My Genealogy Hound

JACOB W. BRUGGER is the local manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company in Springfield, having taken charge of their office in 1883. He was born in the village of Lagonda, April 16, 1857, and is the eldest son of George and Josephine (Antz) Brugger, both of whom are natives of Germany, whence they came to Dayton, Ohio, when quite young. In that city they were united in marriage, soon afterward locating in Lagonda, this county, for a short time, when they removed to Springfield, Ohio, where they have resided many years. Mr. Brugger is a wagon-maker, and is still working at his trade in this city. His wife departed this life in 1882. Of the seven children born to them, one died in infancy. The living brothers and sisters of our subject are: Joseph, a clerk in a grocery store; Dora, Josephine, Mary and Bernardine, who assists her brother in the telegraph office.

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch for a time attended the German Catholic School, where he acquired a knowledge of both the German and English languages. He afterward pursued his studies in the public schools of Springfield. At the age of fifteen years he became a messenger boy for the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Company, continuing to serve them three years. He then learned the art of telegraphy, under the instruction of James P. Martindell, under whom he continued to work until 1877, He then entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company, their business in this city being managed by John W. Parsons, under whom Mr. Brugger held a position until his superior was elected Treasurer of Clark County and succeeded by L. T. Clemans.

Mr. Brugger retained his position under the new manager for three years, and then succeeded to the managerial chair, a position which he has held since assuming its duties in 1883. He is an expert operator, and his business ability and trust-worthiness are such as to win the confidence of his employers, and give him good repute among his fellowmen. He and his family belong to the German Catholic Church.

The cozy residence on Lagonda Avenue, which is owned and occupied by Mr. Brugger, is presided over by a lady who possesses the hospitable nature and housewifely ability which seem inherent in the natives of Kentucky, where she was born. She bore the maiden name of Katie Miller, and is a daughter of F. J. and Agnes Miller, who removed to Springfield when she was twelve years old. She acquired a good education, and is an entertaining companion. Her marriage to Mr. Brugger was celebrated June 28th, 1882, and has been blessed by the birth of three children — Francis J., Agnes M. and Paul I.