USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 66
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R. A. BRITTAIN,
druggist, was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, March 30th, 1823, and was there reared to manhood, educated and became proficient in pharmacy. His father, Samuel, was a carpenter and builder. In 1852, the subject of this sketch took up his abode in St. Joseph, and until 1859 was of the firm of Vanley & Brittain. He then became one of the firm of McDon- ald, McCurdy & Brittain, but in 1861 was burnt out, which proved very disastrous to Mr. Brittain. For a number of years he was connected with different houses in the city. In 1873, he engaged in trade again, and now operates two stores, one between Fifth and Sixth, on Edmond, and one on Eighth Street between Olive and LaFayette Streets. Mr. Brittain has had many obstacles in life to contend with, but has finally
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succeeded in securing a competency. In 1850, he married Miss Margaret Evans, of Henderson, Kentucky. They have a family of three children, E. A., Robert S. and Thomas E. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. church south.
JAMES G. BRIGHT,
carpenter and builder. Among those who figured in the early building interests of St. Joseph was this gentleman, who was born in Clark County, Kentucky, April 22nd, 1814. At an early age, he removed to Boone County, that state, where he resided until he attained his seventeenth year, then becoming a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio. There he learned the carpenters and builders trade. In 1842, he located in Missouri, residing for a time at Booneville and other points. In the spring of 1844, he took up his abode in St. Joseph where he has since been actively following his trade, with the exception of two years spent in California, going there in 1850 and returning in 1852. Mr. Bright worked on many of the old land marks, which have been torn down the past few years. Few Buchanan County pioneers are more widely and popularly known than Mr. Bright. He is unassuming in his demeanor and unchangeable in the tenor of ways. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
THOMAS J. BROWN,
farmer and stock dealer, section eight, post office St. Joseph, was born in Nodaway County, Missouri, September 7, 1844. He came to Buchanan County in 1862, and was for one year, during the war, engaged in freight- ing to New Mexico. With this exception, he has made farming his occu- pation during his life. His farm consists of 220 acres, and his improve- ments are above the average. He was married December 10, 1865, to Miss Sarah Leonard, who was born in this county June 21, 1845. They have seven children: Laura V., Maggie D., Lena, Ida V., 'Mary E., Edgar L., and one infant.
J. R. BROWN,
of the firm of Brown & Leverich, blacksmiths, is a native of Logan County, Indiana, and was born February 7, 1838. When young, he removed to Keosauqua, Iowa, where his father, John, located with his family for a short time, and then came to Andrew County, Missouri. J. R. came to St. Joseph in 1861, and here learned his trade, and has since been a constant resident, with the exception of his term in the army. He was in the state militia, and in 1863, enlisted in the Twelfth Missouri Regiment, participating in many of the stirring events, and serving one year on the plains after the war was over, when he was hon- orably discharged. Returning to St. Joseph, he has since been employed
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at his trade, in which he is quite proficient. In 1880, he formed a part- nership with George Leverich. Mr. Brown has been twice married, first in 1862, to Miss Martha Rains, who died in 1868, leaving one daughter living, Mary E. He was again married in September, 1876, to Flora Ratliff. They have two children, Ono and Ora.
JOHN BRODER
was born in Middlebury, Vermont, July 14, 1830, and came to St. Joseph in 1860. He was an overseer. of the railroad track laying, and well posted in all that pertains to the business, having commenced it in 1849, and it was his business until 1873. He was with Davis Carpenter, Jr., for five years ; he laid the first bar of iron west of the Missouri River or in Kansas. In 1874, he was elected City Marshal and served for two years. In 1876, he was elected one of the School Board and has served very acceptably ever since. He married Miss R. C. Cole, of Oswego, New York, September 15, 1859.
JOHN BROSI,
manufacturer of tinware and contractor in sheet iron and copper work, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1838, and was raised, edu- cated, and learned his trade in his native city. In 1857, his father, John, Sr., emigrated to Missouri with his family. They located on a farm in Andrew County, where they still reside. After a short sojourn in Mis- souri, John, Jr., returned to Pittsburg. At the breaking out of the rebel- lion, he tendered his services to the cause of the Confederacy, enlisting in the Third Louisiana Infantry. Participated at the battles of Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, Corinth, Iuka and others. Was honorably discharged at the close of the rebellion. In 1867, he took up his abode in St. Joseph, where he has since been in trade. He commands an ample share of the trade. Mr. Brosi is a good conversationalist, and keeps well read in the current literature of the day. Is a member of the I. O. O. F.
