Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 19

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 19

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

the last three years in retirement from active business life.

Mr. Bruce was marrled, October 7, 1880, to Sarah L. Ash, born November 23, 1846, a daughter of Ira and Amanda Victoria Ash. The parents came from Mississippi at an early date, locating in Sangamon County, Ill., where they operated a farm. They had six children of whom three are now living. Mr. Bruce and his wife have had the following children: Ida Bell, born March 7, 1882, married Thomas Davis, a janitor at the State House in Spring- field; Emma F., born December 20, 1883, is the widow of Roy Stanton, and is employed at the postoffice in Springfield; Jennie, born April 2, 1886, married Jesse Easton, who owns a saw- mill in Sangamon County; Harry W., born October 31, 1888, has for three years been an employe in the meter department of the Illinols Watch Company, but is now employed in the same capacity in Paterson, N. J. Mr. Bruce is much respected as a public-spirited, useful citizen and honored for his service in the Civil War. He stands well in the community and is identified with its progress and welfare.

BRUESTLE, John J .- In the condition of more or less friendliness which characterizes Inter- nationai relations in these early years of the twentieth century, it makes little general dif- ference what country may claim one's birth, but personally it remains a matter of pride and, in every American city, the German looks back fondly to his fatherland, no matter how highly he is esteemed nor how prominent he may have become. Among those citizens who have be- come representative of life in Springfield, is John J. Bruestle, whose comfortable, attractive and hospitable home is situated at No. 908 North Ninth Street, that city. Mr. Bruestle was born in the Province of Wurtemberg, Germany, May 13, 1854, the son Jacob and Mary (Keck) Bruestle. Their home always remained in the city of Rottenberg, where the father was a man of promlnance and served as mayor for thirty-five consecutive years. This record is especially honorable as the law provides that such an official is continued in office during good behavior and a long period of incumbrency proves the honesty and efficiency of the occupant of the office.

John J. Bruestle remained in his father's home in Germany, where he was well brought up, until he came to America and gained an excellent public school education. He then learned the butchering business, and that con- tinued to be his occupation until he retired from business life. Mr. Bruestle has been very active In Republican politles and has served as State Meat Inspector under two State execu- tives, being twice appointed under Governor ·Yates and agaln under Governor Deneen. He has held other important offices, having served as Inspector of Welghts and Measures, as Deputy Collector and as Assessor. In all these offices his public duties have been performed

with efficiency and with an honesty that invites the fullest confidence.

Mr. Bruestle was married at Springfield, Ill., to Miss Elizabeth Mann, who also came from good old German stock. Her parents were Henry and Theresa Mann and both came to America when young, the father from a Prus- siau province and the mother from Bavaria. They settled at Cumberland, Md., where the father followed the butchering business. In 1880, Miss Mann came to Springfield and on October 20, 1881, she was married to Mr. Bruestle. They have had two children: Mary, who was born December 21, 1883, died December 16, 1906, and was buried in Oak Ridge Ceme- tery ; and Jacob J., who was born November 20, 1885, resides with his parents. Mr. Bruestle and his famlly are members of the Lutheran Church. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and to the Blue Lodge Chapter and Council in Masonry, ali at Springfield.

BRUNK, Charles Allen, an enterprising and pro- gressive farmer of Ball Townshlp, Sangamon County, Ill., was born near his present home, in that township, August 26, 1870, spending his boyhood on his father's farm and attending the country schools. He is a son of Jacob and Emily J. (Mason) Brunk, the former of whom was born in Ball Township and there spent his entire life, and the latter a native of Chatham Townshlp. Jacob Brunk was born November 5, 1834, and died May 10, 1891, belng buried in Brunk Cemetery. He was a farmer all his life and was a son of David Brunk, a native of Ohio, who came to Sangamon County in an early day and spent the remainder of his life there. David Brunk served in the Black Hawk War and was one of the prominent pioneers of Ball Township. Emily J. Mason was born July 25, 1847, and now lives in Ball Townshlp. Her father was a farmer and a native of Massachusetts, who became an early settler in Sangamon County and there spent hls last days.

