Brimer Township, northwest of Eckelson, was first settled by Andrew Brimer in 1881.
Andrew came to Canada in 1869 and on February 14, 1870, married Mary Ann Clendeumin, daughter of a Montreal merchant. Four children were born in Canada to this union: Maude, Ethel, David and Anna.
In 1876 Andrew's mother joined them but before her arrival, David died. She accompanied the family to Sanborn in 1881.
On August 11, 1881, a daughter, Eleanor Bertha, was born, the first white baby born in Brimer Township. Two other children followed, Andrew and James. When a school was established, the only children in the district were the Brimer children. Ethel and Anna taught there.
Andrew Brimer was very progressive and promoted the best farming methods at all times. His contributions to the township, county and state are too numerous to mention.
Andrew and Ann retired from active farming in 1913, spending their winters in California.
Mary Ann Brimer passed away on November 25, 1921 at the age of 74. Andrew died February 19, 1932 at the age of 86.
Of the seven Brimer children, three remained in Barnes County: Mrs. Betty Reid Lovelace, who died in 1973; James C. who farmed the home farm; and Andrew R., who farmed north of Urbana for a time.
James C. married Clara Siverson and they farmed until 1946, retiring to Valley City. James died in 1964, and Mrs. Brimer died in 1972.
The fourth generation of Brimers in Barnes County consists of David J., his wife, Iris, and three children; David P., DeAnn and Billy, also Dennis and his wife, Rena, who live on the family farm. Their children are Nicoli and Bradley, the fifth generation.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 35