Henry R. Bruns (1870-1935), the first of the family to arrive in America, settled in the southern part of Noltimier Township, where he bought his first quarter section of land in 1892, on crop payment contract, and had it paid for in 1902. In 1926, the "St. Paul Farmer" recognized his work in agriculture by naming him a "Master Farmer."

He was president of the Noltimier School Board for many years, and to him and the C. A. Fischers, and others, fell a large share of the responsibility of organizing the township from one containing parts of twelve school districts into a consolidated school district.

Henry helped to raise money to build the Barnes County Creamery, and he was one of the first stockholders. The Creamery was instrumental in getting higher prices for butterfat.

Henry R. Bruns was County Commissioner when the present courthouse was built. He served in that capacity for sixteen years.

He was a strong member of the Salem Methodist Church, and was a trustee when the church was built. He also served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, and as a teacher and steward.

Henry and his next youngest brother, Tjebbe, married sisters; Anna and Carry Marshall. To Henry and Anna were born four daughters and three sons: Henrietta (Mrs. Frank Bates), Emma (Mrs. Max Lindley), Henry T., Clarence, Rozella (Mrs. Sidney Haugen), Wesley, and Geneva (Mrs. Kenneth Burchill).

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 39