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Betty Bruce

Female 1746 - 1841  (95 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Betty Bruce was born on 22 Jan 1746 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA (daughter of Daniel Bruce and Bathsheba Bowker); died on 30 Mar 1841.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Daniel Bruce was born on 22 Feb 1701 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA (son of Roger Bruce and Elizabeth Forbush); died on 13 Feb 1790 in Berlin, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

    Daniel married Bathsheba Bowker on 12 Dec 1732 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. Bathsheba was born in 1709 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1746 in , , Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Bathsheba Bowker was born in 1709 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1746 in , , Massachusetts, USA.
    Children:
    1. Hannah Bruce
    2. Ruth Bruce was born on 22 May 1733 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1820 in Templeton, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    3. Abraham Bruce was born on 23 Dec 1735 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1759 in , , Québec, Canada.
    4. Lucy Bruce was born on 6 Nov 1737 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 8 May 1832 in Berlin, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    5. Benjamin Bruce was born on 24 Dec 1739 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1831.
    6. John Bruce was born on 25 May 1744 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 15 Dec 1785.
    7. 1. Betty Bruce was born on 22 Jan 1746 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 30 Mar 1841.
    8. Mary Bruce was born on 9 Aug 1748 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1786 in Henniker, Merrimack, New Hampshire, USA.
    9. Daniel Bruce was born on 21 Sep 1752 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1805 in Berlin, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Roger Bruce was born in 1670 in Sudbury, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA (son of Thomas Bruce and Magdalen Evans); died on 16 Sep 1733 in Southborough, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Residence: 1733, Southborough, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

    Notes:

    Roger BRUCE was born about 1670 in Marlborough, MA. He was noted as a miller with grants, etc. He died about 16 Dec 1733 in Southborough, MA. Land Records are given for this person in the Roman Genealogy. Other sources include by Roman: History of Marlborough, Mass. Charles
    Hudson, 1862. Middlesex County Deeds. NEHGR, 1982, Fahey et all, Thomas Bruce of Sudbury and Marlborough," Thomas disposed of his forty-acres house lot and ten acres of meadow by deed of gift to his sons Roger and David. To David he gave the Northern half (Middlesex Deeds 13: 5,6,) and on April 13, 1706, the southern portion went to Roger. (Middlesex Deeds 15: 149, 150).

    Roger Bruce was born possibly about 1670 and is stated to have died 16, December, 1733, (Vital Records, Southborough, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849, [Worcester, Mass, 1903], but his will was signed 8 Dec. 1733 and proved 7 Feb. 1733/4 [Worcester County, Massachusetts, Probate, Series A, file 8553]. He does not appear with John Bruce on the 1688 Andros Tax List. About 1690 he married Elizabeth Forbush. The author above suggests that he may have been living in the household of his father at the time.

    He came with his parents from Sudbury to Marlborough and was living there in 1691 when his first child was born. In 1695 he removes to Framingham, returning to Marlborough by 1701. During the next fifteen years, there is no clear record of him, but it is assumed he, for the major part, operated the mills at the original site. In 1711 he has a child born in Southborough. Roger's will disposed of his possessions to living children, not mentioning Rebecca and Deliverance, thus they were probably deceased. Samuel was not mentioned, however he had received land earlier.

    He was married to Elizabeth FORBUSH in 1690 in Marlborough, Middlesex, MA.(442) Roman only names her as Elizabeth. Adams names her as Elizabeth Gould Children were: Samuel BRUCE, Abijah BRUCE, Elisha BRUCE, Rebecca BRUCE, Sarah BRUCE, Daniel BRUCE, Thomas BRUCE, Hannah BRUCE, Deliverance BRUCE, David BRUCE.

    Like his father, Thomas, Roger Bruce wa a miller, and he inherited some of his father's mills. He later bought another corn mill from James Taylor situated on Stony Brook. The records sometimes called Roger "husbandman", which indicates he must have had a farm to supplement his livelihood in addition to the mills. Roger's parents, Thomas and Magdalen and brother David are also mentioned in these records. Roger signed deeds, Elizabeth signed by mark.

