Caesar was born a freeman, not a slave. He was the son of William and Affie Bruner who came to Indian Territory during the years of removal.
His mother was a Seminole woman and his father was enslaved by Tom Bruner. Caesar was also a full brother to Paro Bruner, noted Creek Freedmen leader.
Caesar was fully immersed in the culture of both nations, and he moved freely between both communities. Caesar was fluent in both English and Muscogee-the language used by both nations.
He was a community leader, interpreter and religious leader. During the Civil War, Caesar Bruner served as an interpreter for the Indian Home Guards.
He and a close neighbor, Dosar Barkus, became leaders of the Seminoles, both having tribal bands named after them.
Caesar emerged as a leader among Seminole Freedmen and he settled and established a community that was name after him – Brunertown
The Caesar band today is one of the two Freedman bands, and many of his direct descendants are still active in the Bruner band to this day.
Caesar Bruner is not to be forgotten as one of the true Indian Pioneers of pre-Oklahoma history.
He was often referred to as the voice of Seminole Freedmen. He lived 110 years.
Threads of Untold History