Ashland; Hugh Brunk of Yaquina Bay; James, Reason, George, Hezekiah, Thomas and Margaret Brunk and Mrs Holt McDaniel of this county; Mrs C. Grubb of Drain; and Mrs L. Shank of Salem. The funeral will be preached at the residence of Mr Thomas W. Brunk tomorrow (Friday) at 10 o’clock am, and the remains will be taken to Rickreall cemetery on the Thielson place for interment.
Independence Enterprise, Thursday, October 24, 1895, 4:6
INSCRIPTION: 
In Memorial
Harrison 
Brunk
Born
Apr. 17, 1812
Died
Oct. 23, 1895
(shares marker with Emily)
SOURCES: 
Branigar Survey
Saucy Survey & Photographs
1850 OR CENSUS (Polk Co., FA #148)
1870 OR CENSUS (Polk Co., FA #301)
Historically Speaking, Vol. II, pg 32
Independence Enterprise, 24 Oct 1895
CONTACTS: 
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IMAGES:
           

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