Heinrich Bruns was born in Hanover, Germany in 1843 to Heinrich and Wikkie Bruns. A year later, in the same place, Antje Raveling was born. In 1869, after Heinrich had served in the Austro-German War of 1866, they were married. Not long after their marriage, Heinrich was called to the Franco-Prussian War and he was wounded. This led to a determination that his sons would not serve in the army.

Four children were born; Heinrich R., Tjebbe, Harmka and Gerd. When military service loomed for the two oldest boys, it was decided that they should go to America to join Gerd and Tjebbe Raveling, their uncles. So, in 1887 Heinrich R. came to Valley City.

In March 1888, the remainder of the family arrived and were taken to the home of William Kernkamp, where they stayed while Heinrich, Sr. bought a homestead relinquishment fifteen miles north of Valley City. A ten by twelve shack was built and here Antje, with four year old Gerd lived while the rest of the family worked for neighbors. Bert was born September 12, 1888, during the terrible 1888 winter. In the Spring an abandoned frame house was purchased and moved to their claim.

When the Salem Church, a German Methodist Church, was built, the Bruns family joined and were active members as long as they lived. Antje was a first-class butter maker and her butter sold at a premium. Near their home was a hill called, "Pilot Knob," a land-mark since 1800. Here Indians would camp, sometimes stealing livestock and chickens and depleting their supply of water in the rather shallow well.

After Heinrich and Antje retired, they moved to Oriska. Antje died in May, 1918, and Heinrich lost his zeal for living and died three months later. The sons of Heinrich R. Bruns are treated in another Bruns history entitled, "Bruns Family- 2nd Generation."

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 38