Representative John E. Bruce View All Years

HON. JOHN E. BRUCE

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee appointed to prepare a resolution commemorating the life and public service of the Honorable John E. Bruce begs leave to submit the following:

John Edward Bruce was born December 21, 1861, in Lake County, lllinois, the oldest son of Joshua and Elizabeth Ann Bruce, and departed this life at Rockford, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1924. In 1862 he came with his parents to Floyd County, Iowa, and located on a farm north of Charles City, but they later returned to Kane County, Illinois, and settled on a farm there, where he grew up and where he worked during the summer months and atended school during the winter time. He later attended an academy at Dundee, where he made an excellent record. In the year 1880 he returned with his parents to Floyd County, Iowa, making the trip overland, this time settling on a farm near Rockford, where a comfortable home was soon provided; and here the mother still resides, being advanced in years; but his father passed away several years ago. They were always known to their neighbors for their industry and piety.

Mr. Bruce was married on December 24, 1884, to Myrtle N. Crissey, a native of Illinois, who survives him. To this union four children were born, all of whom survive him: Roy F. of Davenport, Iowa; Mrs. E. Vera Witzel of Charles City, Iowa; Clarence E. of Rockford, and Mrs. Bernice L. Belshaw, of Rockford, Illinois. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Baldock and Mrs. Clarence Crowell, both of Rockford; and by five grandchildren.

Early in life Mr. Bruce united with the Baptist church at Rockford and continued in that faith. At the time of his death he was an active member of several civic organizations and always took an active interest in all the affairs of the community. Politically, he was a republican and was one of the leaders of the party of the state, where his influence has been potent for the general good. He was elected from the eighty-eighth district to the Thirty-fourth General Assembly in 1910, and, making a good record that won the hearty approval of his constituents, was reelected for a second term—to the Thirty-fifth General Assembly—when he again distinguished himself, doing much for the good of Floyd county and for the state in general. He introduced the Bruce amendment to the constitution for equal suffrage in his last term of the legislature. He also helped to secure the normal training course in our high school, which we now enjoy the benefits of. He also served as trustee of Rockford township for a period of twelve years, and as justice of the peace for six years. As a public servant, in all capacities in which he has been placed, he has discharged his duties ably, loyally and honestly, to the satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment.

He was one of the early members of Sirius Lodge No. 323 A. F. & A. M. and he retained his membership and interest to the end, having served in the various elective offices of the lodge with credit to himself and honor to the fraternity. He was also a member of Mt. Zion Chapter No. 106 R. A. M., Fidelity Chapter No. 42, O. E. S., and Shell Rock Camp No. 382 M. W. A.

Mr. Bruce was active in sponsoring the DeMolay Chapter for boys and the Rainbow Chapter for girls in his community, thus showing his interest in the affairs of the young people of the community, who are to be the future citizens of this country.

In his family life he was a loving son, an affectionate husband and an indulgent father.

LAFE HILL,

HEIKE A. RUST,

G. E. SWANSON,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted March 30, 1925.