After leaving school Charles A. Brunk worked on his father's farm, living at home until he was twenty-six years of age. He was fond of hunt- ing and all outdoor sports, and has spent all his life on a farm. His parents had slx children, of whom he is the second. Upon leaving home Mr. Brunk located on the farm where he now lives, and owns 150 acres In Section 11. He is well known in the township as a man of good principles, honest and rellable in his dealings with all, and interested in public improvements. He is in favor of modern methods of conducting agricultural operations, and carrles on general farming, being much interested in dairying. He has always been a Democrat in polltles and is now serving as School Trustee. He Is fond of his home and family and belongs to no fra- ternal organizations.

December 30, 1896, Mr. Brunk was married, in Auburn, Ill., to Mary Ellen Duncan, born in Sangamon County April 21, 1870, daughter of Alexander and Catherine Duncan, the former

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

born in Scotland and the latter In Irelaud. The parents were married in Springfield, having come to Sangamon County in youth, their parents speuding their entire lives in their na- tive countries. Two sons and three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brunk, all of whom are living, namely : Catherine E., born January 6, 1899; Heleu M., October 25, 1900; Elizabeth, May 13, 1902; Samuel J., July 31, 1904; Alex- ander, September 23, 1906. Mr. Brunk is not a member of auy religious organization, but his wife belongs to the Catholle Church. Both are well known in social circles in their com- munity and have many friends.

BRUNK, Jacob Orange (deceased) .- The facto- ries, the mills, the large industries of all kinds, the commercial and financial institutions, the bringing about the flourishing condition of things now existing in Sangamon County. Without them the present state of prosperlty could not have been attained; advancement would have come but slowly ; but when all is said, it Is to the agriculturists that the credit Is most largely due, for without the farms that came first and the product thereof, other branches of success would not have been se- cured. The meu who really form the bulwark are those who go to a new and strange country and there spend their lives in cultivating the soil and reclaimuing it from the wilderness, and through their efforts the advance of civilization has been promoted. Jacob Orange Brunk, now deceased, was one of Sangamon County's well known agriculturists, and spent his whole life in tilling the soil in Section 11. Ball Township, where he was born November 6, 1834.

David Brunk, his father was born in Ohlo, and as a young man came to Illinois, where the remainder of his life was spent in farmlug. He enlisted at the outbreak of the Black Hawk War and served faithfully throughout that struggle, and after the ciose of the war served his county as well in time of peace. He mar- ried Maria Shoup, also a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of four chilldren, Sarah, Ellen, Ann and Jacob O.

Jacob Orange Brunk secured his education in the common schools of his native locality, and as a youth was sent out to work on the farm during the summer months, his time for attending school comlng during the winter months. On reaching manhood he secured a farm on Section 11, Ball Township, Sangamon County, and there spent a long and useful life, passing to his reward May 6, 1891. During the many years Mr. Brunk spent in farming in San- gamon County he witnessed wonderful changes. The crude implements of a half century ago were replaced with more modern and time- saving machinery, crop rotation, tlling and ditching were introduced, and numerous other improvements and scientific discoveries were made. The country flourIshed. and in the promotion of its progress Mr. Brunk dld his full share, contributing cheerfully to each and

every movement which he believed would be of benefit to his townshlp, which he served for several terms as Supervisor. He carefully tilled his excellent farm of 370 acres, raised large crops and bred blooded live-stock, and be- fore his death had accumulated a comfortable competency. Mr. Brunk was a faithful mem- ber of the Christian Church and his political beliefs were those of the Democratic party.

On January 13, 1867, Mr. Brunk was married, in Auburn, Ili., to Emma Jane Mason, who was born In that place, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Mason, natives respectively, of Boston, Mass., and Louisville, Ky. Thomas Mason came as a mere child from Boston, and spent the re- mainder of his life in Sangamon County en- gaged in farming. There were four children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mason, Noah, Eliza- beth, Willlam and Emma Jane. To Mr. and Mrs. Brunk the following children were born : Thomas Madison, born April 10, 1868; Charles Allen, born April 29, 1870; Maria Elizabeth, born June 9, 1873; Samuel Walter, born April 9, 1876; Shelby M., born April 26, 1881; and William Mason, born December 13, 1884. Of these children, Thomas Madison married Re- becca J. Boyd, and they have three sons, Charles J., Asa E. and Bruce C .; Charles A. married Mary E. Duncan and they have five children, Samuel J., Alexander, Catherine E., Helen May and Elizabeth; Elizabeth, the only daughter, married Dr. J. M. Duncan (now deceased), of Pawnee, and they had one son, William Thomas; Samuel W. married Edna Thornton, but they' have no children; and William Mason married Lydia M. Lawley and they have one daughter, Edith May. The sons all live in Sangamon County and are engaged in farming.

