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Braun, Herman L.

From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"

"Mr. Herman L. Braun was born in Germany in 1837, and came to Harlem with his parents when ten years of age.  He received his early education in the public schools of Harlem and his native country.  After leaving school he went to a farm in DuPage County, Ill., where he worked for eight years, and came back to Harlem to live in 1880.  A short time after leaving home his father was killed by a Northwestern R. R. train, which left him a lad of thirteen years of age to make a living for himself.  In the same year of his return  from the farm he married Miss Mary Hannatch of Lee County, Ill.

"As a young man, Mr. Braun worked at teaming for a sort time then went into the expressing business which he followed with success for four years.  Selling his expressing interests he went into the saloon business in Harlem at the corner of Harlem Ave. and Madison St.  Following this occupation for a short time, he gave it up in 1900 for a position with the Northwestern Gas Light and Coke Co., in whose employ he has been ever since.

"Mr. Braun has been active in the civic and educational interests of his village, having served two terms as a member of the Board of Education from 1895 to 1901.  He also served one term as Village Trustee, from 1903 to 1905.  He was very unfortunate in losing his wife by a railway accident three years ago, leaving him with a family of eight children, nearly all of which, however, are able to care for themselves., the youngest being nine and the oldest twenty-five.

"Their names are Rose, Mamie, Ida, Lillie, Herman, Carrie, Ella and Lottie.  His daughter Rose clerks in a store in Chicago; Lillie is an accomplished stenographer and Ida, who keeps house for him, is an up-to-date dressmaker.  They live in a pleasant home."


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Last Modified:  01/09/2003