John W. Bruns, born of immigrant parents in Jefferson Township, Bremer County, Iowa, in 1855, completed his cycle 81 years later in Cooperstown. He grew up on his father's farm and married Sophia Buesing of Waverly. They prospered and raised six children - Otto, Lydia, Martha, Malinda, Alma, Walter. All came to Griggs County and Kingsley Township.
In 1902 he arrived in Cooperstown with his brother-in-law, Henry G. Rohlwing of Sumner, Iowa. They bought 1041 acres three miles North of Cooperstown, operating in partnership until selling to Edward Savre (son-in-law) and others, 1910.
Circa 1904-08 he bought and commenced farming three quarters in Kingsley Township. Together with others he helped organize the German (Zion) Lutheran Church five miles East. Sadly, his wife was the first to enter its cemetery, 1909. He sold the farm to Otto and operations devolved to Walter, assisted for some time by Fred and Lydia (Bruns) Boeckman. In 1911 he married Mrs. Jennie Holman of Cooperstown and worked in the light plant some years. Thereafter, in season, he alternated between the Savre and Bruns farms.
Otto H. Bruns arrived in 1901-2. A bookkeeper, he was employed by Syverson Departments Store in Cooperstown several years. In 1907 he married Henrietta C. Holman of Dazey. Later he became a partner in King-Bruns Auto Company, Cooperstown, retaining this interest for years.
Tragically, Walter Bruns followed his mother in 1914, age 23 years. Otto and "Etta" moved to the farm. 1915 was a banner year never quite repeated. Full-scale operations followed. Eventually there were new and larger buildings. Miles of fence were added. Three quarters became five, and five sons - Oswald, Raymond, Warren, Wayne and Quentin gradually became a part of the total effort. Certainly there were many good and happy years prior to 1929.
Reacting to the attrition of the drought- depression years, the Bruns family opted for Washington. Disengagement was completed in 1938.
Prepared By R. E. Bruns (one of five) 6/10/75
With the help of dad's notes.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 323