F.H. Bruns, a prosperous general agriculturist pleasantly located on section 11, Garnavillo Township, Clayton County, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 3, 1841. His father was Herman Bruns, also a native of Hanover, Germany, where he died when our subject was an infant. His mother's maiden name was Sophia Kruser. She was also of German birth, having been born in Hanover. Three children were born to them, Minnie, the wife of Casper Worges, a farmer of Clayton Township, this county; Christiana, Mrs. Bierbaum, also of Clayton Township, but now deceased, and F.H., our subject.

The mother of our subject emigrated to American with her three children in 1843. She first settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she married John H. Schroder; she then moved on a farm seven miles from Cincinnati, and later came to Clayton County, Iowa, in the year 1855. Two children were born of this union, John H., who is living in Clayton Township, and Henry, who died in Ohio several years ago. The parents are both dead.

In 1866 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Millering, a daughter of John H. and Margaret E. Millering, both Germans by birth. They came to the United States in 1844. The father departed this life February 27, 1894. The mother is still living and makes her home with her son William, whose sketch appears on another page in this volume.

Mr. and Mrs. Bruns became the parents of eleven children. Sophia is the wife of Edward Kregel, a farmer of this township and also Secretary of the creamery at Garnavillo; Henry and maggie are twins; the former is not married and lives at home. Maggie married Henry Kaiser and resides in Monona, Iowa; Emma, the wife of Fred Meyer, is a farmer living near Postville, this county; Amealia, Lucy, George, Rosa, Mahala, Willie and Melvina complete the list. The last seven named are still single and remain at home with their parents.

Our subject bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in 1871. He has a fine farm, well cultivated and improved, a new and substantial residence, large and commodious barns and outbuildings well stocked, and has all the latest improved farming implements. He and his excellent wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church at Garnavillo and give liberally to the support of the same. Politically he is a Republican and always votes for the candidates of that party. He is a man whose entire course of life has been in every respect honorable, upright and conscientious, and he is justly entitled to the respect of his associates and the esteem of his friends.

~source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894; pg 454-455
~transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall