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William Brackmann, collector of Jefferson County, was born in St. Louis
in 1850, and is the son of Gottlieb and Helena Brackmann, natives of 
Germany.  While quite young the parents came to St. Louis, where they
were married, remaining until December, 1853, when they removed to 
Jefferson County, locating one miles south of Dittmer's Store, where
they lived for thirty years.  They then sold out and purchased the 
Mattocks' Mill Farm, on Big River, where they still live. He served in
the militia during the war. William was reared at home, with about 
sixteen months education in the public schools and a fair German education.

He then served an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade, 

which he followed until 1876, after which he engaged in merchandising at

Dittmer's Store, and was postmaster for nine years. He then removed to

High Ridge, where he has a store, a saloon, hotel, etc.; is also 

postmaster at High Ridge, and was justice of the peace for four years 

while at Dittmer's Store. In 1886 he was elected collector of Jefferson 

County. Previous to this, in 1874, he married Miss Ernestine, daughter

of John G. and Louisa Dahn, natives of Germany, and to this union were 

born five children (four now living): Oscar, Ida, Huldah, Arthur 

(deceased) and Edwin, the first three now being educated in the English 

language.  Mr. Brackmann is a Republican in politics, and cast his first

presidential vote for Gen. Grant, in 1872; is a member  of the Masonic 

fraternity, also a member of the A. O. U. W., was christened and confirmed

in the Protestant Church, to which he contributes liberally.