    In 1711 during the French and Indian War, Roger Bruce and Isaac Woods were assigned to Jonathan Newton's garrison in Marlboro. In another record Roger stated that his dwelling house was on the easterly side of Stony Brook. He and fortynine others, representing their families, petitioned the General Court to set off the Stony Brook area as a seperate town because the house of public worship in Marlborough was at too great a distance to travel each week. The Court consented, and on July 6, 1727 the town of Southborough was established. The town was originally in Middlesex County, and fell within Worcester County when it was established in 1731. As a result land deeds of the town are found in both counties.

    On june 24, 1715 Samuel forbush mentioned his " Kinsman Abijah Bruce" in a deed. Abijah was the son of Roger. The connection between Samuel and Abijah is made clear by the April 27, 1746 entry in Rev. Ebenezer Parkman's diary. "On the Occasion of The Death of my Honoured Mother and Several Bereavments (Ex. gr. Captain Forbush amd Mrs Byles mourn for the loss of their sister Bruce and Ensign Bruce and Mrs Miller the loss of their Mother;...) Captain Samuel Forbush and Rebecca (Forbush) Byles, wife of Joseph Byles, were the children of Daniel Forbush. They had only one sister, and she was named Elizabeth, for whom no marriage record exists. The other two named persons in the entry, Ensign Abijah Bruce and Sarah (Bruce) Miller, wife of James Miller, were the children of Roger Bruce and his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth (Forbush) Bruce obviously died toward the end of April 1746.

    The vital records of Southborough give the date of Roger's death as Sept. 16, 1733, but since he signed his will on December 8, 1733 and the heirs agreed to the terms of the will on December 25 of that year, the correct date would most likely be December 16 rather than September 16.
    *

    Thomas Bruce transferred ownership of his home and mills by deeds to his sons David and Roger. David received his portion on 29 Jan. 1699. Roger received the southern half of Thomas' house lot and five acres of meadow in several pieces at Stoney Brook and at Pine Brook with all the housing and corn mill and half of the sawmill standing thereon with the streams thereto belonging; also his whole estate, all his moveables, utensils, irons, etc..

    On 6 Nov. 1717, Roger Bruce of Marlborough purchased a corn mill and adjoining fulling mill, house, buildings, etc. on Stoney Brook from James Taylor for L55. On 4 Jan 1727, Roger and wife Elizabeth sold this property, plus two acres, to John Britton for L60. On 4 Dec 1726, Roger Bruce, miller, sold to his son Samuel Bruce for a sum of money ten acres iin Southborough where Samuel lived.
    Source: Middlesex County, Mass. Land Transactions

    By a deed dated 11 Feb. 1731, acknowledged 21 Apr. 1732 and recorded 16 Jan 1733/34, Roger Bruce and wife Elizabeth sold for L110 to Jonathan Newton ten acres. This was probably the remainder of Roger's forty-acre house lot. Source: Worcester County, Mass. Land Transactions

    According to the Southborough Vital Records, Roger died on 16 Sep 1733; but his will was signed 8 Dec 1733 and was proved 7 Feb 1733/34. Perhaps he died on 16 Dec 1733. He mentioned his wife Elizabeth, sons Abijah, Daniel, Thomas, Elisha and David, and daughters Sarah, wife of James Miller, and Hannah Townsend. Source: Worcester County, Mass. Probate Records

    Roger's eldest son, Samuel, was not mentioned in the will. Roger had previously established Samuel on a farm and there was no reason to leave more property to Samuel.
    Roger married Elizabeth Forbush before 1691, when their first son, Samuel, was born. Elizabeth Forbush's identity was discovered through an entry dated 27 Apr 1746 in The Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1703-1782, in which "Captain (Samuel) Forbush and Mrs. (Rebecca) Byles mourn the lost of their sister Bruce and Ensign (Abijah) Bruce and Mrs. (Sarah) MIller the Loss of their Mother..." Source: The Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1703-1782

