My Genealogy Hound

W. J. BROWNELL, boots and shoes, Bloomington; among the leading firms in the boot and shoe line, is that of W. J. Brownell, who is a native of Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y. In 1862, he came West, and engaged in the dry goods business, in Bloomington. This business he followed until 1874, when he sold out, and, in 1875, embarked in the boot and shoe trade, which business he has since successfully operated. His establishment is located at 106 West Washington street. Here he has shown both good taste and judgment in fitting up his store, and in buying goods. The second floor is used for manufacturing and the first as a salesroom, the latter being elegantly furnished with fine carpets, large mirrors and elegant sofas, for the convenience of his lady customers, as his specialty is fine ladies’ goods, of which he has a fine assortment, keeping the very finest make, and latest styles of French kid and prunello goods, as well as a fine assortment of children’s, misses’ and men’s light and heavy wear. He is enjoying a good trade, which is the result of his own energy, industry and good financiering.