Person:William Bruce (23)

William Bruce founded Bruceville, Indiana,^[2] fought at the Battle of Tippecanoe,^[2] and may have hosted a young Abraham Lincoln at his home.^[3][4]

Excerpts From His Memoir

“My first recollection that I have of my ancestors was hearing my grandfather, James Bruce, telling that himself and a younger brother, George Bruce, came from Scotland about the year 1740. My grandfather located in Winchester, Virginia. He was a house carpenter by trade, and I have heard him say that he built the first frame house that was ever built in that town. About the year 1744 he married a Margaret McMahon and moved to the north branch of the Potomac in Maryland. He continued there, following his trade and farming until he raised a large family of children.

"My father, William Bruce, was the eldest... My father married a widow Percifull...

"My father, soon after marrying my mother, moved to Monoghahela and settled about fourteen miles above Pittsburgh, between the mouths of Peteso Creek and Newels Store, now Elizabethtown.^[10] It was then the haunt of Indians and forts were the only place of safety for the families of those hardy pioneers. I had two sisters older than myself, that were born in the fort, and myself, the third child, soon after they ventured to their farms. I was born the Sixth of August, 1776, one month and two days after Independence was declared. I can, with the Apostle Paul, say that I was free born, while our forefathers had to obtain their freedom by their blood and treasure. During the Revolutionary War, my father was frequently called upon to perform military service. The first that I recollect him talking about was being stationed at a place then called Catfish Camp, called after an old Indian chief, near a place now called Washington, and not far from a place on the Monongahela then called Red Stone. My father served then in the capacity of lieutenant. The next service he performed was under General George Rogers Clark. He commanded a company under the veteran soldier to Louisville; was absent from home some five or six months...

"As I before observed, I was born at a time that tried man’s soul. None but a man that has no fear of Indians but their prudence would venture to risk his family where the prowling wolf and subtle savage roamed. Then the Whig and Tory often lived in one fort. But it happened that my grandfather and father were true American Whigs. I fortunately partook of the same spirit and have retained it to this day. When I was about nine years old my father sold his plantation on the Monongahela and moved to Kentucky-I think it was the fall of 1784. We landed at the mouth of Bear Grass. Louisville was then a small village and there was a garrison with some United States troops kept there. We lived there that winter and in the spring of 1785 moved on the waters of Cox’s Creek named after my uncle David Cox, that had settled there a few years previous (now Nelson County). My father bought two hundred acres of land and commenced making a farm. The first settlers had just ventured from their forts. I recollect having to stand and watch while my father was at work with his rifle well braced standing against a tree close at hand. About this time Colonel Issac Cox was killed by the Indians while out surveying on a branch called Powelsbern waters of the East fork of Cox’s Creek, and about four miles from where my father lived. This made quite a stir in the neighborhood and men were stationed at different places along the frontier settlements. That was the last murder that was committed by the Indians between Salt River and Bardstown. From that time on until the close of the Indian war, after General Anthony Wayne gave them such a scourging, times gradually became more safe and the settlements were pushed on to the Ohio River.

"At the age of 22 I was married to the third daughter of Captain Charles Polke of Shelby County, and the youngest of four children of his that were taken prisoners by the Indians. When they took and burned his fort he had been called away with his company of militia from Simpson’s Creek, where his fort stood, to succor the forts on Bear Grass, as it was believed that the enemy in a large body was about making a descent on the forts in that quarter from the sign that had been discovered, but the wily savages after they found that the principal part of the men had been called away, changed their course and near 100 of them attacked Polk’s station, killed several and took the rest prisoners after burning the fort. Among the prisoners was my mother-in-law and the four children above mentioned, to-wit: William Polk, who has been a very conspicuous character from the early settling of Knox County, Indiana, until his death about eight years ago, having filled various important trusts. He was one that helped frame the first constitution for Indiana in 1816; commissioner of the Michigan road for a number of years, frequently served in the legislature of the State and was registrar of the Land Office at Fort Wayne at the time of his death. The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, married Captain Spier Spencer, who fell in the battle of Tippecanoe of the Indian fighting notoriety, whose death was much lamented. The second daughter, Nancy, married Peter Ruby. Some of her children are still living in Knox County. The third, Sally, became my wife October 23, 1798."^[2]

