Peter L. Brecunier 1834-1913
A Thumbnail Biography by David C. Procuniar
All Rights Reserved Last updated: 31 Aug 2001
Peter L. Brecunier, the son of Daniel Brecunier Jr. (1804-1863) & Christina King ( 1806-1875); Peter was born on 14 Feb 1834 in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, died on 14 Oct 1913 in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Peter married Susan Marie Riddelsbargar 22 Feb 1863, Susan was born on 25 May 1843 in Washington County, Hagerstown, Maryland.
Children: (2)
Main Source:
Nancy Lee Bates & John Brecunier 20870 SW 87th Court, Tualatin, OR 97062
Peter's occupation ... Farmer; was a member of the Dunkard Church (later called 7th day German Baptist Church); Ashton Township, Lee County, Illinois; Ref: Cathy Henckley 11908 Holly Spring Dr Great Falls, Va 22066.
Daniel Brecunier Jr.; [son of Daniel who was born on "Hagers Long Hickory"). He later married Christina King who was from Huntingdon county PA. Daniel and Christina (King) Brecunier began their married life in Huntingdon County Pennsylvania, then moved to Bedford county Pennsylvania and lived there for nine years. In the spring of 1849 they moved to Lee County Illinois. They lived there until they died, and are buried, along with their son Peter L. Brecunier, in the Emmert Cemetery, just outside of Franklin Grove Illinois. Daniel was listed in his obituary as a Dunkard.
Peter L. Brecunier [son of Daniel Jr.]
Through my research I found the following from the PORTRAIT and BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of LEE County Illinois, printed in April 1892:
Peter L. Brecunier comes one of the pioneer families of Lee County, where most of his life has been passed, and to-day he stands among the most noted farmers and stock-raisers who have been so largely instrumental in its upbuilding. His farm, which is highly improved, is advantageously located on section 31, Ashton township.
Pennsylvania is the native state of our subject, and February 14, 1834 the date of his birth in Huntingdon county. His father was Daniel Brecunier, and it is thought that he was born in Washington county Maryland. Daniel married Christina King, who is supposed to have been a native of the same county as her son, our subject. They began their wedded life in Huntingdon county, but subsequently removed to Bedford county Pennsylvania. They lived there nine years, but in the spring of 1849, they made still another move, and coming to Illinois, located in Franklin Grove, Lee county, whence they came to Ashton township two years later, and this was their home until death closed their mortal careers.
Peter Brecunier was the fourth in order of birth of the ten children born to his worthy parents, and he was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied them to their pioneer home in this county. He remained with them until he married, when he settled on the farm on section 31 Ashton township, on which he has resided ever since. He has always given his attention to agriculture, has a thorough knowledge of the best methods of carrying it on profitably, and is conceded to be one of the best farmers in the township. He has two hundred acres of land in Iowa, besides his valuable homestead here which comprises two hundred and thirty-four acres of land under admirable tillage, and provided with commodious buildings, of a modern appropriate style of architecture, everything about the place betokening superior management and unremitting care on the part of the owner.
Our subject was married in Bradford township, February 22, 1863, to Miss Susan Marie Riddelsbargar, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Foreman) Riddelsbargar. Susan's father was born in Franklin County Pennsylvania, and her mother in Hagerstown, Maryland. In 1845 they came to Illinois, and after spending a few months in Oregon, became pioneer settlers of China township, where Jacob died. The mother is living at an advanced age. Mrs. Peter Brecunier was the third in a family of four children, and she was born near Hagerstown, Maryland on May 25, 1843. Her marriage with our subject has been productive of mutual happiness, and has brought them two children, Quimby A. and Byron L. Quimby is the proprietor of the Franklin Grove Creamery.
Mr. Peter Brecunier has a strong, independent, self-reliant nature. and is quite capable of acting and thinking for himself, as is demonstrated by his successful career. At the same time he is not un-mindful of his obligations towards others, as a true Christian gentleman, and is accommodating and neighborly in his intercourse with his fellow citizens, and always ready to do another favor. He has not taken an active part in politics, but is a member of the Republican party, and one of its truest adherents in this township. Both he and his wife are sincerely religious, and are members of the Dunkard Church.
Peter L. Brecunier died on October 19, 1916, Byron died on July 3, 1962 and Quimby died on October 27, 1930. Quimby's son Wilbur died on February 20, 1978. All in the Franklin Grove Illinois area. Byron had two children, Helen and Clark. Clark died July 19, 1981 in Franklin Grove, his son Jeffrey (born 1954) is now living at 2014 Carthage Road, Franklin Grove Illinois, 61031 815/456-2549.; Source: "The Bragonier Family" by Georgiana H. Randall 1969 "The Bragunier Family in America" by Brittian Bragunier Robinson 1969
Other Sources:
David Charles Procuniar 3598 Harry Truman Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432-2272
The Bragonier Family by Georgiana H. Randall 1969.
The Bragunier Family in America by Brittian Bragunier Robinson 1969
First Reformed Church of Hagerstown Maryland church records on LDS micro-film
Note:
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