Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Braun, Joseph 
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Author: Past and Present of Will County, IL; 1907

Joseph Braun has figured prominently in connection with industrial and other 
business enterprises in Joliet and at the same time has been a force in 
political circles and in the fraternal life, of the city. A man of clear 
business judgment, of keen discrimination and of excellent executive force, he 
is well fitted for the discharge of the duties of his present position as 
secretary, treasurer and manager of the E. Porter Brewing Company. A native of 
Illinois, Mr. Braun was born in Naperville, Dupage county, September 16, 1860, 
and as the name indicates is of German lineage. His father, Joseph Braun, Sr., 
was born in Bavaria and in early life became a brewmaster. In 1852 he 
established his home in Dupage county, Illinois, locating in Naperville, where 
he was brew-master in the J. & N. Steuger Brewery. He resided there until 
July, 1865, when he came to Joliet and the following year established a 
brewery at Bridge and Summitt streets, carrying on business under the firm 
name of Joseph Braun & Company until 1868. Fred Sehring then bought the 
interests of the other partner and in 1869, after the death of Mr. Braun, the 
firm name was changed to the Fred Sehring Brewing Company, whose plant is now 
located on Scott street, Joliet. Mr. Braun passed away in 1869, at the age of 
forty-two years, and his wife died in Joliet in 1882. She was of German 
descent and in her maidenhood was a Miss Grath. Joseph Braun of this review 
was their only child who reached adult age. He was brought to Joliet when a 
little lad of five years and has since made his home in this city. After 
acquiring a good education at St. John's parochial school he entered the 
clothing store of Charles Brooks in 1877 at a salary of three dollars per 
week. He continued to work for that gentleman and D. Rosenheim on Jefferson 
street until 1884. His close application, unfaltering industry and ready 
business capacity were soon recognized by his employers and promotion rapidly 
followed until he became head clerk. In 1884, in company with L. A. Raub, he 
purchased the stock of Charles Brooks and business was carried on at No. 209 
Jefferson street under the firm name of Braun & Raub, clothiers, until August 
1, 1893, when Mr. Braun sold his interest to his partner, who still conducts 
the business under the name of L. A. Raub Company. On the organization of the 
E. Porter Brewing Company, April 1, 1893, Mr. Braun was elected secretary and 
treasurer, which offices he has since filled, the success of the enterprise 
being largely attributed to his efforts. Under his supervision the plant has 
been enlarged, an addition built and modern equipments installed, while the 
quality of the output has been brought to a high standard. The brewery is 
located on South Bluff, where the company owns two and a half blocks, and 
there is also a large depot at Lemont with an ice house and refrigerator. 
Increased trade has brought an annually increased output and the product of 
the plant finds a ready sale, so that the business has long since become one 
of the profitable enterprises of the city. Mr. Braun is also one of the 
directors of the Citizens National Bank of Joliet. In 1882 he was united in 
marriage in Joliet to Miss Therese Stoos, a daughter of the late Joseph Stoos, 
of North Hickory street, and they have become the parents of five daughters 
and two sons, namely: Ida, aged twenty-three years, who is a graduate of St. 
Francis’ Convent at Joliet; Julius, aged twenty-one, who pursued his education 
at St. Francis’ College at Quincy, Illinois; Alma, nineteen; Henrietta, 
seventeen; Marguerite, fifteen; Robert, thirteen; and Maria, five. The family 
home is an attractive residence at No. 511 North Hickory street. Mr. Braun and 
his family are communicants of St. John's German Catholic church. Since the 
organization of St. Alois branch, No. 21, W. C. U., in 1882, he has taken an 
active interest in its affairs, has served as president seventeen years, and 
is now supreme vice president of the order. The local branch now has a 
membership of six hundred and seventy-six. He is also identified with the 
Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Modern 
Woodmen of America, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the White Cross, the 
Commercial Club and the Sharpshooters Association. He has made an excellent 
record as a fine shot and has filled the office of president in the last named 
organization. At Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1889, and at Davenport, Iowa, in 
1890, he was king of the national tournaments, this honor being conferred upon 
him in recognition of his record, which was the highest made. This society was 
organized by his father and others in 1866, and he has been associated 
therewith since 1883. He now holds thirty gold medals which have been given 
him for successful competitions, in the shooting contests and of which he has 
every reason to be proud. Mr. Braun manifests a most active and helpful part 
in community interests and no movement or measure for the benefit of the city 
seeks his aid and co-operation in vain. He has long been recognized as one of 
the leaders of the democracy in Joliet and Will county and upon its ticket has 
been called to various public offices. For four years he was a member of the 
county board of supervisors and for ten years was a member of the city council 
of Joliet, being a member of the finance committee six years of that time. He 
was also city oil inspector under Mayor P. C. Haley for two years. He 
exercised his official prerogative as one of the city fathers in a manner that 
reflected credit upon himself and was entirely satisfactory to his 
constituents, for he stood for progress and improvement as well as an 
economical administration and he did important work in behalf of the city as a 
member of various leading committees. He was largely instrumental in securing 
the purchase of Bush and East Side parks and he stands as a champion of all 
those interests which are a matter of municipal pride. 

Additional Comments:
PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the 
Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1907

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