NORTON BROOKER
is one of the most thoroughly skilled and well known millwrights in the northwest. He is a native of London, England, and was born in that part of the famous city known as Surry, on the 30th of April, 1837 ; was there raised, educated and learned his trade. In 1865, he came to Amer- ica, and, after spending two years in the mountains, took up his abode in St. Joseph, where he has since, principally, made his headquarters, doing work in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and other states. For a few years he was in the employ of Tood & Alderman, mill furnishers, St. Louis, as their agent on the road. He built the mill at Easton, for Messrs. Boone
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& Yates, and others in close proximity to St. Joseph. He is well posted in all the latest improvements connected with the milling business.
HERMAN BRUNSING
was born in Berlin, Prussia, June 8th, 1829, and lived there until four years of age, and then went to Ruppin and attended a gymnasium until seventeen years of age, when he entered the army and remained in the military service until 1860. After leaving the army, he engaged in mer- cantile pursuits with unsatisfactory results. He decided to emigrate to America, and in 1864 landed at New York, and enlisted in the Tenth New Jersey Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He returned to New York, and thence to Chicago, and after a year's residence in the latter place he came to this city in 1866, and engaged in the manufac- ture of vinegar, which he continued for some time. In 1873, he was appointed local agent of the United States Postal Department, and in 1875 engaged in a general insurance business. In 1879, he purchased an interest in the Volksblatt, which has since been conducted under the firm name of Brunsing & Co., mention of which is made in the article entitled "The Press." Mr. Brunsing was married December 5, 1853, to Miss Matilda Lehman. She was was born in Landsberg, December 5, 1831. Their family consists of four children, Clara, Emile, Elise and Hedwig. Emile was register clerk in postoffice for four years.
BRYANT'S BUSINESS COLLEGE.
Thomas J. Bryant, A. M., L. L. B., President. Prominent among the great educational institutions in the West, for the past seventeen years, is Bryant's Business College. The institution was established in the autumn of 1864, by Professor T. J. Bryant, and up to the spring of 1881, the college register indicates 2,138 pupils who had entered for a com- plete business course. Many of these are engaged in business in differ- ent states and territories, while others are holding responsible and lucrative positions in banking houses and all departments on the great commercial wave of industry throughout the entire country. The thousands of testimonials received by the college is a sufficient guaran- tee that the satisfaction it has given to those who have been attendants. Professor Bryant is a native of Kentucky, and was principally educated in Cincinnati, Ohio. His early aim was to become proficient as an instructor in commercial and business usages, and for over thirty years has been a successful teacher in these important branches. For fifteen years, he was associated with Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College of Cincinnati. When six years of age, he lost almost the entire use of both legs by disease, which debarred him from all callings requiring physical powers. At the age of fourteen, his parents died, leaving him
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comparatively without other resources than his mind, which was soon devoted to such sciences as seemed the most useful and practical. He was soon recognized as an unsurpassed teacher in penmanship, drawing and the English branches. Graduating at the leading commercial insti- tute at the time, and finding its instructions superficial and impractical, he entered several others with the same result, and has since labored to remedy the difficulty. While teaching under the supervision of the late Joseph Ray, close to leading commercial colleges of the time, he was continually noting the deficiencies of their pupils and seeking such rem- edies as could be obtained from books and experienced accountants, which initiated the course he has so energetically pursued for many years, during which he has visited the leading business centers, and has continually introduced the improvements best adapted to business and the comprehension of students. Long experience convinced him that though intimate with the details of business and the general nature of accounts, he could not explain the reasons for many things, sufficiently to remove the doubts of his pupils without a practical and comprehen- sive knowledge of law, political economy and similar branches. He lost no time in taking the degrees at one of the best law schools, and em- ploying the best lecturers and teachers in utilizing these branches to the course of instruction which has generally been but imitated elsewhere, but is now demanded throughout the entire country as the only one approved of by well informed business men of all classes.
