1918 History of Clark County, Wisconsin

FREDERICK HENRY BRULEY, prominent business man and miller of Neillsville, was born in this city, Mar. 2, 1882, son of Joseph Bruley, a pioneer of this section. He began industrial life at an early age and was 16 years old when he entered the mill of A. B. Marsh, of Neillsville. Here he applied himself so closely to learning the business that in less than six years he was made head miller, and had charge of everything in connection with the mill, except the buying department, in which, however, he at times took part. After being thus occupied for four years, in 1913 he, with Mr. Marsh, built the present mill of the Farmers' Co-operative Company. December 1, 1914, he organized and incorporated the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator and Milling Company, also selling stock in the concern, and becoming its manager, which position he held until 1916. That he was the right man in the right place is evidenced by the fact that he built up such an extensive patronage that the amount of cash handled by the mill under his management, was second only to that handled by the bank. Upon retiring in 1916, he began business for himself, erecting a mill and doing a general grinding and feed business. Mr. Bruley has also conducted farming operations on twenty-seven acres of land within the city limits of Neillsville, raising Holstein cattle. His success in his chosen career has been gained by close attention to business backed by the thorough knowledge he gained during the years of his apprenticeship.

Mr. Bruley married Margaret Gall, of Globe, Clark County, daughter of Joseph and Amelia Gall, her father being a pioneer of this county. He and his wife have four children: Beatrice, Velina, Violet and Casper. Eustache Bruley, familiarly known as Joe Bruley, and father of Frederick H. Bruley, was born at Notre Dame, Canada, Nov. 3, 1836, son of Alexis Bruley. He was married in Canada, April 27, 1861, to Philomine Loyer, who was born at St. Jerome, Montreal, Canada, Dec. 6, 1843. In 1869 Mr. and Mrs. Bruley came to Neillsville, Wis., with two children, Alex and Geneva, both of whom are now deceased. Here he worked at whatever he could find to do, including logging, driving cattle, and at the trades of blacksmith and mason, to which he afterwards confined himself. He and his wife are still residing in Neillsville, in which place eight children were born to them. They are members of the Catholic Church.