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Arthur J.
Bruce is a leading and well known general contractor of Manchester and is
also one of the large landowners of the county, owning much property both in
this locality and in other states. He was born September 2, 1868, a son of John
A. and Mary Ann (Pisheon) Bruce, natives of New York state and Maine
respectively. They went to Michigan in their youth and were married in that
state, whence, in 1854 or 1855, they came to Delaware county, Iowa. In Coffins
Grove township the father purchased a farm of W. B. Lindsey and the family home
was maintained upon that property until 1886, when a removal was made to
Manchester. The mother passed away in that city in March, 1893, and the father
followed her in death two years later. They were the parents of nine children,
seven of whom are living, the subject of this review being the fifth in order of
birth.
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Arthur J. Bruce remained at home until he was twenty one
years of age and then attended Cornell College of Iowa
for three years, after which he taught school in the
winter and worked at the carpenter's trade during the
summer months for some time. Eventually he entered into
partnership with his brother Frank and they became well
known as contractors and builders. After several years
the association was dissolved and since then Mr. Bruce
of this review has continued the business alone. He has
built the greater number of the principal dwelling
houses and stores in Manchester and now most of his work
is the erection of public buildings and business blocks.
The success which has come to him is well deserved as he
is scrupulously careful to fulfill to the letter every
contract and to see that all work is done as it should
be. He owns a third interest in a tract of twenty four
hundred acres in South Dakota arid holds title to five
hundred and twenty acres in Minnesota, in addition to
being heavily interested in Washington and Oregon timber
land, lie owns a fine residence on Union street,
Manchester, and also has his shops and three other
houses. He was a director of the State Savings Bank
until it was absorbed by the Farmers & Merchants State
Savings Bank.
Mr. Bruce was married in 1891 to Miss Rose E. Chapel, a
native of Winnebago county, Illinois, and a daughter of
Joshua Lee Chapel, who was born in Connecticut. Her
mother was Beulah Theresa |
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Mandeville and was born in New York state. Both parents came to Iowa at an early
date and settled in Delaware county, where they lived the
remainder of their lives.
Mrs. Bruce is one of a family of six
children, all of whom are living.
Mr. Bruce is a republican in his political views, but,
although he takes a keen interest in everything relating to the public welfare,
he has never desired office. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and also a
member of the Knights of Pythias. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bruce are consistent members
of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has served as one of the stewards for a
number of years. His life has been filled with useful activity and all who know
him agree that his salient characteristics are a keen sense of honor, industry
and sound business judgment. |