Founding Bruceville, Indiana

"I then bought me a small tract of land on the waters of Cox’s Creek, Nelson County, Kentucky; made a small farm when an older claim took it away from me. I then packed up what little plunder I had, my wife and four children, on horseback and moved to Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana. In the spring of 1805; rented five acres of ground to raise corn for which I paid twenty-five dollars cash. Pretty tough times. That summer I purchased two hundred acres of ground on which Bruceville now stands, built a cabin, and in October the same year, moved to it. I had a few white neighbors scattered about and quite a number of red skins hunting and traveling through all parts of our country, the Delawares, Miamis, Shawnees, Potenatomies, etc.; but at that time they were entirely friendly and continued so until Tecumseh commenced collecting them at Tippcaenoe in 1809, -10, and -11, when we had to be more on our guard. In 1811 the expedition to the Prophet’s Town started up the Wabash."^[2]

Establishing Local Churches

"About the fall 1807, as well as I recollect, we collected twelve or fourteen scattering Baptists over as many miles around and were constituted a church by John Taylor and William Keller of Kentucky. The Constitution took place at my house on the tract of land that Bruceville now stands on. We called it the Wabash Church. We still gathered a few by letter, some by baptism. Our first preacher was a William Braselton, quite a speaker, but possessed of considerable enthusiasm. When the Shakers located themselves in this county, he was carried off by them and we were very happily rid of him and wife. We increased until we were strong enough to build us a comfortable log house to worship in, on the same ground that the Presbyterian brick house now stands on the road leading from Bruceville to Vincennes. Some years after, a number of my first wife’s family and other Baptists moved on Mariah Creek and concluded to be constituted a church there, when my wife and I received letters of dismission and was constituted a church, called it Mariah Creek Church. Our membership continued there until her death in 1818. The church prospered greatly for several years after. I think that when a few of us at Bruceville (say nine) petitioned for letters of dismission, that as well as I recollect, the church book numbered 170 members, but suspicion got afloat that we intended to be constituted on the scripture without any other creed or confession of faith.^[8] The spirit of persecution commenced and on the day we were constituted, some twenty or more of their members broke off from them and were constituted with us. From that time the old members kept leaving them and our congregation increased under the ministry of Brother David Warford first and Brother Maurice R. Trimble next, until our church numbered over one hundred. We let off constitution and parts to several constitutions. We still numbered over one hundred. The good Lord still blesses us with prosperity under the ministry of Brother Wolf who preaches for us once a month. But the persecuting spirit of a few of their leading members of poor old Mariah Creek Church against us and others that think the Scriptures sufficient rule for faith and practice, has reduced them to a mere skeleton."^[2]

According to the early records of Maria Creek Church, William Bruce left the church in 1812 in protest to its admittance of slave-owner Peter Hansbrough. He rejoined the church in 1816.^[7] In 1832, William left Maria Creek Church again to help form a new Reformed church, The Church of Christ at Bruceville. The split was not cordial, and bitterness prevailed between the two churches for years.^[8]