PHILIP BUDDY
was born July 25th, 1825, in Berks County, Pennsylvania. After having received his education, he served his apprenticeship as carpenter from 1841 to 1844, in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Desiring to become independent, he went to Frederick City, Maryland, where he opened a carpenter shop, and remained up to 1866, then going to Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to St. Joseph and opened a carpenter shop in March, 1868, was very successful and has done his full share in building up this city. Many fine buildings were erected by him. He was married Sep- tember Ist, 1852, at Frederick City, Maryland, to Miss Sophia M. Stein. They had ten children, six of whom are living: Charles Allen, born in 1856; Catharine Elizabeth, 1859; Philip Perry, 1861 ; Allen Lee, April 9, 1864 ; Joseph Allen, September, 1872; Pauline, March, 1875. Four are deceased : Louis, born in 1853, died in 1855 ; Wm. Albert, born October, 20, 1866, died in July, 1868; Sophie M., born in October, 1869, died in March, 1870, and Bradley B., born in March, 1871, died in August, 1871.
GEORGE BUELL
was born in Jefferson County, New York, where he received a limited education. He was brought up in a woolen mill, and, at the age of eigh-
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teen, was intrusted with the management and direction of a factory in Illinois. In 1848, he moved to St. Joseph, and there engaged in the flouring business, at the same time operating two custom carding rolls. In 1852, his father built, in St. Joseph, a small woolen mill, at that time the only one west of the Mississippi River. In 1856, he erected a saw mill, which he operated till 1860, achieving success in both enterprises. In 1852, he married Miss Juliette Bancroft, a native of Missouri. By this union he had six children. In 1862, he lost his wife. In 1865, he married Miss Clara Mapstone, a native of Michigan, by whom he has had two children. Mr. Buell, in common with many others, encountered severe losses during the period of the civil war. He has recovered from these, however, and ranks with the substantial business men of St. Joseph. He has served two terms in the City Council, and has held important positions in banks and other corporations. He is, at present, engaged in the manufacture of woolen fabrics, and is President of the Buell Manufacturing Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the state, and including in its membership Geo. Buell, W. N. Buell, J. W. Bailey and J. S. Lemon. The woolen mill is one of the most exten- sive and popular in this section of the west, and constitutes an import- ant factor in the manufacturing wealth of the city.
JOHN G. BULLING,
merchant, is a native of Germany, and was born in Wurtemberg, January 13, 1832. Was there educated and resided until 1854, when he emigrated to the United States, coming direct to St. Joseph. He arrived on the 17th of May, and engaged in farming in Wayne and Center Town- ships, in this county, and continued in that capacity until 1869, when he embarked in merchandising in St. Joseph. For a time he was in part- nership with John Graff, and also had an interest with Mr. George Sey- fried, in an establishment on Eleventh Street. Mr. Bulling carries a very complete stock of dry goods, notions, etc. His long sojourn in the county has given him a wide acquaintanceship, and he commands a large and lucrative trade. He was married in 1859, to Miss Mary Hill, a native of Clay County, Missouri. By this union they have six children-Albert, Louis, Robert, John, Mary Josephine and Laura. Mr. B. is a member of the I. O. O. F., Humboldt Lodge, the Foresters, of which he is Chap- lain, and the Druids and the German Benevolent Society, being one of the Directors.
