Adair County Iowa

J. M. Bruner, who owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 28, Lee township, is a native of Audubon county, Iowa, born February 3, 1878. His parents, Perry and Mary M. (Swearangen) Bruner, were born respectively in Indiana and Champaign county, Illinois. In the ‘60s they removed to Audubon county, Iowa, where they are still living. In their family were twelve children, five of whom survive.

J. M. Bruner remained with his parents until he became of age and then worked as a farm hand, so continuing for five years. At the end of that time he rented land which he cultivated for a similar period. In the meantime he carefully saved his money and as soon as his capital was sufficient he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Lee township where he now resides. His place is well improved and he is meeting with gratifying success as a stock-raiser.

In 1904 Mr. Bruner married Miss Katie Stark, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of J. A. and Barbara Stark. Her father, who was a native of Indiana, became an early settler of Iowa and passed away in this state. Her mother is still living and resides in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Bruner have three children, Bertha M., Leland C. and John Milton.

Mr. Bruner is a democrat and is stalwart in his support of the candidates and principles of that organization. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church and no good cause appeals to them in vain. He has gained a fair measure of material prosperity and has also won the sincere respect and the goodwill of those who have been brought in contact with him.