... Henry Bruner, the grandfather of J. S., was born Oct. 30, 1785, and was a boy when the family settled at Cedar Creek. When he came of legal age he drew from the Government Lot 8, Concession 3, consisting of 200 acres, locating on his new acquisition when John W. Wigle was his only near neighbor. The land was heavily wooded and proved very wet, requiring much drainage, and wild animals were still a menace to the farmer’s stock. Soon after coming here, wolves killed his only cow. Henry Bruner built here a double log house which stood some twenty rods to the northwest of our subject’s present home. Some forty years ago that house was remodeled, and it stood until some ten years ago, when J. S. Bruner tore it down to make way for improvements. In that primitive home the grandfather died and was, at the time, according to custom, interred on his own land, but some fifteen years ago his remains, with those of his wife, were removed to the Olinda cemetery. In addition to clearing his land and cultivating it, Henry Bruner officiated as a minister of the Baptist Church, and much of his time was devoted to work pertaining to his spiritual calling.
He was thrice married (first) to Elizabeth Utch; (second) to widow Tron, and (third) to Widow Moody. ...
