Philip Braun, owner of a farm of sixty acres on section 7, Caledonia Township, is carrying on general agricultural pursuits and dairying and both branches of his business are bringing him substantial success. His farm is well improved according to modern standards and his methods indicate a progressive spirit. He was born in Germany, April 29, 1865, a son of Peter and Katherine (Rauguth) Braun, the latter a daughter of Jacob Rauguth, who came to the new world with the parents of Philip Braun and spent his remaining days in Caledonia Township. It was about 1866 that the family crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling first in Milwaukee County, whence a removal was made to Caledonia Township, Racine County, where Peter Braun purchased ten acres of land. He died in the year 1867, while his wife, who was born in 1827, survived him for two decades, passing away in 1887. Their religious faith was that of the Catholic Church. They had two children, the elder being a daughter, Maggie, who became the wife of James Peterson, a carpenter of Milwaukee County.
Philip Braun was educated in the parochial schools and when his textbooks were put aside began earning his living at the occupation of farming, being employed as a farm hand until he was able to save from his earnings a sum sufficient to purchase a farm. He then bought forty acres, which he acquired when twenty-one years of age. To this he has added a twenty-acre tract, so that his place now comprises sixty acres. His land is arable and he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation, carefully tilling the soil so that substantial crops are annually gathered. In connection with general farming he carries on dairying, milking mostly Holstein cows. He makes butter, which he sells in Milwaukee, and the excellence of the product secures the highest market price. He has built a nice home and has good outbuildings upon his place, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. He has also put up a large silo, so that he is able to furnish green fodder to his stock throughout the winter.
In 1888 Mr. Braun was married to Miss Mary Searing, a native of this County, and to them was born five children: Mary, who is now a sister in the Convent of St. Francis at Milwaukee: Agnes, Albert, Norbert and Marcella, all of whom are at home. The parents are members of the St. Louis Catholic church of Caledonia and in political belief Mr. Braun is a democrat. He has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for every dollar which he possesses he has earned, and in carrying on his farm work he has been diligent, determined and progressive. His life record therefore proves what may be accomplished by the individual who has the will to dare and to do.