BRUCE, Joshua Harrison - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

The death of an upright man and an enterprising citizen is a public calamity. When in addition there to deceased is possessed of a warm heart, sympathetic nature, liberality of action, purity of life, nobility of character and disinterestedness of motive, the loss strikes deep it becomes a person bereavement to all who knew him.  Such a man was Joshua H. Bruce, who departed this life on Saturday night last at the residence of his brother, Capt. SM Bruce after a brief illness which had confined him to his bed less than one week.  About six weeks prior to his death, Mr. Bruce had complained of stomach affection (sic) and he began rapidly to grow thin under the low diet to which he was subjected but the serious nature of the disease was not then suspected.  About two weeks ago threw from his stomach a peculiar fungoid substance which puzzled out local physicians and while at the time the worst was suspected yet it was felt that it would be wiser to consult other physicians and, in company with Dr. DuBois he went to St. Paul.  The case was diagnosed as cancer of the stomach, the worst fears of our physicians being confirmed.  Returning to this city, aware of the inevitable result, Mr. Bruce set about arranging his business affairs as deliberately and quietly as though he were assured of long life.  He distributed his estate providing for his wife and children as he desired and confronted fate with a cheerful bearing, without fear or misgiving.  His every act was that of a her.  On Sunday he was compelled to take to his bed, the first time in 40 years he ever had been forced by sickness to suspend his ordinary avocation.  From that time until the end came he declined rapidly, astonishingly so.  In health he was a man of splendid physique, powerful, elastic and hearty, having led an equable life as a farmer, temperate and methodical of habit.  Few men had promise of longer lease of life.  He died just before midnight, his life ebbing to its end as peacefully as a child sinks to its slumber.  It was a fitting ending to a remarkably well rounded life.  “Truly it may be said of him: “ledforth with peace!”  Joshua H. Bruce was born at Ladoga, Ind on March 22, 1833 where the first 30 years of his life was spent.  He was married at the age of 22 to Miss Sarah E. LaFollette who survives him.  The fruit of this union was a family of 8, 4 sons and 4 daughters all of whom are living with the exception of one son, Joshua H Jr who died about two years ago.  Mary P, wife of David Love of Ashley; Sarah M wife of Edward L. Mantor of Anoka; Ella E wife of John H. Love of Ashley; Mabel L aged 11 who lives at home; Charles R and Wallace farmers in Ashley and James M who lives at home.  In Oct 1863 Mr. Bruce removed to Sauk Centre, purchased the ¼ section now owned by O. Marshall on Melrose Road which he occupied for 10 years when he changed with SM Beidleman for the farm in Getty Grove which is so famous for its royal hospitality.  It contains near 400 as fertile and handsome acres as can be found in central Minnesota.  Modest and unassuming, a thorough farmer in theory and practice, he had little time for anything which would divide his attention.  Aside from holding school district and township offices he shrank from public life.  Nevertheless in 1886 wholly unsought, he received the nomination for the legislature from a people’s convention and was elected without opposition, no candidate contesting the field with him.  He served the State and his constituency faithfully and conscientiously but peremptorily declined renomination.  He preferred home to the turmoil of legislative life.  He leaves a half brother and half sister in this city, Capt SM Bruce and Mrs. JM Thomason and three brothers and two sisters in Indiana and Nebraska – one brother, John W was formerly a resident of this city.  To him flowed out the esteem and admiration of all who knew him and his memory will be revered long after his mortal frame shall have crumbled to dust.  His funeral was held on Monday from the Episcopal Church, Rev. JF Hamilton officiating and the edifice was unable to hold nearly all who assembled to pay final tribute to his memory.  The long cortege which followed him to his last resting place on the Odd-Fellow Cemetery more than 50 carriages being in line was a process of mourners indeed.  The pall bearers were AH Pettit; AG Jaques; JB Perkins; Fer Borman; P. Lamb and O. Marshall all old and warm personal friends.  His children were all present at the funeral and to them and the stricken partner of his life the sympathies of the entire community is extended in their bereavement – kbz