Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Bruce, William J 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 7, 2007, 8:52 pm

Author: Genealogical & Biographical Record

WILLIAM J. BRUCE, proprietor of the James Bruce quarries at Joliet and a 
member of the Bruce Stone Company at Romeo, is a native of this county, born 
at Lockport, December 6, 1857.  His father, James, who was born at Aberdeen, 
Scotland, October 11, 1823, came to America shortly before attaining his 
majority, crossing the ocean in the sailing vessel "St. Lawrence," in 1844.  
After a voyage of seven weeks, via Montreal and the lakes, he arrived in 
Chicago, from which point he proceeded to Lockport.  The trip had been an 
expensive one, taking all of his money, so that when he reached this county he 
had only one British shilling left.  He was fortunate in at once securing 
work.  Hiram Norton employed him as a millwright in the construction of the 
Norton mills. Later he acted as purchasing agent for George Barnett and made 
regular trips to Chicago, returning with supplies.  He also acted as 
superintendent for Mr. Barnett.  In time he became himself a contractor and 
employer of men.  He built the Illinois Central bridge at Lasalle and 
continued contracting and building until his wife died, in the fall of 1865.  
He then took up quarrying, changing his occupation in order that he might be 
at home to care for his children.  In company with others, he bought the old 
prison quarries, but gradually he bought the interest of his partners until he 
finally became the sole owner.  The remainder of his life was devoted to the 
quarry business, and for many years he was the largest shipper of stone from 
the county. His success in the business induced others to enter it, and thus 
he proved a great help in developing one of the most important industries of 
this locality.  A Republican in politics, he was, however, not active in 
public affairs and never cared to hold offices.   While he was not connected 
with any denomination he attended and contributed to the maintenance of the 
Congregational Church.  His home was a substantial residence, built by 
himself, on the road between Joliet and Lockport.  Few residents of the county 
have been more respected than he, and none have stood higher among their 
associates and friends.  His worth was recognized by all.  His character was 
above reproach.  After a very active life he passed from earth December 13, 
1898, at the age of seventy-five years, two months and two days.  He had been 
twice married.  His first wife was Jane, daughter of George Stephen, who came 
to this county at the same time with James Bruce.  Five children were born of 
this union, viz.: Georgiana, deceased; Belle, wife of George P. Stephen, of 
Lake County, Ill.; William J.; Margaret, wife of J. A. Jamieson, of 
Marseilles; and Jennie, deceased. By his second wife, Jane Stephen, who was a 
cousin of his first wife, Mr. Bruce had four sons, namely: Ebenezer S., 
deceased; James, who is engaged in the grain business at Marseilles; Harry W., 
deceased; and Robert.

The paternal grandfather of our subject came to America when in middle life 
and settled in Will County, where he followed the millwright's trade.  He had 
four sons, James, Samuel, Alexander and George.  He was a man of great 
activity and energy.  His death was sudden, resulting from cholera.  He worked 
until dark one evening and was buried before daylight the next morning.

While he had very few educational advantages our subject, William J. Bruce, 
has become a well-informed man, having availed himself of every opportunity to 
increase his fund of knowledge. When sixteen years of age he began to work in 
quarries and this business he has since followed. His knowledge of the 
occupation has therefore been acquired by practical experience.  For some 
years he was in partnership with his father, until the latter's death.  The 
only serious accident with which he has met was caused by the explosion of a 
keg of powder, which blew him through the side of the house; in the midst of 
the danger he did notlose his presence of mind, but saved his life by throwing 
himself in the water at the bottom of the quarry, thus putting out the fire.  
While he escaped unhurt, his hearing was injured by the accident.  As a 
business man he is quick and active.  From his quarry at Romeo he has taken as 
much as twenty thousand tons a month, the most of which has been shipped to 
Joliet and South Chicago.

In national politics Mr. Bruce is a Republican, but in local matters is 
independent, voting for the man rather than the party.  He is connected with 
the blue lodge of Masonry at Lockport.  December 23, 1885, he married Jennie, 
daughter of William Cameron, of Lockport; she was born in Canada, but has 
spent her life principally in this county.  Her father and her husband's 
father were born within four miles of each other in Scotland.  Of the seven 
children born to her marriage three are deceased, and the four living are 
Cameron, Harry, James and Jane.  The family occupy a comfortable residence, 
built in 1896 by Mr. Bruce, and standing on the road between Joliet and 
Lockport, next to the old Bruce homestead, where he was born.


Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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