COLONEL LEWIS BURNES
was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1811. He afterwards moved to Indiana. and was, for several terms, a member of the General Assembly of the latter state. In 1838, he moved to Platte County, Missouri, and at once
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became an honored member of society there, and a staunch and reliable business man. In 1842, he was chosen State Senator from the counties of Platte, Clay and Ray, and occupied his seat until 1850. He was the associate and peer of such men as Governor Stewart, Hon. James S. Rollins, Claiborne F. Jackson, and others, and was an active participant in the memorable contest between the Benton and anti-Benton Democ- racy. He was the Colonel commanding a regiment under the old militia law, and was several times called into active service in the Indian cam- paigns on the frontier. He was, at the period of his death, which occurred in St. Joseph, on Monday morning, November 17, 1879, a lawyer of forty years standing, and eminent in the profession. In Platte County he accumulated a handsome fortune, and was regarded as one of the ablest and cleverest men in the county. Not long before the breaking out of the war, he transferred his residence to Leavenworth, Kansas, and at once engaged in business there in an energetic and enterprising manner. While in Leavenworth, he added greatly to his private fortune and possessed legions of ardent friends. He afterwards emigrated to Salt Lake City, and for a few years engaged in mining and other enterprises. Return- ing to the states, he purchased the St. Joseph Gazette, and from that time up to the period of his death, was an honored citizen of St. Joseph. He left a wife and two daughters, and five grand-children. These
were Mrs. Smedley, of Salt Lake City, and her two children, and Mrs. Victoria Stoddart, of Kirwin, Kansas, and her three children. Being a man of remarkable energy and enterprise, he always delighted in the prosperity and greatness of our common country. He was a consistent Democrat all his life, and conscientiously believed in the principles of the party, but he was never arrogant in expressing his opinions, or desirous of abridging the political rights and privileges of others. No man ever endeared himself to his subordinates more than Mr. Burnes did while he was the controlling spirit of the St. Joseph Gazette, and he went to the grave possessing the respect, admiration and love of all the attaches of the paper.
THOS. J. BURGESS, SR.,
farmer and breeder of fine stock, Sec. 2 ; postoffice, St. Joseph. Was born in Mason County, Kentucky, June 15, 1828 and was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools and academies. In March, 1850, he came to St. Joseph, and during this same year he took a freight train to California, and located in Nevada City, Nevada County. At this point he studied law, and was admitted to the bar, before the Cir- cuit Judge, Wm. T. Barber, and acted as an associate judge of this court for four years. He was also the first Assessor of the county. After his term of office expired, he continued the practice of his pro-
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fession till 1858, when he returned to St. Joseph, and was engaged in the practice of law for some time. Was Deputy Sheriff for two years, under R. P. Richardson, and has also acted as Deputy Collector two years, and was elected to the same office for two years. In the fall of 1878, he moved to his present location, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, his landed estate consisting of nearly 300 acres. His home farm, containing the greater part, which is finely improved, has also a fine orchard. His farm is well supplied with water of ever flowing springs, by which he has made a large fish pond, which is stocked with government fish. He was married December 22, 1859, to Miss Martha P. Owens. She was born April 22, 1841, and is a native of Maryland. They have four children living : Abbie E., Martha W., Ida L. and Thos. J., Jr. He is a Master Mason and Sir Knight.
ANDREW BURVENICH
was born in Cologne, Germany, April 22d, 1826, and was there raised to manhood and learned the trade of cabinet making. In 1856, he came to America, and the same year located in St. Joseph. For a time worked at his trade, when he engaged in contracting and building, and many structures of the city were built under his supervision. At the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. B. tendered his services to the Union cause, enlisting in Company A, First Kansas Infantry; participated in the bat- tle of Wilson's Creek and other notable engagements; was honorably discharged after serving three years. He was married in Germany to Miss Elizabeth Schæffer. They have had nine children, eight of whom are living : Maggie, Anton, John, Mary, Andrew, Jr., Lizzie, Teresa and Henry. They lost one, Tillie. Mr. B. is a Turner and a member of the German Benevolent Society.
DENNIS BURNS,
grocer. Mr. Burns is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Lim- erick, July 17, 1833. In 1849, he came to America, taking up his abode in Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked at the plumber's trade and resided until the spring of 1859, when he became a resident of St. Joseph. During his sojourn in the city, he was proprietor of an express wagon nine years, was on the police force several years, and for two years was constable of Washington Township. In 1875, he engaged in his present business. His long residence in the city has given him a wide acquaint- ance, and his trade will compare favorably with any in the place. In 1859, he married Mary Welch. By this union they have had five child- ren, Edward, John, William, Mary and Dennis, Jr. Himself and family are closely identified with the Catholic Church, and among its liberal supporters. He is a member of St. Patrick's Benevolent Society.