    Roger Bruce may have been born in the vicinity of Sudbury, Mass. However, the first record of his father Thomas appeared in 1676 at Sudbury and it is therefore impossible to be certain of Roger's birthplace. Source: "Thomas Bruce of Sudbury and Marlborough, Massachusetts", The NEHGR, Vol. 1982





    Thomas Bruce transferred ownership of his home and mills by deeds to his sons David and Roger. David received his portion on 29 Jan. 1699. Roger received the southern half of Thomas' house lot and five acres of meadow in several pieces at Stoney Brook and at PIne Brook with all the housing and corn mill and half of the sawmill standing thereon with the streams thereto belonging; also his whole estate, all his moveables, utensils, irons, etc..


    On 6 Nov. 1717, Roger Bruce of Marlborough purchased a corn mill and adjoining fulling mill, house, buildings, etc. on Stoney Brook from James Taylor for L55. On 4 Jan 1727, Roger and wife Elizabeth sold this property, plus two acres, to John Britton for L60. On 4 Dec 1726, Roger Bruce, miller, sold to his son Samuel Bruce for a sum of money ten acres iin Southborough where Samuel lived.


    Source: Middlesex County, Mass. Land Transactions





    By a deed dated 11 Feb. 1731, acknowledged 21 Apr. 1732 and recorded 16 Jan 1733/34, Roger Bruce and wife Elizabeth sold for L110 to Jonathan Newton ten acres. This was probably the remainder of Roger's forty-acre house lot. Source: Worcester County, Mass. Land Transactions





    Accordin g to the Southborough Vital Records, Roger died on 16 Sep 1733; but his will was signed 8 Dec 1733 and was proved 7 Feb 1733/34. Perhaps he died on 16 Dec 1733. He mentioned his wife Elizabeth, sons Abijah, Daniel, Thomas, Elisha and David, and daughters Sarah, wife of James Miller, and Hannah Townsend. Source: Worcester County, Mass. Probate Records





    Roger's eldest son, Samuel, was not mentioned in the will. Roger had previously established Samuel on a farm and there was no reason to leave more property to Samuel.


    Roger married Elizabeth Forbush before 1691, when their first son, Samuel, was born. Elizabeth Forbush's identity was discovered through an entry dated 27 Apr 1746 in The Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1703-1782, in which "Captain (Samuel) Forbush and Mrs. (Rebecca) Byles mourn the lost of their sister Bruce and Ensign (Abijah) Bruce and Mrs. (Sarah) MIller the Loss of their Mother..." Source: The Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1703-1782




    Dianne_Fraser
    Dianne_Fraser originally shared this to DKFraserfamilytree

    01 Sep 2011 story
    Above information taken from Thomas Bruce of Sudbury and Marlboro, Massachusests by Pitman, Fahey and Newman

    Like his father, Thomas, Roger Bruce was a miller, and he inherited some of his father's mills. He later bought another corn mill from James Taylor situated on Stony Brook. The records sometimes called Roger "husbandman", which indicates he must have had a farm to supplement his livelihood in addition to the mills. Roger's parents, Thomas and Magdalen and brother David are also mentioned in these records. Roger signed deeds, Elizabeth signed by mark.
    Suring the French and Indian War, in 1711, Roger Bruce and Isaac Woods were assigned to Jonathan Newton's garrison in Marlboro. In another record Roger stated that his dwelling house was on the easterly side of Stony Brook. He and fortynine others, representing their families, petitioned the General Court to set off the Stony Brook area as a seperate town because the house of public worship in Marlborough was at too great a distance too travel each week. The Court consented, and on July 6, 1727 the town of Southborough was established. The town was originally in Middlesex County but fell within Worcester County when that county was established in 1731. Thus land deeds of the town are found in both counties.