The Battle of Tippecanoe, War of 1812

"The summer before I had been ordered by William Henry Harrison, Governor and Commissioner in Chief of the Northwest Territory, to bring my command of militia to Vincennes and to remain there twenty days, as it was then thought that the Indians intended to make a descent on Vincennes, and continued there twenty days. And as I was the oldest was called to take command of the company that was called from our battalion, and as I could not go as an officer, I turned out a volunteer in the spring under Captain Tousaint DuBois, and a more patriotic man did not live; loved by his men and true to his country. Some years after, he was drowned on the road from St. Louis home; regretted by all who had the slightest acquaintance with him. The army marched about two miles above Terra Haute and there built Fort Harrison and called it after our patriotic General. We were about one month erecting the fort. When completed, the army pursued its route up the Wabash to beyond the mouth of Big Vermillion where the spies and six of Robb’s company were ordered back by General Harrison, myself among the number, to have the militia in a state of readiness; kept scouts passing every day from Wabash to White River lest the Indians should fall in rear of the army and surprise and butcher the frontier settlements, as Harrison was well acquainted with the Indian character, caused this precaution. The battle was fought the seventh of November, 1811, when our poor men were badly handled and the Indians worse. The night of the battle, myself, in company with my lieutenant, now Esquire Wilkins of Merom, Sullivan County, encamped about one and one-half miles west of where Edwardsport now stands, having been on the lookout between two rivers. After a few months of calm, the difficulties broke out afresh. The citizens had to build stockade forts for the protection of their families. We suffered many inconveniences from being so crowded together, nevertheless, we were quite peaceable and happy. Nothing like enemies without to make peace within. The fort I lived in was on my own place. Some of the nails made of white oak picket, I believe is in existence yet. When peace was again made, it terminated the third frontier life that I had experienced, and I hope the last."^[2]

Hosting Abraham Lincoln

The schoolhouse where Lincoln delivered his speech.

According to some sources, William hosted a young Abraham Lincoln in his home^[5] after he made a speech at the Bruceville schoolhouse around the date of October 24, 1844.^[3][4][9]

The collection A History of Bruceville, Indiana includes an unattributed essay The Old Bruce Home that includes this detailed narrative of the events. An article in the May 1896 issue of McClure's Magazine corroborates many of these details from Lincoln's visit, but it does not mention where he stayed.^[3]

Abraham Lincoln was a guest at the Bruce home in the fall of 1844. He was traveling in company with Abner T. Ellis, a prominent attorney from Vincennes, and was to speak at the little brick school house a short distance up the hill from the Bruce home. It had been widely heralded that Mr. Lincoln would speak to the Whigs of Bruceville on the political issues of the day, and preparations had been made to make the occasion one of great importance, since even then Lincoln had become noted as a speaker of great promise.

Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Ellis were conducted to the school building by their landlord, Major Bruce, who was also an ardent Whig. They found the building filled with friends of the Whig cause, and after a song by the glee club, Mr. Lincoln was introduced and commenced his speech. After he had spoken about five minutes an alarm was given that a large crowd of Democrats had invaded the town and brought speakers for the avowed purpose of counteracting the influence of Lincoln’s speech and breaking up the Whig gathering. Great excitement at once prevailed, Lincoln’s audience quickly dissolved, and he calmly sat down to await the outcome.

The town was filled with people and boiling with excitement. Carr, of Vincennes, was trying to speak from an open buggy, with men holding the bit of his horse, but his vice could scarcely be heard above the tumult. It seemed for a time that bloodshed was inevitable, but finally a wiser counsel prevailed and the invading Democrats retired. Considerable time had elapsed, but Lincoln smilingly completed his speech after the Whigs had reassembled.

After returning to the Bruce home, he was conducted to his room, which still remains and is known as the Lincoln room. His bed is said to have stood in the southwest corner of the room, and the old wooden clock, since removed, in the northwest corner. Abner Ellis had returned to Vincennes that night, and Lincoln resumed his journey to Illinois the next morning.^[5]

The careful reader will note the absence of the Lincoln visit from William’s memoir. However, the memoir was written in 1853 while Lincoln was a lawyer and lobbyist for the Illinois Central Railroad, and his only political experience had been a single two year term in the House of Representatives as the sole Whig representing Illinois. It wasn’t until the late 1850's that he rose to national political prominence. So it is possible Lincoln was a guest of William’s, but considering his stature at the time, William saw no reason to include the visit in his brief memoir.

1. ↑ Judy & Gary Griffin, [email protected]. Hutchinson - Laird - Griffin - Eggleston and Related Families.
2. ↑ ^{2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10} Bruce, William, 1776-1853. Memoirs of The Bruce Family. (Bruceville, Knox, Indiana, United States : Rainbow Class, Bruceville Christian Church, 1954).
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Tarbell, Ida Minerva. The Life of Abraham Lincoln. McClure's Magazine. (S.S. McClure, May 1896)
   p. 526.

