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WILLIAM BRUCHHAUSER. The life of the late William Bruchhauser, who for more than twenty years was connected with the milling interests of Anna, Illinois, presents a striking example of industry and integrity, and his career was one that should prove inspiring to the youths of today who are starting out to win success in the business world. Mr. Bruchhauser was born in the province of Waldeck, Germany, August 15, 1838, and like many other of his worthy countrymen who in their native land had no other prospects than to always work hard and be poor, came to the United States in search of his fortune. He was thirty-six years of age when he settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he entered a flouring mill, but soon thereafter removed to Red Bud, Randolph county, Illinois, and remained there two or three years in the same line. He then associated himself with a Mr. Melzer, at Worden, Illinois, but after one year removed to Jonesboro. In 1885 the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Bruchhauser came to Anna, where he established the Anna Roller Mills, with which he was identified up to within two or three years previous to his death. He then handled flour and feed as a retailer, and he was engaged in this business when his death occurred after a short illness, April 27, 1911. Mr. Bruchhauser was instrumental to a great extent in building up the city of Anna, was identified with others in promoting several business concerns, and proved himself one of its most active and enterprising citizens, as well as a typical, self-made successful man. His genial manners and warm-hearted sympathies made for him many sincere personal friendships and his death was deeply mourned. On July 1, 1906, his three sons purchased the Phoenix Milling property from the Union County Milling Company. Mr. Bruchhauser was for eleven years a director of the Anna Building and Loan Association. He was a charter member of the Southern Illinois Millers Association, and the owner of considerable city property in Anna. His religious connection was with the Kornthal German Lutheran church, of which his wife and children are now members.
On April 25, 1872, Mr. Bruchhauser was married to Miss Phillippina Heck, of St. Louis, and they had three children: William F., who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1874, was city treasurer of Anna for two years; August F., born at Red Bud, Illinois, in 1876, who was city alderman for four years and is now identified with the milling business at Anna; and Henry C., born at Worden, Illinois, in 1879, engaged in looking after his father's estate at Anna. The three sons are now operating the Phoenix Mills, which have a capacity of 100 barrels per day, while the Anna Mill is used as a retail distributing point.
William F. Bruchhauser, son of William, attended the public schools and the schools of the Lutheran church, and grew up in the milling business. He has been identified with various public enterprises. The Brothers have been awarded the contract for the Anna Water Works, the construction of which will soon be started. They are well known in business circles of Anna and the surrounding country, and the family name has always stood for honest business dealing and public-spirited citizenship.