BROGUNIER, Upton D.
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, pp 400-403

Upton D. BROGUNIER, deceased, was for some years a prominent citizen of Rockford [Winnebago County, IL].  He was born in Hagerstown [Washington County], MD, 22 Jan 1829, was a son of John and Susan (COOK) BROGUNIER.  His father was of French descent, and both were good families.  They lived and died in Hagerstown, the father passing away at the age of 80 years, while his wife was called to her final rest at the age of 70.  He was a member of the German Reformed Church, and she held membership with the Lutheran Church.  In their family were nine children, of whom three sons and three daughters are yet living, and are married.

Under the parental roof our subject was reared to manhood, and in his native city he learned the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship at the age of 16 years.   When a young man, he came to IL, and in Ogle County engaged in carpentering until the time of the gold excitement at Pike's Peak, when he started for that place.  On reaching MO, however, he decided to go no further, and in Lexington, MO, spent a few years.  On his return to IL in 1862, he located in Rockford [Winnebago County], and from that time until his death was a resident of this city.  He became a prominent contractor, and for years carried on a successful business.

On 03 Aug 1865 in Pine Creek Township, Ogle County, Mr. BROGUNIER led to the marriage altar Ann C. MUMMA, a native of Ogle County [IL], born 10 Jul 1842.  Her parents were Elias A. and Susanna (MILLER) MUMMA, natives of Washington County, MD, where they were reared and married.  After the birth of five of their children, they emigrated to Ogle County, IL, locating in Pine Creek Township, where Mr. MUMMA improved and developed a farm, making it his home until his death on 12 Jun 1885.  He was born on 04 Apr 1809.   His wife, who was born 20 Feb 1809, died on the old homestead on 25 May 1869.   They were prominent members of the German Baptist Church, and were worthy and valued citizens, and had a host of friends in Ogle County, where they were numbered among the honored pioneers.  The wife of our subject was reared on her father's farm and was a true helpmate and faithful companion to him.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. BROGUNIER were born three sons:  William H., a watchmaker, who for years was employed in the Rockford Watch Factory, but now working for the electric light company, married Minnie HYER; Harry E., a skilled mechanic and painter; and Charles F., an ambitious young man yet attending the public schools.

The death of Mr. BROGUNIER occurred at his home at No. 1009 West State Street, 12 Feb 1890, when past the age of 61 years.  He was a valued citizen, public-spirited and progressive, and a man whose many excellencies of character won him the high regard of all with whom he came in contact.  In his poltical affiliations he was a Republican.   Since the death of her husband, [p 403] Mrs. BROGUNIER has resided at the old home.   She owns some property on West State Street, and has a competence amply sufficient to keep her through her remaining days.  She is a member of the Prebyterian Church, and a true Christian lady, who has the warm regard and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances in this community.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.