BRUNNER, Fred .- Now that farming is an occu- pation making large returns for money and work invested, many of those who have been brought up to agricultural employment are leav- ing other avenues of industrial endeavor to re- turn to the cultivation of the soil. Experlence shows that Sangamon County land is the best of investments, and those who want to farm on either a large or small scale are buying some of this high-priced property. One who is re- turning to the occupation of youthful days, Fred Brunner, of Springfield, Is a substantial farmer. He was born in Menard County, III., June 27, 1868, a son of Fred and Josephine (Aughauser) Brunner, both natives of Germany.

At a very ealy date the parents came to Me- nard County, Ill., where they bought 140 acres of land. This farm, which they developed and improved, was their home for forty-three years. and on it the father died, April 10, 190S, but his widow survives. They had elght children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom live in Sangamon County with the exception of one, who resides on the old homestead in Menard County.

The early training of Mr. Brunner was se- cured on his father's farul, where he remained

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

until he was twenty-two years old. He theu began farming for himself near Ashland, Ili., and for four years made a success of the work. Being needed at home, he returned, and for two years assisted his father. His next change was made when he moved to Perry County, but a year later he came to Springfield, and in 1896 began working at the boiler factory. There for twelve years he was a faithful employee, giv- iug efficient and satisfactory service, but al- though he was numbered among the most valued assistants in the foundry department, he felt the call of the soii too strong to resist, and in 1908 bought ten acres of land, to which he moved. This has since been his home and he has made it one of the most valuable properties of its size in the township. In addition he owns city realty, consisting of houses and lots, which yield him a good income.

Mr. Brunner was married, December 26, 1895, in Perry County, Iii., to Katie Masbecker, born January 28, 1866. Her parents came to Red Bud, Iil., at an early day, but both are now de- ceased. They had teu children, eight daughters and two sons, seven of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Brunner became the parents of one daughter, Katie, born July 11, 1903. On April 16, 1905, Mr. Brunner suffered the loss of his wife. She was a lovely lady, devoted to her home and family, and he has never recovered from the blow. Her remains are interred at Salisbury, where a tasteful monument marks her last resting place.

A hard worker all his life, Mr. Brunner has had the satisfaction of seeing his possessions multiply and his investments turn out success- fully. Stanch in his support of the principles of Democracy, he has long been considered an important factor in the councils of his party, but has refused to allow his name to be used on the ticket. Nothing he has undertaken has proven too much for him, but he feels he is wise in returning to farming operations, for it is in them that he has made his money. Some men are born farmers, understanding crops and soils and knowing how to make them produce best resuits. Combined with his ability in this re- gard, is a careful training secured in youth, supplemented with years of experience as a farmer and business man, so it is no wonder he has been successful and he is ranked among the well-to-do men of Sangamon County.

BRUNS, Frederick .- A number of Sangamon County residents, after years spent in other lines of endeavor, buy small tracts of land, ou which they engage in truck farming, reaping large profit from their labor, owing to the richness of the soil, and the immense demand for vegetables and fruits. One of the men thus engaged is Frederick Bruns, now residing in Capital Town- ship. He was born in northern Germany, April 26, 1845, a son of Frederick and Mary (Rollvelt) Bruns. The elder Frederick, who was a farmer, died in his native land. His wife,

who was born on a sailing vessel during a voy- age her mother took with her husband, who was a sailor, came to America with a sister, in 1865, bringing the subject of this sketch with her. They made the trip on a sailing vessel, landing in New York, and came direct to Spring- field. Prior to this Frederick Bruns had worked on a sailing vessel plying between Bremen, German, and New York, and had picked up a knowledge of Engilsh, Dutch and French, in addition to that he had of his native language.

After coming to Springfield he began as a brick manufacturer and later worked in the Reisch brewery. He was a very intelligent young man, having earned his own living from the time he was fourteen years old. He had been a news agent in Hamburg and knew men better before he had attained his majority than many double his age. When the old North Shaft was sunk he was one of those who assisted in the work, but after that he went to farming, thus continuing for four years. Returning to Springfield, he once more worked at the old North Shaft, and for eighteen years was lumber boss. The following four years he conducted a saloon, then operated a teaming business for several years, but fourteen years ago he loeated on his present farm, although he stili does a little teaming. While making brick he fur- nished some of the brick used in the construction of the old Leland Hotel, in the capitol building, in the present State House, and the public buildings, as well as private residences.

