Springfield-Greene
County LibraryAUGUST KOENIGSBRUCK. In all the wide range of industrial enterprise there is no industry of greater importance than that of wagons, buggies and agricultural implements. In this line there are several of the leading merchants and citizens of Springfield engaged, among which we have a popular and representative establishment in that conducted by Messrs. Koenigsbruck and Boehmer. These gentlemen carry a full line of agricultural implements, for the inventive genius of this progressive age has found one of its most fertile fields in devising implements designed to lighten the labors of the farmer. Ever since its foundation this house has enjoyed a large and steadily increasing trade, for Mr. Koenigsbruck possesses all the push, energy and persistent application necessary to business success. He was born in Berlin, Germany, December 31, 1841, to the marriage of Michael and Henrietta (Schuman) Koenigsbruck, both of whom died in their native country, the father in about 1875 and the mother in 1881. The father was a linen merchant of Berlin and was a successful business man. Their children, three in number, were named in the order of their births as follows. Michael, resided in Copenhagen, Denmark, for some time, but is now deceased; Theresa, who now resides in her native country, and August. The latter was reared in his native city, attended the public schools and received a thorough business education in this country. When fourteen years of age he left school, learned the cabinet-maker's trade and worked at that until 1860. when he entered the German army, serving in the same five years. He was in the war against Austria and took part in a number of hard-fought battles, one of the most prominent being Koenigsgratz. He went through without a wound, was never taken prisoner, and was honorably discharged after the close of the Prussia-Austrian war in 1866. After leaving the army he followed his trade until 1870. when he embarked for England and from there to this country. He first settled in Chicago, remained there one year, and then made his way to Columbus, Ohio, where he made his home for five years, but not being satisfied there he came West in 1876, in order to grow up with the country. In 1878 he engaged in the business of buying and shipping produce--wool, hides and furs-in company with Mr. Thomas Williams, and carried on business with that gentleman for over a year. After that he carried on the business alone and met with the best of success. In 1890 he and Mr. Charles Boehmer formed a partner- ship for the purpose of conducting an implement and buggy business, and built a large three-story brick building 50x102 feet, and began dealing in buggies, wagons and farm implements. In connection they also keep a supply of grain, feed and hay in a building in the rear of the main one and on Campbell Street. For the past three years this firm has taken the lead among implement dealers of this section of Missouri, and its members are men of excellent business acumen. Although Mr. Koenigsbruck began for himself with very little means, he inherited the excellent business principles of his father, and is one of the substantial men of Springfield. He is the owner of a large amount of city property and a farm four miles south of Springfield. There are 160 acres in the farm all of which is in a high stage of cultivation. In politics he is a Democrat but his vote is cast for the best man irrespective of party. Public offices have had no charm for him for he is a thorough business man. He was married in the old country to Miss Minnie Clauss, a native of Berlin, born April 5, 1847, and they have one of the most complete and pleasant homes in the city, located on Campbell Street in the south part of the city. They have an adopted child, Sydow, who is Mrs. Koenigsbruck's niece, her sister's child. Socially Mr. Koenigsbruck is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, member of United Lodge No. 5, and takes much interest in the same. He is a public-spirited citizen, interested in all worthy enterprises.
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