Biography - Jonathan D. Bruce
JONATHAN D. BRUCE. The family to which our subject belongs boasts a name
that is famous in Scottish history. A lineal descendant of the Scottish
Kings, the branch of the family to which our subject belongs emigrated to
America early in the eighteenth century and became possessors of large
tracts of land in Virginia. Their relations there were with the people whose
names are so intimately and prominently connected with the Colonial period
of American history; the Reeds, Birds, Pendletons, Lees and Bruces were
co-workers in Colonial times. Like the majority of Virginia families the
scions of their family spread out like the rootlets of a tree through the
Southern and Central States, that to which our family belongs settling in
Tennessee.
Benjamin W. Bruce, the father of our subject, was born in Bedford County,
Tenn., December 25, 1800. Our subject's mother was in her maiden days Miss
Elizabeth Tull, another good old name which figures in Colonial history. She
was born in Bedford County, Tenn., November, 23, 1805. They removed to
Shelby County, soon, if not immediately after they were married, settling
here in 1828, in Windsor Township on Sand Creek, and were among the earliest
pioneers in that portion of the country. Mr. Bruce, Sr., was a farmer by
occupation. The social bond at that early day was kept firm by their church
relations. Both he and his wife were communicants of the Christian Church
and were ardent workers in the same. Their last days were spent in Windsor
Township, the father passing away in the spring of 1861. His wife survived
him by a member of years, her decease occuring January 20, 1875.
One almost wonders that among the manifold duties incident to pioneer life
which included not only baking and brewing and making of garments for the
members of the family, but also the carding and spinning and making into
cloth, of wool and cotton, that our subject's mother had time to rear nine
children and give to each of them the training which, as a conscientious and
Christian woman, she felt she owed them. This, however, she did and of the
brood of little ones that gathered in the old-fashioned kitchen about the
fireplace, our subject was the fourth child in order of birth. He was born
in Windsor Township, this county, April 11, 1833.
He of whom we write was reared on the home farm in Windsor Township and
remained with his father, assisting with the care and cultivation of the
farm until he was married, which auspicious event took place August 19,
1852. He was united to Miss Elenor B. Herod, who was a native of this
county. She has borne him eight children. Their names are, Clinton D.,
Samantha A., George F., Addie M., Estella B., Maude H., Charles O. and
Clarence C. Samantha A. is now the wife of George Garvin; Addie is the wife
of James Moberly; Estella B. died when little more than an infant; Maude H.
is the wife of John W. Moberly.
Mrs. Elenor Bruce died in Windsor Township, January 8, 1875. The first home
of our subject after his marriage was located on Sand Creek; there they
remained for one year and then removed to Windsor, of which he was the first
inhabitant, there building the first house. His settlement in Windsor was
made in 1856. He was also proprietor of the first hotel in the village. It
was known as the Windsor Hotel, and this he conducted for about three years,
after which he was engaged in the mercantile business with John H.
Whitstone. They continued in partnership for about three years at the
expiration of which time Mr. Bruce sold out his interest and with the
proceeds purchased a farm in Moultrie County, which, however he soon
disposed of. During his residence in Windsor, our subject was engaged in
farming, uniting with this the stock and grain business, in which he was a
large dealer for several years. He afterward operated a large grain store in
company with Charles Voris. Later including H. F. Smyser and Levi Wilkinson
in the partnership they continued to carry on the grain and mercantile
business until about 1872. They also opened a bank, in which they did a good
business in connection with their store.
Since leaving the partnership above referred to, he of whom we write has
engaged exclusively in farming and dealing in stock. He is the owner of
about four hundred acres of good land located on section 36, just outside
the city of Windsor. Upon this farm he has a charming residence which he has
erected on the point nearest the village. His farm boasts of the best of
improvements and is a conspicuous feature in the agricultural district of
the vicinity. Mr. Bruce has been an important factor in the building up of
the town of Windsor, and the inhabitants owe him much for many conveniences
that make them so closely allied to larger cities.
Our subject was a second time married in Windsor to Miss Mary A. McAmant.
Their nuptials were celebrated May 9, 1876. The lady was born in Ohio. She
has presented her husband with two children — Robert B. and Elenore E. The
latter died when ten and a half years old. In his political preferences Mr.
Bruce is a Democrat, in that following the traditions of his family. He has
taken an active part in religious affairs, having been a member of the
Christian Church since 1857 and has filled the office of Deacon for about
twenty-five years. The body with which he is united owes much to his
generosity and executive ability.
Extracted 09 Apr 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 496-498.
