My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE BRAND, furniture dealer, Bloomington. The representative man in the wholesale and retail furniture trade is George Brand, who is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. He was born in 1829, and in 1845 left his native land and came to the United States; though before leaving he had acquired a good education. When he arrived here, he located in Ohio, where he served a regular apprenticeship of three years in learning the trade of cabinet-maker. For several years following this he traveled through the Western States, and, in 1854, located permanently in Bloomington, where he began working at his trade. In 1869, he began business for himself, which he has since continued successfully. His establishment is located at No. 112 W. Front st. Here he has a large stock of the finest furniture in the city. His storeroom is 100x24 ft., three floors and basement; in addition to this is his shop, 74x22. A more complete idea of the extent of his business might be gained were we to say that his store is 4,000 feet long, which would be the case were it all placed on the ground floor. He employs from three to five men all the time, and during the busy season has more. This entire business is wholly the result of his own energy, enterprise and good financiering. His close attention to business, pleasant and courteous treatment of customers, have won for him a name and reputation of which any business man may justly be proud.