William Brus

Portrait and Biographical Album of Peoria County (1890)
Transcribed by Danni Hopkins!

This name will be at once recognized by the German citizen of Peoria, as that of a gentleman who is editorially connected with the Sonntags Post, and who is well known to many besides those of similar ancestry. He was scarcely more than a boy when he began contributing to a newspaper, and so much fitness for journalism did he exhibit, that he rapidly advanced to a position as associate editor. He wields the pen of a ready writer, is terse, vigorous and courageous in his expressions when dealing with questions of social or political import, and skillful in his selection of that which exchanges can furnish to his patrons.

Mr. Brus is a son of Anton and Mary (Seifert) Brus, natives of Bavaria, Germany, whence they emigrated to America in 1850. The father had been a weaver in his native land, but after coming to America engaged in farming. In 1855 they removed to Tazewell County, Ill., Mr. Brus dying at Groveland in August, 1865. Mrs. Brus had departed this life a few months after the birth of our subject, the only son, who was born June 27, 1853, at Harper’s Ferry, W. Va. They boy attended the public schools in Tazewell County six years, displaying aptness in comprehending that to which he applied himself and grasping the practical relation of his studies to the work of life.

In 1865 young Brus entered the office of the German Demokrat, in Peoria, and from the position of office boy worked up until he was able to do any duty connected with a printing establishment. His first contributions to the press were published in the columns of the Demokrat, with which he severed his relation in 1876, in order to take charge of the Pekin Freie Presse as foreman and associate editor. In 1879 he returned to Peoria, and became one of the firm publishing the Peoria Sonne. The firm of Wolf & Brus continued six years, when the second member withdrew, and in connection with Mr. Rennen, started the Sonntags Post. Mr. Rennen died soon after the establishment of the paper, and others have been associated with our subject in its publication, the firm now being Brus & Schaefer.

The Post is a first-class family paper, extensively circulated in Peoria and the adjoining counties. Beside editing and managing the Post, Mr. Brus has connected with it a complete job office, which his thorough knowledge of printing enables him to conduct in such a manner as to send out good work at prices satisfactory to his patrons, while leaving him a fair margin of profit.

An even of great importance to our subject and to Miss Mary Schleehuber occurred November 27, 1878, it being the celebration of their marriage rites. Their home is brightened by the presence of four children—Dora Antoinette, William Joseph, Elmer Peter, and Joseph Emil. Mr. and Mrs. Brus mourn the loss of one child. They have many friends throughout the city, and the social nature of our subject finds an added expression through various societies to which he belongs. He is Assistant Secretary in the St. Joseph Benevolent Society, Vice-President of the Knights of St. George, and President of St. Michael’s School Society. Politically he is independent. He and his wife are both members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Pages 741-742