Biography - William Peter BRAUN
Biography of William Peter BRAUN
from Past and Present of Platte County, Nebraska*

William P. BRAUN.

WILLIAM P. BRAUN, a general merchant of Humphrey, was born in Grand Prairie township, Platte county, Nebraska, November 9, 1881, a son of John and Mary (Wieser) Braun, natives of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and of Austria respectively. The father followed both farming and merchandising in Wisconsin until 1871, when he came to Nebraska, settling in Grand Prairie township, Platte county, where he secured a homestead and afterward obtained a timber claim. His tracts were just as they came from the hand of nature, but he resolutely undertook the task of transforming the wild land into productive fields and brought about excellent results. He has since operated his farm with good success and he has also conducted a flourishing nursery business for the past fifteen years, his prosperity and advancement being the direct result of his energy, perseverance and determination. He is now sixty-nine years of age, while his wife has reached the age of sixty-eight.

William P. Braun was reared and educated in Grand Prairie township, but his school privileges were limited as his textbooks were put aside when he was but twelve years of age. From that time forward he depended upon his own resources for a living, working on a farm for his father and others until the age of twenty-two. He then rented land, which he cultivated for two years, when he retired from agricultural pursuits and removed to Humphrey. During the succeeding six months he was employed in a general store and at the end of that time engaged in the draying business for a year. Still later he established a restaurant, which he conducted for six months and then sold, after which he operated a delivery business for the stores for six months. On disposing of his interests of that character he purchased another restaurant, which he managed for six months, and then entered the employ of Diers Brothers, general merchants, with whom he remained for five years. In October 1914, he joined Joseph Brockhaus in the establishment of a general store, which they conducted under the firm style of Braun & Brockhaus until Mr. Braun purchased his partner's interest and has since been alone. He carries a large stock of goods, for which he finds a ready sale, the public according him both patronage and respect because of his honorable business methods. He also operates a cream station, buying cream, butter and eggs. On the 18th of February, 1903, Mr. Braun was joined in wedlock to Miss Barbara German, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth German, natives of Peoria, Illinois. The father was a farmer by occupation and operated land in Illinois until 1885, when he came to Platte county and again purchased land, which he has since owned and cultivated, his place being located in Grand Prairie township. Mr and Mrs. Braun have become the parents of seven children, namely: Christina, Raymond, Leona, Lucille, Stella, Laverna and William.

The parents are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Braun belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters and to the Knights of Columbus. His political indorsement (sic) is given to democratic party, but he has neither the time nor the inclination to seek office, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his business affairs, which are bringing him a gratifying measure of success.

pgs 29-30

*Source: PAST AND PRESENT OF PLATTE COUNTY NEBRASKA
A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement
ILLUSTRATED VOLUME II
CHICAGO THE S.J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY 1915

Copy of book located in Columbus, Nebraska Public Library & Nebraska State Historical Society Library.