    No marriage record for Roger and Elizabeth has been found, but Katherine Fahey was able to discover Elizabeth's maiden name through another source. On june 24, 1715 Samuel forbush mentioned his " Kinsman Abijah Bruce" in a deed. Abijah was the son of Roger. The connection between Samuel and Abijah was made clear by the April 27, 1746 entry in Rev. Ebenezer Parkman's diary. "On the Occasion of The Death of my Honoured Mother and Several Bereavments (Ex. gr. Captain Forbush amd Mrs Byles mourn for the loss of their sister Bruce and Ensign Bruce and Mrs Miller the loss of their Mother;...) Captain Samuel Forbush and Rebecca (Forbush) Byles, wife of Joseph Byles, were the children of Daniel Forbush. They had only one sister, and she was named Elizabeth, for whom no marriage record exists. The other two named persons in the entry, Ensign Abijah Bruce and Sarah (Bruce) Miller, wife of James Miller, were the children of Roger Bruce and his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth (Forbush) Bruce obviously died toward the end of April 1746.

    The vital records of Southborough give the date of Roger's death as Sept. 16, 1733, but since he signed his will on December 8, 1733 and the heirs agreed to the terms of the will on December 25 of that year, the correct date would most likely be December 16 rather than September 16.

    Roger married Elizabeth Forbush in 1690 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Daniel Fforbes (Forbush) and Rebecca Perriman) was born on 16 Mar 1669 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 27 Apr 1746 in Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Elizabeth Forbush was born on 16 Mar 1669 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA (daughter of Daniel Fforbes (Forbush) and Rebecca Perriman); died on 27 Apr 1746 in Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

    Notes:

    Daniel FORBUSH was born about 1640 in Cambridge, Middlesex, MA?. (1047) Placekeeper that he was about 20 when married. This is a strong possibility. A bereavement notice (See Elizabeth) that captures her as being Elizabeth Forbush, also mentions brother Samuel. This Daniel had both a son, Samuel, and a daughter Elizabeth, she being born at Cambridge, March 16, 1669.


    Other children of this family included Daniel, Thomas, Rebecca . Daniel marries Deborah Rediat at Concord and has children born in Marshfield. Thomas marries Deborah Rice at Cambridge. Rebecca marries a Byles.


    He was married to Rebecca PERRIMAN on 26 Mar 1660 in Cambridge, Middlesex, MA. (1048) Children were: Elizabeth FORBUSH .




    Elizabeth FORBUSH was born on 16 Mar 1669 in Cambridge, Middlesex, MA. (1049) The diary was edited by Francis G. Walett (Worcester, Mass., 1974): page 15, for 27 April 1746 reads: “On the Occasion of the Death of my Honoured Mother, and Several other Bereavments (Ex. gr. Captain [Samuel] Forbush and Mrs. [Rebecca] Byles mourn for the loss of their sister Bruce and Ensign [Abijah] Bruce and Mrs. [Sarah] Miller the Loss of their Mother; . . .).” Parents: Daniel FORBUSH and Rebecca PERRIMAN.


    She was married to Roger(1) BRUCE in 1690 in Marlborough, Middlesex, MA.(1050)Roman only names her as Elizabeth. Adams names her as Elizabeth Gould Children were: Samuel BRUCE, Abijah BRUCE, Elisha BRUCE, Rebecca BRUCE, Sarah BRUCE, Daniel BRUCE, Thomas BRUCE, Hannah BRUCE, Deliverance BRUCE, David BRUCE.





    source: http://mayflowerfamilies.com/?page_id=1337

    Children:
    1. Samuel Bruce was born on 24 Mar 1691 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 16 Dec 1741 in Holden, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    2. Abijah Bruce was born on 27 Nov 1693 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 2 Dec 1774 in Westborough, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    3. Elisha Bruce was born on 14 Sep 1695 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 10 Jan 1770 in Hopkinton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.
    4. Rebecca Bruce was born on 22 Feb 1698 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 16 Dec 1733.
    5. Sarah Bruce was born on 2 Mar 1700 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Jul 1747 in Westborough, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    6. 2. Daniel Bruce was born on 22 Feb 1701 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 13 Feb 1790 in Berlin, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    7. Thomas Bruce was born on 5 Jan 1704 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1743 in Bolton, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    8. Hannah Bruce was born on 18 Feb 1706 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; and died.
    9. Deliverance Bruce was born on 9 Sep 1709 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1733.
    10. David Bruce was born on 9 Jun 1711 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1772.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Thomas Bruce was born in 1637 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland (son of Archibald Bruce and Marion Gray); died in 1714 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 13 Aug 1637, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

    Notes:

    Thomas BRUCE was born between 1630 and 1640 in Scotland or England. He died probably between 1714 and 1721 in Marlborough, MA, probably. Thomas is the earliest Bruce discovered in Marlborough to date (1676).