   Lincoln's speeches at this time were not confined to his own State. He made several in Indiana, being invited thither by prominent Whig politicians who had heard him speak in Illinois. The first and most important of his meetings in Indiana was at Bruceville. The Democrats, learning of the proposed Whig gathering, arranged one, for the same evening, with Lieutenant William W. Carr of Vincennes as speaker. As might have been expected from the excited state of politics at the moment, the proximity of the two mass-meetings aroused party loyalty to a fighting pitch. "Each party was determined to break up the other's speaking," writes Miss O'Flynn, in a description of the Bruceville meeting prepared for this Magazine from interviews with those who took part in it. "The night was made hideous with the rattle of tin pans and bells and the blare of cow-horns. In spite of all the din and uproar of the younger element, a few grown-up male radicals and partisan women sang and cheered loudly for their favorites, who kept on with their flow of political information. Lieutenant Carr stood in his carriage, and addressed the crowd around him, while a local politician acted as grand marshal of the night, and urged the yelling Democratic legion to surge to the schoolhouse, where Abraham Lincoln was speaking, and run the Whigs from their headquarters. Old men now living, who were big boys then, cannot remember any of the burning eloquence of either speaker. As they now laughingly express it: 'We were far more interested in the noise and fussing than the success of the speakers, and we ran backward and forward from one camp to the other.'

4. ↑ ^4.0 4.1 Miers, Earl Schenck, and Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. Lincoln, day by day : a chronology, 1809-1865. (Washington [District of Columbia]: U.S. Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, 1960).

   http://www.thelincolnlog.org/view/this_day?month=10&day=24
   
   It is probable that Lincoln started for Vincennes latter part of this week. He is said to have been guest of Judge Abner T. Ellis, though there is no record that he made address in Vincennes. Major William Bruce, for whom Bruceville, Indiana was named, claimed that Lincoln spoke in brick schoolhouse in Bruceville. LL, No. 271.

5. ↑ ^5.0 5.1 Unknown. The Old Bruce Home. (Bruceville, Knox, Indiana, United States: Rainbow Class, Bruceville Christian Church, 1954).

   See "Hosting Abraham Lincoln" above.

6. ↑ Keith, Ben. F, M.D. History of Mariah Creek Church: carefully compiled from the records of the church and from the minutes of Wabash and Union Associations. (Vincennes, Ind.: A.V. Crotts & Co., Book and Job Printers, 1889)
   p. 6, p. 93.

   http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofmariacr00keit#page/6
   
   There were thirteen members that entered into that
   organization, viz: Samuel Allison, Phoebe Allison, Charles
   Polke, Sen., Charles Polke, Jr., Margaret Polke, Achsah
   Polke, William Polke, Sally Polke, John Lemen, Polly
   Lemen, William Bruce. Sally Bruce, and John Morris, a
   man of color.

7. ↑ ^7.0 7.1 Keith, Ben. F, M.D. History of Mariah Creek Church: carefully compiled from the records of the church and from the minutes of Wabash and Union Associations. (Vincennes, Ind.: A.V. Crotts & Co., Book and Job Printers, 1889)
   pgs. 17-18.

   http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofmariacr00keit#page/17
   
   "Feb., 1812. Peter Hansbrough presented a letter
   asking admission into the church. Objected to on account
   of his holding slaves, by Brethren Wm. Bruce and Wm.
   Drake, and by Sisters Delila Listen, Elizabeth More and
   Polly Chambers. Refered."
   
   "March, 1812. The reference respecting the reception
   of Bro. Peter Hansbrough being taken up, the objectors
   being called on to know whether they continued their ob-
   jections. A preparatory motion to come at the business,
   moved and seconded, that an enquiry be made of the
   church whether they wish to continue the union with the
   Baptists they stand united with. The church say with
   the exception of one member, Wm. Bruce, they wish to
   continue the union. The objectors to the reception of
   Bro. Hansbrough being again called on, whether they still
   continue their objections to his reception on account of
   his holding slaves.
   
