Peter Alan/Anton Bergner

PETER A. BERGNER. Probably no young man in Peoria has a more promising business career opening before him than has the gentleman above named, who, with his partner is obtaining a fair share of public patronage as a dealer in dry goods. The establishment of Bergner & Potter is now located at No. 119 South Adams Street, and in the orderliness of its arrangements, the neatness which pervades it, and its elegant stocks of well-selected goods, is one of the most noticeable stores in Central Illinois. The young men richly deserve success for the judgment they have displayed in the selection and the business tact in the disposal of their goods, and the honorable, courteous treatment which they accord to their customers; and there is no doubt but that they will achieve the merited reward.

Mr. Bergner was born in Leer, East Friesland, Germany, December 1, 1862, being a son of Charles W. E. and Hilke (Bonk) Bergner, natives of the same town as himself. In 1870 the family emigrated to America, locating in Freeport, Ill., where the father opened a dye house. He is now living in Baileyville, engaged in the sale of general merchandise. His industrious habits and thrifty ways were an excellent example to his son, who inherits a fair share of the same traits, and has also has to assist him, good advice from worthy parents.

The subject of our sketch began to work on a farm when twelve years old, and at the age of twenty became a clerk for William Walton, in Freeport, with whom he remained seven years. He then spent one year with Shippen & Block at Pekin after which experience he opened a business for himself September 25, 1889 at No. 1327, South Adams Street. The business was removed to its present quarters May 15, 1890.

Mr. Bergner was married at Pekin, October 13, 1886, to Miss Emma Velde, an intelligent and most estimable lady, well fitted to make a happy home. The marriage has been blest by the birth of two children—Aaron H. and Clarence. Mr. Bergner is a member of the Presbyterian Church, while his wife is an equally consistent believer in the principles of Methodism and is identified with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Both are endeavoring to carry their faith into their daily walk and conversation, and therefore fain the respect of all who know their lives, while their social qualities win many friends. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages 820 & 823, submitted by Susan Hare, from http://www.peoriacountyillinois.info/bios/bios_ba_bk.html)