Mr. Bruns was married in Petersburg, May 6. 1868, to Mary Fishman, born in Germany May, S, 1845. Like Mr. Bruns, her father, died in Germany and her mother ventured to America going to Sterling, Ill., in 1871, and there she died in 1905, aged eighty-five years, having spent her declining years with a daughter. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bruns, four of whom survive : John lives on a farm in Capital Township; Fred lives in Bradford Station, where he carries on farming; George lives in Capital Township; and Minnie, wife of Daniel Burns, lives in Springfield, where hier husband is engaged in mining. There are nine grandchildren in the family, of whom the grand- parents are very proud.

The religious connections of Mr. Bruns are with the Lutheran Church, of which he is a con- sistent member. He belongs to Lodge No. 66, I. O. O. F., and has been a member of it for forty years. All his life he has been a Democrat and is stanch in his support of the principles and candidates of his party. Mr. Bruns is, like many another countryman of his who has come to this land in his youth, a man of cousiderable importance in the community in which he makes his home. He possesses many of the sterling traits of character which make Germans so desirable as citizens the world over, and has never hesitated to give liberally of time and money to advance the general welfare of his township. In his work he has always been faithful and trustworthy, and takes pride in the

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

fact that the bricks he made so many years ago testify to his skill as a workman and his honesty as a manufacturer. He takes deep pride in his family, is very fond of his children, and en- joys gathering them about him at the old home.

BRYANT, William Marion (deceased) .- While some of Springfield's representative, solid busi- ness men have passed to their last reward, their memories are cherished by family and friends alike, and the good they did lives after them and will continue to do so, for noble deeds never die, sending their influence ever abroad, like the succeeding ripples from a stone cast into the water. The late William Marion Bryant. a thrifty, reliable man and a hard worker all his life, was during his last years a resident of Springfield. He was born in October, 1847, in Whitley County, Ky., a son of Abel and Eliza (Duncan) Bryant. At a very early day the family located iu Kentucky, near the Tennessee line. There Abel Bryant grew to manhood, learning the blacksmith trade and following it. Later he removed to Jackson County. Ky., where he became a minister of the Baptist Church. Both he and his wife passed away in this county, having been the parents of twelve children, of whom William Marion Bryant was the eldest.

William Marion Bryaut was reared as any normal farmer's boy. and learned the black- smith trade from his father. Owing to the fact that the schools were poor, his educational advantages were limited, but he made good use of what he liad. When still a lad, he enlisted in the Union army as a teamster, serving until the close of the war, when he returned home. In October, 1866, the young hero was married, at Irvine, Ky., to Miss Mary F. Johnson, daugh- ter of William aud Polly (Warner) Johnson. She was born near Irvine, Estill County, August 29, 1848. Her father was born in Madison County, Ky., in 1805, and became a farmer and distiller. He volunteered for service in the Mexican War, but before his regiment reached the front peace was declared. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Fourteenth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and gave brave service in defense of the Union. His death oc- curred in Kentucky when he was eighty-four years old. His wife, also a native of Madison County, passed away when sixty-three years old. They had twelve children, of whom Mrs. Bryant was the tenth. The Johnson family was of English origin. the grandfather, John Johnson, having come to America aud located along Muddy Creek in Madison County, Ky. There he built a strong stone fort, for protection against the Indians, who were then hostile, and this still stauds. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Bryaut. William Waruer, was also num- bered among the pioneers of Kentucky.