   "Bro. Wm. Bruce continueing his objections and the
   church conceiving the objections to amount to a declara-
   tion of non-fellowship with the Baptist connexion with
   whom we are in union; nnd the church believing it will be
   to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom and the
   peace and prosperity of the church to continue the union,
   and Bro. Bruce being unwilling to continue in union with
   slave holders, he is considered no more a member with us;
   at the same time they declare they have no objections to
   his moral character as a christian."
   
   Bro. Wm. Bruce was afterwards, (July, 1816,) at his re-
   quest, restored to the church.

8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2} Keith, Ben. F, M.D. History of Mariah Creek Church: carefully compiled from the records of the church and from the minutes of Wabash and Union Associations. (Vincennes, Ind.: A.V. Crotts & Co., Book and Job Printers, 1889)
   pgs. 72-76.

   http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofmariacr00keit#page/72
   
   "Feb. 18th, 1832. An application of Wm. Bruce and
   others for letters of dismission in order to be constituted in
   a church at Bruceville.
   
   Bruceville, Feb. 17th, 1832.
   
   Dear Brethren: Hoping that it would be for the
   honor of our Divine Master, and our own convenience
   and comfort, we request of you, (if you think us worthy,)
   letters of dismission, in order that we may be constituted a
   Church of Christ at Bruceville; and as we are so circum-
   stanced that it is not convenient for us to attend, we have
   sent this our request by our beloved Brethren, David
   Lemen and Andrew Burnsides, to the church at Maria
   Creek. Wm. Bruce, David Lemen, Andrew Burnsides,
   Obed Macy. Jane Burnsides, Lucinda Macy, Nancy How-
   ard and Rebecca Simpson."
   
   "The church, after consultation on the request, agrees
   to dismiss the Brethren for the purpose of constituting
   themselves into a church of Jesus Christ in the manner
   that to them seems most agreeable to the laws of Jesus
   Christ as set forth in the New Testament. And such oth-
   er Brethren as may desire to be constituted with them
   are permitted to join in said constitution. As it is known
   that a different opinion exists among us as to what is the
   most proper form of a church constitution; and as the
   church wishes and desires the happiness of her members,
   the peace and prosperity of Zion in general. She hopes
   and believes that to dismiss all orderly, pious members as
   may choose to join in said constitution will tend to peace
   and harmony.
   
   .By order of the Church, Joseph Chambers, Mod.
   
   March 17, 1832. The following letter was received from
   the church at Bruceville.
   
   "The Church of Christ at Bruceville to her sister church
   at Maria Creek, Greeting:
   
   Whereas, it appeared from the letter of dismission that
   was received by those that made application, that liberty
   was given to any of your members that wished to unite
   with us in a constitution to do so; and accordingly the
   following persons came forward and had their names en-
   rolled, to-wit: William Polke, Sally Polke, Nancy Polke,
   Jesse Hollingsworth, Betsy Lindsey, Sally Threldkill,
   Robert Lemen, Jane Lemen, Rhoda Morris, Nancy Ruby,
   Michael Crooks, Samuel D. Piety and Eliza Piety. By
   order of the church, March 11th 1832.
   
   William Bruce, Acting Clk.
   
   This organization at Bruceville was constituted, as they
   declared, upon the Bible alone. They made no declara-
   tion of doctrines or written Articles of Faith, to distin-
   guish themselves from any other denomination whatever
   either Protestant or Catholic; or as to their understanding
   of what the Bible taught upon any of the leading doctrines
   of the Gospel.
   
   They very soon, however, began to declare from their
   Pulpit what they understood the Bible to teach, and to
   condemn all who did not agree with them.
   
   When they attacked, not only the propriety of written
   Articles of Faith, but the doctrines and principles set
   forth in the Articles of Faith of Maria Creek Church,
   she felt that some action of the church was necessary
   in regard to her relations with the Bruceville
   organization. Accordingly at the July meeting
   following the organization at Bruceville, "Bro.
   Samuel Chambers brought forward for the conside-
   ration of the Church, the relation in which the Bruce-
   ville Church stands to Maria Creek Church; and whether,
   under existing circumstances, we invite them to seats and
   communion with Maria Creek Cliurch. After some con-
   versation the Church agrees to refer the matter to her
   next meeting."
   
