Speed - Bruce
Source: Montgomery Co., Indiana Atlas (Chicago: Beers, 1878) p 55
SPEED, Bruce, PO Crawfordsville; Marble Dealer; settled here
1849.
Bruce was probably born here in Montgomery County or shortly before the family's arrival in Crawfordsville. His family, included his father, John and mother, Margaret. As a young man, he received his call of duty, and entered the Civil War 11 July 1863 and may have reenlisted May 23 the next year. He had at least three siblings, Cecelia, Sydney and Margaret but likely more. Later in life, he was in and out of several Disabled Veterans homes, including Danville, Illinois and Marion, Grant County, Indiana. His condition was chronic rheumatism and deafness. A tall, regal man, Robert Bruce Speed stood slightly over 6' was light in complexion, hair color with blue eyes. His pension topped out at $50 in 1915. He married Jennie Farrell and they had at least one son, John and one daughter, Mrs. Forest Rarrick of Logansport. While in Crawfordsville the family lived at 217 E. Market Street. Jennie died in 1893 not even 50 years old.
He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Crawfordsville, according to the tombstone his son, John M. Speed applied for from the government on 21 September 1946. He died 2 June 1925
Bruce was in the 13th Reg Indiana Infantry. Although I think his birthday is incorrect on the application listed as 21 June 1850 (I believe it is 21 June 1849 as Bruce is listed as ONE in September of 1850 when that census was taken so having been born the previous yearin June he'd have been listed as one year old). His ages go perfectly with that date ... 11 in 1860; 21 in 1870 etc. Son John was a stone mason and died in December 1959 at Peru, Indiana.
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