Following his marriage Mr. Bryant located in Richmond, Madison County, Ky., where he was a teamster, hauling from Richmond to Irvine

and Lexington. After five children were born to him he moved his family to Springfieid Junction, continuing his teaming business. There he passed away, on October 1, 1890. Dur- ing his earlier days he united with the Baptist Church and in politics he was a Democrat. His children were: George W., of Springfield, mar- ried Rose Shanley, issue-Marie and May Rose; Delaney, of Chicago, married Ida Manning; Wil- liam W., of Springfield, married Mrs. Bell Rishel, issue-Claude, Dora, Mary and John William; Charles M., of Springfield, married Anna Judd, issue-Maud A., Mary E., Mabel, William, Susannah, George, Evelyn and Charles ; Mary E. married Edward P. Taylor, of Pawnee, Ill., issue-Vaneta, Roy Earl, Nellie and Lester. After moving to Springfield Junction three chil- dren were born: Emma B. married David H. Wittmer, issue-William Russell, of Springfield ; Eugene married Elizabeth LeGrand, issue- Robert W. (deceased), Nellie, Eva Eugenia, Dolly Pearl ; Claude died in infancy. After Mr. Bryant's death (1890) the family moved to the southwest part of Springfield and have since resided there.

Sturdy, honest, hard-working, never shirking a duty, but giving fair treatment to everyone, Mr. Bryant readily commanded the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens, and left be- hind him a family of whom any man might well be proud.

BUCHANAN, Nathaniel James (deceased) .- Scotland is the country that has produced some of the most trustworthy men the world has ever known. No Scotchmen ask for admittance to benevolent institutions, few of them are ever convicted of crimes, and the majority of them are studious and well informed. To come of Scotch parentage is an honor none can afford to overlook, and the family bearing the name of Buchanan in Springfield can lay just claim to such distinction. Nathaniel James Buchanan, now deceased, but formerly one of the best known contracting painters of Springfield, was born in New York City, January 12, 1849, the son of Nathaniel and Jennetta (Brown) Bu- chanan, both natives of Scotland. The father was a painter and designer, and from him the son learned his trade.

The boyhood days of N. J. Buchanan were spent in New York City where he secured a good education in its most excellent schools. In 1877, Mr. Buchanan came to Springfield where he established himself in the painting and decorating business, and through his ex- cellent work and methods of fair dealing built up a large and profitable trade. Although but a lad during the great struggle between the North and South, he rendered valuable service to his country, and later on was equally active in his endeavors to secure good government and purity in politics, casting his vote with the Democratic party. The Presbyterian Church held his membership, and when he died Decem- ber 4, 1906, it was with a firm belief in its

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

teachings. For a number of years he held

membership in Springfield Lodge No. 114, Modern Woodmen of America.

On January 17, 1877, Mr. Buchanan married Melissa E. Gonterman, daughter of Green and Elizabeth (Grant) Gonterman. Her parents came to Sangamon County in 1865, there dying, her father on February 14, 1874, and her mother July 5, 1905. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan : Florence N., with her mother; Robert Edward, married and residing in Springfield; Alice I., married; Nathaniel James, Jr., with his mother; Helen May, Dorothy Elizabeth' and Thomas, ali at home. Mrs. Buchanan owns her pleasant home at (new No.) 142 West Edwards street, where she welcomes her many friends. She attends the same church her husband helped so liberally to support, and is one of its most highly es- teemed members.

BUCK, Prof. Thomas J. (deceased) .- The death of Thomas J. Buck, which occurred in Spring- field, January 8, 1908, removed from the city one of its weil-known and highly esteemed citi- zens, and one who was regarded as an educator of ability. Mr. Buck was born August 20, 1846, in Coshocton County, Ohio, son of Thomas Steele and Eva (Fisher) Buck, natives of Penn- sylvania. The father removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early day and in the latter State was engaged in farming until coming to Xenia, Ill., where he purchased land and carried on farming operations until his death. There were eight children born to him and his wife, and of these three are uow living: Mrs. Belle Johnson, of the State of Washington; Mrs. Mary Anu Partmess, widow of Dr. Partmess, of Vincennes, Ind., and Elizabeth, who married Frank Hough, a well-known resident of Springfield.

Thomas J. Buck attended the district schools of the vicinity of his home in Coshocton, Ohio, and assisted in the work on the home farm. He graduated from school in Illinois, where he had accompanied his parents, and, having fitted him- self for the profession of teaching, at once took up that work. For a number of years he was located in Laclede County, Mo., and for a shorter period near Fiora, Ill., but later removed to Springfield, where he was compelled to give up teaching on account of poor health. His death occurred in the family home at No. 1954 South Pasfield Avenue, which residence is now owned by his widow. He was a Republican in political affiliations, but never aspired to public office. His religious belief was that of the Methodist Church.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 19

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774