J. A. BRAHM, banker and merchant, Petersburg; was born in Gallatin Co., Ill., Feb. 9, 1828, and was brought to Menard Co., Ill., in 1830, his people settling north of Petersburg, where they lived prominent citizens; his father died in 1852, and his mother in 1862; his father was a native of Germany, and his mother of Virginia; his early life was spent on the homestead, receiving such educational advantages as the new country afforded; in 1848-49, he attended McKendree College, at Lebanon, Ill.; here he acquired a good business education, which, with energy and perseverance, has assisted him to his present position, that of a highly respected citizen; his principal business has been merchandising, and his success as a merchant is well known throughout this part of Illinois, and to-day he is one of the solid men of Menard County. Mr. Brahm has been closely identified with business enterprises in the county, and his energy and capital have done much toward building up Petersburg; in evidence of this, we would mention the commodious dry-goods house of Brahm, Lanning & Wright, which is, beyond a doubt, the largest and best stocked retail dry-goods house of the State outside of Chicago; he is giving his personal attention to the business of banking, under the firm name of Brahm & Green; in connection with W. G. Greene, he established this, the first banking-house in Menard Co., in 1866, and it has the reputation of being one of the most substantial banks of Central Illinois. His wife was Eliza B., daughter of Philip and Anna Rainey, of Boydton, Va.; they were married March 10, 1857; they have a family of three daughters and two sons; their residence is a beautiful one, and located upon a rise of ground, presenting a most picturesque appearance.

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