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J. KATE BURGESS,
proprietor of the Grand Central Livery Stable, was born in Mason County, Kentucky, March 12, 1830. His father, John D. Burgess, was a native of Maryland, and immigrated to Kentucky with his parents in his eighth year. His grandfather, Joshua, was a Virginian, and a Captain in the Revolutionary War. His mother, Lydia M. Wise, was the daughter of John Wise, of Virginia. Kate's early vocation was that of tilling the soil of Mason County, and attending the common schools. In 1853, he opened a livery stable in Millersburg, Bourbon County, Kentucky, which he con- · ducted until 1855, and in that winter came to St. Joseph, engaging in the same trade until 1858, when he removed five miles south of the city. Engaged in agricultural pursuits for five years, and in 1863, commenced the stock trade in St. Joseph, continuing until 1867, when he again turned his attention to farming. In 1874, we again find him in the livery busi- ness in St. Joseph. He is a thorough horse man, and it may be said of him, has been literally bred in the business, and his judgment among horse fanciers is considered conclusive. When a farmer, he gave his attention to the breeding of fine stock, and to him the people through- out Northwestern Missouri are indebted for raising the standard and furnishing them with the finest type of Berkshire hogs. The Grand Central, of which he is proprietor, is well stocked with fleet-footed road- sters, which are kept in the best of tone, the business receiving his indi- vidual attention. In 1856, Miss Lucinda A. Holliday became his wife. She is a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and daughter of William Holliday, brother of Ben Holliday, of Western stage coach notoriety. Their family consists of seven children-William D., Mary M., Minnie N., W. M., John E., Katie and Guy.
JOHN BURNSIDE,
A person who could be a resident of St. Joseph a month and not hear of honest John, would undoubtedly be deaf. There are but few men in this city who have figured more conspicuously in its manufacturing interests in the past two and a half decades. Mr. Burnside was born September 21, 1818, in Glasgow, Scotland. His boyhood days were spent in his native city, and when of a suitable age, he learned the machinist's trade. In 1848, he came to America, residing six months at New Orleans, work- ing for the government in the mint. After this he came to St. Louis, and was for seven years in the employ of Sam. Gaty. In 1855, he took up his abode in St. Joseph, first embarking in trade in a little cot- tonwood shop, but being a skilled workman he kept gaining ground, until he was on terra firma. For a number of years he was the senior member of the firm of Burnside, Crowther & Rogers. He is a self-made
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man, and demonstrates the fact that much can be accomplished where there is a will to execute. He was the choice of the citizens of the Fourth Ward for two terms, as Councilman, and while there acquitted himself creditably. He was married in 1844, to Miss Margaret McIntosh. He is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council Com- mandery and Eastern Star, also the Knights of Pythias, I. O. O. F., and Encampment.
ANTON BURVENICH,
druggist, is a native of Germany, and came to the United States with his parents when quite young. His father, Andrew, was among the early settlers of St. Joseph. Anton was here raised, educated and learned his profession. He is popularly known in the city and throughout the county, and commands a fair share of the trade.
BUTCHER & HUMMEL,
fresco and ornamental painters. This enterprising firm embraces two very excellent workmen. Mr. F. G. Butcher is a native of Loudon County, Virginia, and was born in 1848, and there resided until 1860, when he came to Missouri, where he learned his trade. After learning his trade, he worked for a number of years in Washington, D. C., Balti- more, and other points. He came to St. Joseph in 1873, and for some time was in the employ of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railway Company, after which he was a resident of Chicago and other points. Returning to St. Joseph in the spring of 1880, he has since been a resident, engaged at his trade. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity. Charles H. Hummel is a native of Schuylkill County, Pennsyl- vania, and came West in 1867, locating for a time in Council Bluffs. In the spring of 1881, he came to St. Joseph. As a fresco and scene artist Mr. Hummel is unexcelled in the country. Many of the fine halls throughout the Northwest have been fitted by him. He makes a spe- cialty of scenery, and in this branch of the art will rival many whose names are more familiar to the public.
BUTLER & CLAY,
manufacturers of hosiery and knit goods. In the manufacture of knit goods these gentlemen have attained a wide and well merited reputa- tion. They established their business in St. Joseph in 1878, and their trade has been one of a continual and solid growth. Senterlow Butler was born in Nottinghamshire, England, April 10, 1832, and was there raised and educated, his father Thomas was a manufacturer of knit goods and our subject adopted and learned that trade. In 1865, he came to America, locating in Massachusetts, and for seven years had charge of
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