    Known Events:

    1676:
    NEHGR 35:218-219: The earliest record of Thomas is when in 1676, Thomas Bruce is among those petitioners sustaining losses in the Sudbury Indian Fight (King Phillip's War) of 1676 He is also among those petitioning the general court as a distressed inhabitant of Sudbury.

    1679:
    MJR--Middlesex County Deeds, p. 296: The Selectmen of Marlboro agreed with Thomas Bruce that he would build and operate for the town's use a mill to be located near the confluence of Angle Brook and Stoney Brook to be in operation by January 1680. In return, Thomas was granted 40 acres of land and ten acres of meadow. The agreement was sign by Abraham Williams for the town and "Thomas Breuis" for himself. By original agreement the land was to revert to the town if Thomas were to cease operations of the mill. By 1702, however, the mill was at least partially destroyed, and at his request, and it was so voted that the land be granted to him free and clear.

    1688:
    NEHGR 36:51: In 1688, Thomas Bruse Jr. and John Bruse and Thomas Bruse are among those listed in Marlborough for Taxes under Andros.

    1691:
    NEHGR: 43:372: Thomas Bruse, Sr. is among those settled at the garrison at Marlborough, Middlesex Co. 1691/2

    NEHGR40:400: Thomas Brewes is mentioned several times as those of Sudbury involved in King Phillip's war and having sustained loss.

    1699:
    MJR--Middlesex County Deeds, p. 296: On January 29, 1699, Thomas and Magdalen, "my wife," disposed of his land and part interest in his saw mill to sons David and Roger.

    1702:
    MJR--Worcester County Deeds 16:60, 20:584: Samuel Ward of Marlborough exchange land in which Thomas Bruce describes himself as "Thomas Bruce Senr, Miller."

    1706:
    MJR--Worcester County Deeds, 15:149: On April 13, 1706, Thomas Bruce Senr, in fatherly love, gives Roger halft part of his house lot granted by the town, with all the housing and Corn Mill and half of Sawmills standing thereon, and also, "my whole Estate . . ."

    1709-10
    MJR--Worcester County Deeds 15:148: Thomas was still alive at this date, for he disposes of land to his grandson, David, including "one half of all my right" in the land which was gven to him for building and maintaining a mill. He mentions with the document that he makes this grant for "Divers good causes and other weighty considerations moving me thereto . . ." It is obvious that Thomas is uncomfortable for some reason with events in his life. Magdalen did not sign this will, and it could be conjectured that as she signed earlier documents, she was by now deceased.

    1710-1721:
    MJR-Middlesex County Deeds, p. 299: An attorney was hired in 1710 by Samuel Bigelow, guardian and maternal grandfather of Thomas' grandson David, to represent his interest against the town which wished to nullify earlier land agreements with early residents--David, through Thomas, was among those so affected. A settlement was reached and David was granted twenty acres, in exchange for extinguishment of his half of the rights. In October, 1714, Thomas was granted twenty acres in a similar action. Finally in a meeting of May 8, 1721, a committee was appointed to agree on the bound of one acre of the twenty granted to Thomas and to settle with his heirs. Therefore, Thomas died between 1714 and 1721.

    NEHGR 63:224: Colonial Records of Marlborough: Referencing the reserved land at Fort Meadow, A "commeetty" is to call John Shearman to show the bounds of an acre of meadow Granted to Thomas Bruce. Thomas Bruce is also those among those shown to have been issued a "primitive" grant.
    Children were: John (2) BRUCE, Thomas (2) BRUCE, Roger(1) BRUCE, David BRUCE.

