Along various lines of activity Bernard P. Bogy has taken part in those interests which have featured in the business development and the political and civic interests of St. Louis. He is a representative of one of the oldest families of the city. Bernard Pratte, one of his great-grandfathers in the paternal line, was the first mayor of the incorporated City of St. Louis, filling the office in 1844. His grandfather, Louis V. Bogy, was United States senator from Missouri, serving as a member of the upper house of the national legislature for six years. He, too, was born in Missouri and spent his entire life in this state. He gave his political allegiance at all times to the democratic party and passed away September 20, 1877. Among the ancestors of Bernard P. Bogy was Pierre Laclede, the founder of St. Louis. His father, Joseph Bogy, a native of this city, was for many years engaged in the banking and insurance business and was also identified with railroad interests, becoming chairman of the executive board of the Wabash Railroad. He died June 20, 1907. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Kimball, was born in Galena, Illinois, and through the maternal line Bernard P. Bogy is descended from General Thomas J. Hunt, who served in the Revolutionary war and was a close companion of Washington. He lies buried in Bellefontaine cemetery of St. Louis. Also through the maternal line Mr. Bogy is descended from General Henry Hunt, who served in the Civil war and by military men was given the credit for winning the battle of Gettysburg.
It was in July, 1860, that Eliza Kimball became the wife of Joseph Bogy and to them were born four sons and two daughters, of whom one son and two daughters have passed away. Those living are: Louis V. and Genevieve, the latter the wife of Harry B. Goldsmith, who is living retired in California. Those who have been called to the home beyond are: Henry Soulard, who died at the age of twenty-seven years; Ramsey C., who died at the age of forty-two years; and Julia, who passed away at the age of forty-nine.
The other member of the family is Bernard P. Bogy, who was the third in order of birth in the family, and who after pursuing his early education in the public schools of the city attended the Christian Brothers College and also the St. Louis University. When fifteen years of age, however, he left school and entered the employ of the St. Louis Wire Company, of which he became secretary at the age of eighteen years, remaining with that corporation to the age of twenty. He then went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he spent a year in the real estate business, after which he returned to St. Louis. He then took up the sand and dredging business and barge transportation on the Mississippi. In the period between 1890 and 1900 he became president of the St. Louis Dredging Company, president of the Griffith Sand, Gravel Transportation Company and president of the Western Coal & Tow Company. In 1900 he consolidated these firms with the Union Sand & Material Company and the business is now being carried on under the name of the Missouri Portland Cement Company. For many years Mr. Bogy was a director in these enterprises and had much to do with shaping the policy of the business.
Mr. Bogy has long figured prominently in political circles as a stalwart advocate of republican principles. In 1901 he was a candidate for president of the city council. In 1918 he was a nominee on the republican ticket for representative in the tenth district but was defeated by a small majority by Dr. Meeker. In 1920 he was the republican nominee for representative in the United States congress from the eleventh district. Although on the face of the returns he was defeated by a small majority he is now contesting the election before the sixty-seventh congress, where he has been given the privilege of the floor until the final decision of the district is given.
Mr. Bogy was married February 5, 1890, in St. Louis, to Miss Eleanor Griffith, a daughter of John R. and Ann (Boswell) Griffith. She passed away June 10, 1904, leaving two children, the daughter being Violet, the wife of Harry Tritle, of Arizona. The son, Bernard P., Jr., is practicing law very successfully in Rio de Janeiro, where he represents many of the largest concerns engaged in business in South America. Mr. Bogy has spent much time in travel in Europe and in the Orient, gaining the broad and liberal culture which travel brings. He is today one of the highly esteemed and valued residents of St. Louis, a prominent representative of an honored ancestry.
