Luke Bulger has been actively identified with business
interests of Contra Costa County as a contractor and builder for the past
thirty-nine years. He was born in Canada near Montreal, June 6, 1852, a son
of James and Margaret Bulger, both natives of Ireland. Mr. Bulger acquired
his education in the public schools of Chicago, Illinois. He took up the
carpenter trade when a young man, and has since been identified with
contracting and building. Thirty-nine years ago he came to Martinez, where
he embarked in business as a building contractor on his own account. He
first erected cottages and did carpenter-work and gradually branched out
into larger construction. He has erected and been identified with many
important structures. He was superintendent of the Contra Costa County
courthouse and town hall, and also had charge of the Byron Hot Springs
Hotel. He has erected many of the finest homes in Martinez. Politically, Mr.
Bulger is a Democrat. He has served as school trustee for twenty-four years.
He was united in marriage thirty-five years ago to Margaret Hurley; her
death occurred seventeen years ago. There were eight children born to this
union. Mr. Bulger is a member of the Woodmen of the World.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, p. 499.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.
Herman H. Bruns, a representative pioneer settler of Contra
Costa County and a true type of the brave, hardy, and energetic men of
nearly fifty years ago who, coming to this country in manhood's prime,
contributed largely toward its growth and advancement. He was a man of
excellent ability, sound judgment, and good principles. Being a native of
Germany, he was reared and educated in his native land. In the early '70s he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the Antioch section, where
he successfully carried on general ranching. Mr. Bruns married Catherine
Bruggamann, also a native of Germany, and to this union there are two
children - John, born June 12, 1888, and Herman H., Jr., born December 31,
1885. Both boys received their education in the public schools of Byron and
Brentwood, after which they assisted on the home place. John H. was united
in marriage to Esther L. Davidson, a native of Antioch, July 21, 1915, and
to this union was born John Donald, December 6, 1916. Fraternally, John H.
Bruns and his brother are members of the I. O. O. F. of Byron and the
Masonic lodge of Brentwood. Politically, they both are affiliated with the
Republican party, and they adhere to the principles which are advocated in
the platform of their party in national affairs, but locally reserve the
right to cast their ballots for the man whom they consider best qualified
for public office. In Brentwood Bruns Brothers erected a concrete and modern
garage, 75 by 120 feet, which would be a credit to a larger city. They have
erected a modern and substantial garage in Antioch, 50 by 100 feet, on the
corner of Third and F streets. The firm of Bruns Brothers have the agency
for the Buick and Ford automobiles. They are held in the highest esteem both
in business and social relations in their community.
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California",
Elms Publ. Co., 1917, pp. 499-500.
Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, August, 2006.