    Thomas Bruce was an early resident of Sudbury and Marlborough in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Much of what is known about him comes from land deeds of Middlesex County. He was a farmer and miller and had a wife Magdalen and sons David and Roger and probably Thomas.[5]

    The earliest record of him is a list of inhabitants of Sudbury, dated April 21, 1676, who sustained monetary losses during King Phillip's War. Thomas' loss was given as ten pounds.[6]

    He was still residing in Sudbury three years later when the Selectmen of Marlboro on June 9, 1679 agreed with Thomas Bruce that he would build and operate for the town's use a mill to be located near the confluence of Angle Brook and Stoney Brook to be in operation by January 1680 "if God permit". In return the town granted Thomas forty acres of land and ten acres of meadow. The agreement was signed by Abraham Williams for the town and "Thomas Breuis" for himself.[1/296]

    The house lot of forty acres that Thomas received was described as being on the north side of Stoney Brook and, included within its western part, a portion of Angle Brook. The exact location would be difficult to determine today, since that area was flooded in 1898 under the Sudbury Reservoir.[1/296-7]

    By the original agreement, the land was to revert to the town if Thomas were to cease operation of the mill for any reason except beyond his control. By 1702, however, the mill was at least partially destroyed making difficult his compliance with the agreement, and he requested, and "it was so voated that he be aqitted from any further engagement" and the land was granted to him free and clear.[1/297]

    Thomas disposed of his land to sons David and Roger.
    "... Thomas Bruce of Marlburough in the County of Middlx in New England husbandman and Magdalen ... my wife ... For the naturall Love good will and affection we bare to our dutyfull Sone David Bruce of the abovesd Town and County husbandman ... Confirm unto our Said son David Bruce ... the one moiety or halfe part of Forty acres of Land ... within the ... abovesd Town ... as it was granted to me the Said Thomas Bruce by the abovesd Town; also the one ... halfe part of Ten acres of medow ... Scittuated in the abovesd Town of ye north side of Stony Brooke ... also the one ... half part of ye saw mill now in my possesion ..." January 29, 1699. Both signed by mark.[2/13:5]

    This would seem to have been a wedding gift of the parents to David as he married MARY BIGELOW four days later.[5]

    On Feb. 17, 1702 Samuel Ward of Marlborough granted "Thos. Bruce Senr, Miller" a meadow of three acres in Marlborough lying on both sides of Stony Brook.[2/16:601] In exchange for this property Thomas granted Samuel Ward several parcels of land. Thomas also described himself as "Thomas Bruce Senr, Miller" in this deed.[2/20:584] The Stony Brook section of Marlborough was later set off to form the town of Southborough. Thomas' son Roger, who lived in that area, was one of the petitioners for the new town.[5]

    The relationship with Roger is born out by a deed dated April 13, 1706. "... I Thomas Bruce Senr ... for and in consideration of a fatherly love and good will which I have and do bear unto my loving son Roger Bruce both of us belonging and situate in the town of Marlborough ... by this Deed of Gift, give and confirm unto my loving son Roger Bruce ... the half part of my house lott which was granted to me by the town of Marlborough lying ... partly along Stony Brooke ... with all the housing and Corn Mill and half the said Sawmills which are standing thereupon ... and also my whole Estate ..." Thomas and Magdalen both signed by mark.[2/15:149]

    No will of Thomas Bruce has been found, and he probably never wrote one. It is likely he disposed of his estate in this and other deeds.[5]

    His death date is unknown, but he was certainly living January 2, 1709-10 when he gave land to his grandson, as it seems, in anticipation of his death. "... I Thomas Bruce Senr ... Miller for and in consideration of love, good will and affection which I have and do bear toward my loving grandson David Bruce belongning to ye Town of Watertown in ye same county ... for Divers good causes and other weighty considerations moving me thereunto ... grant unto my loving grandson ... one half of all my right ... in the Common Land which was given to me the said Thomas Bruce by the aforesaid Town of Marlborough ... for building and maintaining a mill, according to an agreement with Said Town ...".[2/15:148] Thomas signed by mark. Magdalen did not sign this deed and may have died since 1706 when she signed the previous deed.[5]

    The "weighty considerations" may have been health related or may have been based on the fact that the town, growing and wanting to transfer common land to the newcomers, desired to be free of its obligations granted to earlier residents allowing them to take timber from this land.

