My Genealogy Hound

Edward Bruner, farmer and retired blacksmith, was born June 15, 1816, in Dearborn County, Ind., the son of Samuel and Abigail (Higby) Bruner, natives of Kentucky and Ohio, respectively. They were married in Dearborn County, Ind., where they lived until our subject was eighteen years old. They then moved to Ripley County, where the mother died in 1843, and the father in 1861. The father married the second time. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county, and when eighteen years of age became apprenticed to the blacksmith trade, and served two years. He established himself then in Ripley County, and at his majority was married, and settled on a farm in that county. He continued there engaged in blacksmithing and farming until 1855, excepting the years 1846 and 1847 in Rush County. He then went to Lee County, Iowa. He soon crossed over to Clark County, and settled where he has since resided. His wife, Mercy, the daughter of Rev. Andrew and Nancy (Bryant) Baker, was born December 3, 1819, in Virginia. She lived in Tennessee, Ripley Co., Ind., and Rush County, where they lived for some time. They were married February 1, 1838. Of the eleven children the following are living: Nancy, Margaret A., James P., John M., William R. and Edward E. Our subject began when his farm was a forest, and has now converted his estate into one of the finest in the township. It embraces 160 acres of fine land. He is a skilled mechanic, and worked at his trade for about thirty-three years. He cast his first vote for Harrison, and has been successively a Whig and Democrat, of which latter party he is now an active supporter. He has served as trustee for several terms, and is identified with the I. O. O. F. fraternity. He, his wife, Nancy, Margaret A. and Edward E. are members of the Baptist Church.