1918 Emery moved to Green Bay in order to look after his company.  Maggie moved to La Crosse where she was a partner in a millinery shop.  She left La Crosse around 1929.

1928 Emery Brule’ died in 1928 in Green Bay.  He was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Neillsville, Wisconsin.

Some of the leading citizens of Neillsville (Clark County) sat in an elegant carriage nearly a century ago on the town’s main street. The board walk in the background ran for three-quarters of a mile west from the Hewett-Wood store to the foreman’s house on the James Hewett estate, overlooking the Black River.  The house is now being torn down.

-- Jess W. Scott—

The Milwaukee Journal, Monday, May 8, 1961

Later a large charcoal drawing was made from this picture, excluding the background.  It was quite elegant.  Aunt Dede gave me the drawing which had been damaged.  It was repaired, framed, and hung in our family room until the Tufts Museum opened.  It now hangs over the mantle in the living room of the part of the house Emery built.

In conclusion

Emery Brule’ was an interesting man with a quick mind.  He was inventive and productive and led a busy life.  He and his young bride courageously left Canada for the unknown in the United States.  He began anew and became successful in his adopted country.  After his first wife died, he remarried and raised four daughters.  It would have been a pleasure to know him.

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"Gleanings from the Good Old Days ‘Oldies’"

Compiled and contributed by Dee Zimmerman

Also, other newspaper articles as noted

1866 In 1866, he traded properties with Emery Bruley, Bruley taking the Dewhurst residence on Eighth Street and Dewhurst obtaining the residence and acreage on Hewett Street.  That included all of the land between Hewett and Grand Avenue, with between 200 and 300 feet of frontage.

The north section of eight rooms had already been built by Bruley on Hewett Street and Dewhurst added the larger south section to the residence which remains today as one of the area’s largest and most impressive dwellings.  An architect planned the addition to give colonial beauty and balance.  Bay windows were added to the south to match those at the north section on both floors.  A large and attractive front entrance and a stately porch were added.  A canopy was built over the driveway to protect the people from rain and weather as they entered or stepped from the horse-drawn vehicles of the early days.

This large colonial residence of 17 rooms was recognized as one of Wisconsin’s best.  It had five fireplaces, a maid’s room, poolroom, spacious living rooms and dining rooms.  This residence was one of the first in the area, if not the first, to have a built-in bathtub.  It was built of sheet metal, six feet long, with a wooden jacket around it.  This early luxury is well preserved to this day.  When the indoor toilet facilities were added, it was understood the conveniences were only for the use of company or guests.

The kitchen was patterned after the early colonial kitchen.  There were no cupboards on the walls, but a large pantry connected with it provided storage for food and cooking materials.  Many months supply was necessary in a period when some items had to be brought in from a distance of 60 miles or more.

A large stable was erected southwest of the house, which stands today, to provide space for as many as seven fine driving horses and at least two cows.  The backyard, which sloped to the west, was always beautifully landscaped with flowers and shrubs and a pasture extended beyond to Grand Avenue.  A large and graceful fountain in the backyard has for many years added to the dignity and beauty of the front lawn.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, October 8, 2003

1868 Emery Bruley invites people of this vicinity to his blacksmith shop on the north side of O’Neill Creek, opposite the saw mill in Neillsville.  Bruley is prepared and ready to do all kinds of blacksmithing.  He keeps a general jobbing shop and has on hand a good stock of ready made work.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, September 9, 1998

1875 Clark County Republican & Press Date: November 20, 1875

Having become engaged in other business, Mr. Emery Bruley offers his saloon and blacksmith shop in this village for rent or sale, as may be seen by reference to a notice in another column of this paper.  The property offered is conveniently located and can be procured on the most liberal terms. There is no more desirable property in Neillsville than this offered by Mr. Bruley and his only reason for wishing to dispose of it in any way is, as stated above.  Owning to his having engaged in other business, more to his liking, and which requires his whole attention.

1877 Ed Bruley & Brothers, blacksmiths and carriage makers have dissolved partnership.  Mr. Ed. Bruley is withdrawing to engage in another business.  From now on, the blacksmith-carriage business will be carried on by Emery Bruley, which means the shop’s good reputation will be fully maintained.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, May 2, 2007

1881 Emery Bruley, clothier and dealer in furnishing goods, has the only exclusive clothing house in town.  His stock comprises men’s and boys’ clothing, furnishing goods, hats, caps boots, shoes, and notions.  Lumbermen’s clothing is a special feature.  Bruley also deals in wagons, being an agent for the Fish Bros., and has on hand, sleighs and cutters.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, November 28, 2001

1882 Bruley’s building was lighted with gas for the first time last Saturday evening. The store, which is the first one illuminated with gas in this city, is supplied with two-light chandeliers and several bracket burners, besides the four lights for use in the show window.  Every portion of the building, from basement to garret, is abundantly supplied with gas fittings and everything works like a charm. The generator used is known as the Excelsior Gas Machine and is believed to be the best machine of its kind.  The gas-fitting was done by Will Blackman of Chicago.

