GEORGE M. BRINKERHOFF, Secretary of the Springfield Iron Company; was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1839. He was graduated from Pennsylvania College at that place in the class of 1859, and immediately came to Springfield, Illinois, for the purpose of teaching in the Illinois State University, which position he held for two years. He commenced reading law while in college, and continued it while teaching; was admitted to the bar in Springfield, but never engaged in active practice. During the late civil war he was disbursing clerk in the office of the Auditor of State and had entire charge of the war fund, its receipts and disbursements. He was elected City Comptroller, held the office two or three years, at the end of which he became Superintendent of the Insurance Department of the Auditor's office, retaining that position until chosen Secretary for the Springfield Iron Company in 1871, since which time he has had the general supervision of their vast business. From 1865, to the present time, Mr. Brinkerhoff has carried on business as a private money and bond broker, having in that time made more than ten thousand loans. In politics Mr. Brinkerhoff has always been a staunch Republican, and one of the party's most active members in Sangamon county for years. He united in marriage with Isabella G., daughter of E. B. Hawley, of Springfield, on August 4, 1862. Two sons and three daughters are the result of their union.