An almost lifelong resident of Peru, Charles A. Braun is well known in this vicinity and bears an enviable reputation as a business man and citizen. He is devoted to the welfare of this place, doing all within his power to promote the cause of progress and good government.
Of German ancestry, Mr. Braun has inherited many of the best qualities of the sons of the Fatherland. His sterling integrity, justice and general reliability, united with his business traits of industry and perseverance, have won for him the approbation of his associates and acquaintances. A son of John and Katherine (Betz) Braun, natives of Germany, Charles A. was born in the city of Chicago, Illinois, March 17, 1848. When he was two years old he was brought to Peru by his parents, and here he grew to manhood. His education was obtained in the public schools and in the German Lutheran parochial school. During the winter of 1865-6 he attended Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Chicago, thus gaining a practical knowledge of commercial methods. Prior to this, however, he had been employed by the dry-goods house of R. & A. D. Murray, and subsequently he worked for J. B. Lininger, who was in the same line of business in Peru. His next situation was as bookkeeper for the firm of Hank, Ream & Company (later known as C. J. Hank & Company), who were likewise in the dry-goods business. On the 7th of August, 1877, the young man started in business in partnership with his father, under the style of Braun & Son. They occupy fine quarters in Turner Hall building, carry a full line of furnishing goods and a well selected stock of material to be manufactured into suits and overcoats of the latest fashion. The firm commands a large and remunerative custom, and numbers among its patrons many of the leading citizens of the town and locality.
July 9, 1879, C. A. Braun married Miss Julia, daughter of John and Mary (Hibbs) Van Horn. They have a son and daughter, named respectively Ora and Fred. The family reside in a pleasant home at the corner of Grant and Second streets. Prior to his marriage, Mr. Braun traveled extensively in various parts of the United States and Canada, and is well posted in matters of general interest. In his political faith he is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World. His success in life has been well deserved, and his example is one worthy of emulation.
Extracted 26 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 2, pages 422-423.
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