Bruggen Family

John Henry and Anna T. Bruggen from Mascoutah, IL

The name Bruggen: A German habitational name. Brüggen. One variant spelling is Brueggen.

Father: Tobias Bruggen
Mother: Rosina Ficker
Child: John Henry Bruggen, born 4-12-1853 in Germantown, Clinton Co., Illinois
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Father: W. Wilkens
Mother: T. Wessels
Child: Anna T. Wilkens, born 5-19-1860 in Saint Libory, St. Clair Co., Illinois

The Bruggen's spoke Low German.
Grandma Daisy Kehrer said that they lived nearer to Holland, from northern Germany, and the language had a Dutch influence.

JOHN HENRY BRUGGEN was born April 12, 1853 in Germantown, Clinton Co., IL, and died May 28, 1927 in Jefferson Co., IL.

He married ANNA T. WILKENS June 22, 1880 in Clinton Co., IL (book 1, page 32, license 402).

She was born May 19, 1860 in Saint Libory, St. Clair Co., IL, and died July 11, 1941 in Jefferson Co., IL.

Children of J. Henry Bruggen and Anna Wilkens Are:

Mary Bruggen, b. May 17, 1882; d. December 17, 1963.
William Bruggen, b. September 17, 1885; d. April 1971, Jefferson Co., Il; M. Katie.
Bernard "Ben" J. Bruggen, b. January 4, 1890; d. September 1, 1969, Army.
Franklin J. Bruggen, b. July 13, 1892; d. June 11, 1947, WWII.

1880 United States Census, Census Place: Breese, Clinton Co., Illinois
Household:

Calculating 1880 Census dates:
26 -> 1854
19 -> 1861
--> They appear to be the same people who moved to Jefferson Co., IL.

PRU - Prussia was a former state in north-central Germany.
Prussia was abolished by allies after WWII. It was incorporated into Germany and Russia..

Daisy Kehrer said the Bruggen's spoke Low German and lived closer to the border of Holland.
(Martin Kehrer's family spoke High German and originally lived closer to the border of France.)

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from Clinton County Marriages

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Henry and Anna Bruggen's children were Mary, Bill, Ben, and Frank.

Bill and Kattie, his wife, had no children. They lived north of Belle Rive, IL.

Grandson, Matthew Kehrer (February 20, 1913 - April 9, 1999) remembered,
that Grandma Bruggen often complained about a broken arm -- long after the event was over.

They were Matthew Kehrer's grandparents on his mother, Mary Bruggen's, side.

If you know or have any information,
or a better copy of this photo please call or write me, 270-843-8841.
John Sarkozi

This is Mary Bruggen (May 17, 1882 - December 17, 1963).

The Bruggens were Catholic, and this picture is from a religious setting.

Mary Bruggen later married Martin Kehrer (April 27, 1861 - July 20, 1925).

Martin and Mary Kehrer are buried in the
Pleasant  Hill Cemetery
Missionary Baptist
Dahlgren Township, Sec. 28
Hamilton County, IL