This well-to-do German citizen of Guilford Township is especially prominent among his countrymen in this region, and one of the pillars of the Presbyterian Church at Schapville, in which he serves as Deacon, and contributes liberally to its support. The edifice erected by this society and its friends is one of the finest structures of its kind in the county. The family of Mr. Bruckner consists of his wife and two children, a son and daughter, who are remarkably bright and intelligent, and it is hardly necessary to say are the joy and pride of their parents’ hearts. Mrs. Bruckner is the sister of Corporal Anton Schap, the founder and benefactor of Schapville. She is a very estimable lady, and the whole family stand well in their community. The Bruckner homestead comprises 160 acres of good land on section 25, in Guilford Township, and Mr. Bruckner owns forty-five acres in Thompson Township.

We learn from the family history of our subject that his parents were Jacob and Helena Bruckner, natives of Wittenburg, Germany, where the father carried on farming successfully, and died in 1870, at the age of seventy-three years. The mother had preceded her husband to the silent land, her death taking place in 1856, when she was fifty-three years of age. Their family consisted of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom August was the fourth in order of birth. He first opened his eyes to the light May 29, 1837, at his father’s estate near Wittenburg. He attended the schools of his native town, and was carefully reared in the doctrines of the church of which his parents were members, being confirmed at the age of fourteen years. He remained at home until after the death of his mother, then began to work out on a farm, and, when reaching his majority, entered the army, serving six years.

Upon being released from his military duties Mr. Bruckner in 1857 set out for America, and making his way to this county secured employment on a farm. Not quite two years later he took unto himself a wife and helpmate. Miss Augusta Schap, and they began the journey of life together in a modest home. The children born of this union are William and Amanda. They have been carefully reared and well educated, and reflect great credit upon their parental training. Mr. Bruckner gradually climbed up to a good position socially and financially, and has been rewarded for his perseverance and industry. Their home is one of the pleasantest (sic) and most hospitable in Guilford Township, a place where both friend and stranger are cordially welcomed and given “rest and refreshment.”

Mr. Bruckner is the second husband of the estimable lady who now hears his name. She was first married to a Mr. Arnold, and became the mother of five children. As a widow she was the owner of seventy-seven acres of land, for which Mr. Bruckner paid her children $1,000. He next bought forty-five acres in 1876; and eighty acres in 1882. In 1883 Mr. Bruckner recrossed the Atlantic to the Fatherland, and spent three months very pleasantly amid the friends and associations of his childhood. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen he identified himself with the Republican party, of which he is a conscientious supporter. The family residence was erected in 1880, and combines all the conveniences of modern life. The farm is otherwise well-improved and supplied with a goodly assortment of live-stock and machinery. It is one of the homes which have so greatly assisted in building up the reputation of Jo Daviess County.

From Portraits and Biographical Pg 769, Transcribed & Contributed by Carol Parrish