W. F. BRUNING, farmer; P. 0. Forest City; was born near Bremen, Germany, Feb. 5, 1822; when about 18 years of age, he shipped on board the German whale ship Izaria, bound for Greenland, where the crew engaged in catching whales and seals.  The Izaria sailed within a very short distance of the most northern point known at that time. Mr. Bruning followed the sea for several years, visiting many different parts of the world, and seeing many curious sights. In 1848, he came to Illinois, and, in the following year, located on the farm where he now resides. June 18, 1841, he married Miss Magdelain Allebrand in New York City; they have seven children, six of them boys—Elizabeth J., Fred L., Harroan G., Ira W., Henry T., William A. and George A. Mr. Bruning assisted in organizing the first Sunday school in this part of the country, and is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres situated near Forest City, Ill.



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