   "The Church directs the Clerk to draw off the Articles
   of Faith and rules of decorum on our Church Book."
   
   "August 18th, 1832. The reference from our last
   meeting respecting the relationship in which the Bruce-
   ville Church stands toward Maria Creek Chuch, called for
   and read to the church. After reading a letter from Bro.
   William Polke, a member of the Bruceville Church, the
   Bruceville members present invited to seats, and have the
   privilege of speaking on the subject to be discussed in re-
   gard to their relations to Maria Creek Church.
   
   "After spending several hours of investigation on the
   above reference, on motion of Bro. Samuel Chambers the
   following decision was concurred in by a majority of the
   church. The church are of opinion that under all the cir-
   cumstances attendant therein, as some of her members
   have conscientious scruples on the subject, that it would be
   improper at present to invite the members of the Bruce-
   ville Church to our Councils or Communion Table. We
   hope that the members of both churches will endeavor to
   conduct themselves in a way that will be most likely to
   bring about a more happy state of things."
   
   This hope was not to be realized. The professed reason
   for the division of the church was a diiference of opinion
   as to the utility of written articles of faith. But it soon
   became apparent that there was a wide difference of opin-
   ion as to doctrine. The party that went off from the
   church very soon attacked, not only the utility or proprie-
   ty of written articles of faith, but the doctrines contained
   in them, and began to promulgate and teach doctrines and
   principles widely at variance with those professed and
   taught by Baptist churches. The Baptists defended their
   doctrines, and very often retaliated by attacking and con-
   demning the doctrines of the Reformers, as they at that
   time called themselves. So that, instead of conducting
   themselves in a way to bring about a better state of things,
   the breach widened. Bitterness came up between them,
   and all hope of any reconciliation was destroyed. The
   Reformers made every effort possible to proselyte from the
   Baptist churches. The writer well remembers hearing
   one of their prominent preachers say from the pulpit more
   than once, that they were especially glad to receive mem-
   bers coming from the Baptist church.
   
   They were for awhile successful in proselyting from
   Maria Creek Church. It appeared at one time as if they
   would almost entirely absorb the whole church. During
   the two years and six months after the organization at
   Bruceville, at which time twenty-six members went out,
   the records show that thirty-six additional members had
   left Maria Creek Church to join that organization. It is
   probable that there were others, not mentioned in the rec-
   ords, that had left to join that, or some other like organi-
   zation. In Feb., 1833, a number of the members living on
   Shaker prairie, requested and obtained letters, for the pur-
   pose of organizing a church. This whole church, after its
   organization, went over to the Reformers.
   
   In August, 1835, two years and six months after the or-
   ganization at Bruceville, there remained in Maria Creek
   Church, eighty-six members.

9. ↑ Thompson, Charles Manfred. The Lincoln Way: Report of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library of the investigations made by Mr. C. M. Thompson in an attempt to locate the "Lincoln way.". (Springfield, Ill.: Illinois State Journal Co., State Printers, 1913)
   p. 14.

   http://www.archive.org/stream/lincolnwayrepor01thomgoog#page/n14
   
   Affiant further says that his said grand-father and father talked of
   these things many times, in the presence of this affiant, and further
   related many times how it was that said Abraham Lincoln had returned
   to the town of Bruceville in the year 1844, and made a political speech
   at that time.

10. ↑ ^10.0 10.1 The transcription of his memoir includes this line about his birthplace "My father, soon after marrying my mother, moved to Monoghahela and settled about fourteen miles above Pittsburgh, between the mouths of Peteso Creek and Newels Store, now Elizabethtown."
    
    Elizabeth, Pennsylvania is about 14 miles south of Pittsburg on the bank of the Monogohela River, near the town of Monogohela and a creek named Peters Creek. "Peteso" may be a mistranscription of "Peters." This village was once known as "Elizabeth Town." Do not confuse this place with today's Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, which is a different town very far from Pittsburg which had been established well before William's birth.