    Samuel Bigelow, guardian and maternal grandfather of Thomas' grandson David, hired attorney John Sherman in 1710 to represent David's case to the town. The town had attempted to nullify Thomas' rights to the common land when he transferred his ownership. Settlement was reached and David Bruce was granted twenty acres in compensation for extinguishment of his half of the rights.

    In October 1714 Thomas was granted twenty acres in a similar action. The final action recorded by the town on the settlement of these claims was at a meeting May 8, 1721 when a committee was appointed to meet with John Sherman and agree on bounds of one acre of the twenty granted to Thomas and settle with his heirs.[1/299] Therefore Thomas Bruce died between 1714 and 1721.

    The name of Thomas Bruce, Sr. appears on a tax list for the town of Marlborough in the year 1688. His tax was 9 shillings, 6 pence.[4] Thomas Bruce, Senior was one of twelve men assigned to the garrison of the West Regiment of Middlesex County in Marlborough on March 15, 1691-2. Isaac How's name was at the top of the list, so the garrison may have been at his house.[3] The term "Sr." did not have the same strict meaning 300 years ago as it does today. It had a broader meaning which could refer to the elder of two men of the same name whether they were related or not. Thus Thomas Bruce, Sr. did not necessarily have a son Thomas, although it can be assumed for lack of any other information.

    Thomas may also have had a son John. He apparently omitted Thomas from a division of his estate and may have treated John in the same way. These children, if they were Thomas' children at all, may also have been provided for in some other manner. At any rate, John Bruce does not seem to have belonged to the Woburn Bruces, and his son John went to Brookfield as did some of the children of Roger, a known child of Thomas Bruce.[5]

    It is a mystery where Thomas came from. One possibility is the county of Suffolk in England where the name is popular. Another possibility, and subject of some speculation, is that he was a Scottish prisoner taken by Lord Cromwell in the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 and then sent (or sold into servitude) to this country. Tradition in the family has it that the name (i.e. Bruce) was Scottish and are related to Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, but this may be due to the fact that someone made the connection with no other evidence.

    Another intriguing possibility is the marriage found in the International Genealogy Index (IGI) between Thomas Bruce and Magdalen Evans 12 December 1652 in the Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Westminster, London, England.[8] It seems, based on the marriage dates of their children, that Thomas and Magdalen would have been too young to have married in 1652, but the timing is not out of the question. And it's possible that they emigrated in the early 1670's with their youngest children.

    Another family tradition passed down is that we descend from an Indian princess. The story goes that an early Bruce had some big dogs that prevented Indians from crossing the Bruce land. This early Bruce came out and called off the dogs, allowing the Indians to pass. He befriended the Indians and ended up marrying the chief's daughter. No evidence has been found to support this story.



    REF: [1] New England Historic Genealogical Register, 1982 (pgs.294-301)
    [2] Middlesex County Deeds
    [3] New England Historic Genealogical Register, 1889 (pg.372)
    [4] New England Historic Genealogical Register, 1882 (pg.192)
    [5] The Bruce Family (Manuscript at NEHGS) - Winifred Lovering Holman
    [6] New England Historic Genealogical Register, 1881 (pg.219)
    [7] The History of Marlborough - Charles Hudson, 1862
    [8] IGI batch no. M001451, sheet no. 00 extracted from LDS
    microfilm number 0560369 (parish records 1550-1653)

    Children:

    1. Thomas, b. prob. abt. 1665, no mention of him found as he probably died young and unmarried

    2. John, b. abt. 1667, m. abt. 1694 Elizabeth ____, d. prob. 1739

    3. Roger, b. prob. abt. 1670, d. 16 Dec 1733, Southborough, MA m. Elizabeth Forbush, b. Cambridge, MA 16 Mar 1669,
    d. Southborough, MA in Apr 1746

