Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Braun, Joseph, Jr ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 7, 2007, 9:41 pm Author: Genealogical & Biographical Record JOSEPH BRAUN, Jr., secretary, treasurer and manager of the E. Porter Brewing Company, is a well-known citizen of Joliet and takes an active part in enterprises calculated to advance the city's welfare. In 1888 he was elected assistant supervisor of Joliet TowTnship and served in the office, by re- election, for four years. Under Mayor P. C. Haley he held office as city oil inspector for two years. In 1895 he was chosen to represent the third ward in the city council and in 1897 and 1899 was re-elected alderman, which office he has filled creditably to himself. In the council he serves as chairman of the committees on claims and street lighting, and as a member of the finance and printing committees. Largely through his energy and activity the movement was started looking toward the purchase of the two parks, Bush and East Side, by the city. The Democratic party represents his political views and receives his vote, in both national and local elections. He has been a member of the city and county central committees and in 1892 served as secretary of the Jefferson Club. He is a member of St. John's German Catholic Church. Since the organization of St. Aloysius Society No. 21, Western Catholic Union, in 1888, he has served as its president, and it is largely due to his wise leadership that the society now has a membership of three hundred and eighty-two. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. During his leisure hours he finds recreation and enjoyment in athletics and various sports. He is president of the Joliet Sharpshooters' Association and has won a record as a fine shot. At Indianapolis, in 1889, and at Davenport, Iowa, in 1890, he was king of the national tournaments of the shooting society, this honor being conferred upon him in recognition of his record, which was the highest made. The society was organized by his father and others in 1866 and he has been identified with it since 1883. In his possession, as prized souvenirs, are twenty-six gold medals, which have been given him for successful competitions in shooting contests. Joseph Braun, Sr., a native of Bavaria, and a brewmaster by trade, settled in Dupage County, Ill., in 1852, establishing his home in Naperville. In 1865 he came to Joliet, where he organized the brewing firm of Joseph Braun & Co., now the F. Sebring Brewing Company. He engaged in the brewing business until he died, in 1869, at forty-two years of age. His wife, who was a Miss Grath, of German descent, died in Joliet in 1882. Their only child who attained mature years was Joseph Jr., who was born in Naperville, Ill., in 1860, and has made his home in Joliet since the age of five years. His education was obtained in St. John's parochial school. In 1876 he began to clerk in a clothing store on Jefferson street, where he was paid $3 a week. He was so energetic and capable that in time he became head clerk. In 1884 he bought out Charles Brooks and started the firm of Braun & Raub at No. 209 Jefferson street, where he engaged in business until 1893. In selling out to his partner in 1893 he assisted in organizing the E. Porter Brewing Company, of which he has since been secretary, treasurer and general manager. Under his supervision the plant has been enlarged, an addition built, modern improvements introduced, and the quality of the products brought to a high standard of excellence. The location of the brewery covers two and one-half blocks on South Bluff. There is also a large depot at Lemont, with an ice house and refrigerator. The residence of Mr. Braun stands at No. 511 North Hickory street. He was married in Joliet to Theresa, sister of A. J. Stoos, a leading merchant of this city. They have six children: Ida, who is a graduate of St. Francis' Convent at Joliet, Ill.; Julius, who is a student in St. Francis' College, Quincy, Ill.; Alma, Henrietta, Marguerite and Robert. Additional Comments: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/braun959gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 4.7 Kb