Energy and push have as much to do with success in business as experience and this have been fully demonstrated by Emery Bruley of this city.  A few years ago, Bruley left the forge and anvil to embark in the clothing trade.  He was an excellent blacksmith and had never previously experienced working with the mercantile business.  When starting the clothing store business, friends predicted Bruley would soon find he could do better pounding iron than attempting mercantile business.  Starting with a very small and rather indifferent stock of goods, in a crazy tumble-down building (and rented at that), he has built a splendid trade.  He now owns one of the best business buildings in the city and carries the largest, bet stock of clothing in the area.  Clark County Press, November 12, 1997

1881 The three floors of Emery Bruley’s new brick block are now lighted by gas, the first building in the city of Neillsville thus lighted.  It adds considerably to the attraction of our business street.  Such a change is usually followed by similar ones, so Neillsville doubtless will finally be illuminated by gas throughout its length and breadth. When that time comes, then look out for the electric pole, unless something better is invented before that time which is barely impossible.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, November 6, 2002

1882 The Rossman-Bruley building is progressing steadily.  Sections of the iron front are on the ground.  The part formerly owned by Emery Bruley has been bought by Jim Gates.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, August 13, 1997

1882 Emery Bruley, of this city, has received a patent entitled, "Bruley’s patent vehicle axletree."  The new device is one of the simplest ever invented.  Its value consists in an appliance which enables the taking up of lateral motion without the use of washers that wear out in a few miles’ travel.  Using this axletree, a buggy wheel will run as perfectly after 10 years use as at the time it leaves the wagon shop.  It is one of the most useful inventions and there is a fortune in it for the inventor, Bruley.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, June 5, 2002

1885 Emery Bruley, of this village, has invented and patented an instrument for cutting washers, gun wads, etc., from leather, rubber, pasteboard or whatever desired.  It will be of great value to those who have a need in using the apparatus; washers for buggies, wagons, or for any other equipment.  The only expense will be in the cost of the machine itself, which is a trifle.

The machine consists of two knives working in a shaft made to fit the ordinary brace used by carpenters.  It works on the same principle as a pair of compasses that describe a circle, very simple to work with.  The knives are so arranged that they can be made to cut a gun wad or washer to a foot diameter.  No farmer, mechanic or sportsman can afford to be without one.

Bruley has made arrangements with a Milwaukee firm to manufacture his patented invention.

Clark County Press, Good Old Days, October 11, 2000

Emery Bruley has traded his building and lot at the corner of Second and Court Streets to James Finnegan for the house and land on South Main Street between R. M. Campbell’s and J. L. Gates and the blacksmith shop property on Grand Avenue.

(The following news item appeared two weeks later in regard to Bruley’s newly obtained property.)

Emery Bruley has a force of men at work on his newly-acquired premises, the Finnegan place. Workers are laying a foundation for one of the most elegant houses to be in the city. The house now standing on the lot is destined to serve as a wing to the new one being built.  As Bruley has the means, it is likely that he will rear an edifice which will be a substantial ornament to the city.

(And that he did accomplish. The house referred to is now known as Tuft’s Mansion, a historical landmark within our city. D Z.)  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, September 6, 2000

1885 Last Friday, Mrs. Emery Bruley died suddenly at her home, here in Neillsville, at the age of 39 years, 11 months, and 9 days.  Her death came so suddenly that when, at the first sign of danger, Mr. Bruley was notified, he being only but a block away and making haste, found her dead when he reached her side.  She was a native of Ottawa, Canada, born May 15, 1845.  The Bruley’s were married at that city on September 17, 1863. They came to Wisconsin in 1865.  She was a Catholic and the funeral services took place at the Catholic Church, Monday forenoon. Father Volz officiated, preaching a most eloquent sermon.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, May 25, 2005

1886 Clark County Republican Press (Neillsville, Wis.) 08/26/1886

McGinnis, Maggie (Marriage - 24 AUG 1886)

Married, in Neillsville, Clark County, Wis., Aug. 24th, 1886, by Rev. W. T. Hendren, Mr. Emery Bruley to Miss Maggie McGinnis

1886 If spoke manufacturer Emery Bruley is not already buried under mountains of saw logs, it is only because he is too spry to get caught as the logs are set rolling.  There are tall piles of saw logs around his mill.

Little Misses Nita, Maud and Ruth Bruley entertained an invited group of their little friends at the Bruley home on Saturday afternoon.  They all played about the spacious house for several hours. Later, they were devoted in discussion over an elegant supper, consisting of sandwiches, salads, ice cream and cakes being served by the Bruley girls.  Shortly after sundown, the guests were all back at their homes, chattering of the wonderfully good time they had all enjoyed.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, February 14, 2001

1893 Wednesday morning, Aug. 2, 1893, by Rev. F. Volz; Mr. Emery Bruley and Mrs. Maggie Bruley were reunited in marriage, at Mrs. Bruley’s residence on Grand Avenue. Clark County Press, Good Old Days, August 14, 1996

1898 An operation for abscess of the lungs by Drs. Esch, Conroy and Lacey was performed upon Neta Bruley, Emery Bruley’s daughter, last week.  To get at the seat of the trouble, a section of rib had to be removed. The condition of the lungs and pleura were dangerously bad and the relief from the operation was great.  The child is much better and will soon be well.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, April 9, 2008

1899 Emery Bruley has sold his mill plant to the Johnson Manufacturing Co. of Milwaukee.  We understand he has also rented his house to one of the men of Johnson Co.  It is reported that the new firm has purchased a considerable amount of timber on the Romadka lands.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, March 3, 1999

1905 (On a photo… a sign reads "E. Bruley.")  The Emery Bruley Men’s Clothing store.  Clark County Press, Good Old Days, July 17, 1994

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