    4. David, b. prob. abt. 1675, d. Marlborough 22 Jul 1701, m.
    Watertown 2 Feb 1699 Mary Bigelow, b. 12 Sep 1677, d. Sudbury, MA 21 Feb 1707-8 (Mary later married Thomas Read IV on 03 Dec 1701 in Sudbury or Wayland, Middlesex, MA

    Chil.: 1) David Bruce, b. 20 Dec 1700, m. 20 Feb 1727 Mary Brigham, b. 1701 (David was the son or David Bruce and Mary Bigelow)

    Thomas married Magdalen Evans on 12 Dec 1652 in Saint Martin In The Fields, Westminster, London, England. Magdalen was born in 1640 in London, London, England; died in 1709 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Magdalen Evans was born in 1640 in London, London, England; died in 1709 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.
    Children:
    1. John Bruce was born in 1667 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1739 in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.
    2. 4. Roger Bruce was born in 1670 in Sudbury, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 16 Sep 1733 in Southborough, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    3. David Bruce was born in 1675 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 22 Jul 1701 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.

  3. 10.  Daniel Fforbes (Forbush) was born in 1620 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland (son of Duncan Forbes, " 2nd baronet of Culloden" and Janet Sutherland); died on 2 Oct 1687 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Name: Daniel Farrabas
    • Name: Daniel Farrabas
    • Name: Daniel Forbush

    Daniel married Rebecca Perriman on 27 Mar 1660 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. Rebecca (daughter of John Perriman and Mary Snelling) was born on 26 Mar 1639 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 3 May 1677 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Rebecca Perriman was born on 26 Mar 1639 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA (daughter of John Perriman and Mary Snelling); died on 3 May 1677 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.
    Children:
    1. Daniel Forbush (Fforbes) was born on 20 Mar 1664 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 11 Feb 1745 in Kittery, York, Maine, USA.
    2. Thomas Forbush was born on 6 Mar 1666 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 1 May 1738 in Westborough, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    3. 5. Elizabeth Forbush was born on 16 Mar 1669 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 27 Apr 1746 in Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    4. Rebecca Forbush (Fforbes) was born on 15 Feb 1672 in Concord, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 28 Jan 1768 in Westborough, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
    5. Samuel Forbush (Fforbes) was born on 8 Mar 1674 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1766 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.


Generation: 5

  1. 16.  Archibald Bruce was born on 5 Mar 1597 in Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire, Scotland (son of James Bruce and Barbara Wallace); died on 19 Jan 1665 in Mirrieton Hamilton, Stirling, Scotland.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Baptism: 5 Mar 1597, Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire, Scotland

    Archibald married Marion Gray on 12 Jul 1625 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. Marion was born in 1600 in , , Scotland; died in , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 17.  Marion Gray was born in 1600 in , , Scotland; died in , , Scotland.
    Children:
    1. 8. Thomas Bruce was born in 1637 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland; died in 1714 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.

  3. 20.  Duncan Forbes, " 2nd baronet of Culloden" was born in 1598 in Culloden, Inverness-shire, Scotland; died on 14 Oct 1654 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

    Duncan married Janet Sutherland in 1618 in , , Scotland. Janet was born in 1588 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; died on 8 Nov 1651 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 21.  Janet Sutherland was born in 1588 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; died on 8 Nov 1651 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
    Children:
    1. John Forbes 3rd Baronet Culloden was born in 1609 in Culloden, Inverness-shire, Scotland; died in 1687 in Culloden, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
    2. Daniel Forbes was born in 1609 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; died in 1624 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
    3. 10. Daniel Fforbes (Forbush) was born in 1620 in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; died on 2 Oct 1687 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.
    4. Andre Forbes was born in 1620 in , , Scotland.
    5. James Forbes was born in 1635 in , Aberdeenshire, Scotland; died on 27 Nov 1692 in , Hartford, Connecticut, USA.

  5. 22.  John Perriman was born in 1615 in , Devon, England; died on 7 Apr 1659 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.

    John married Mary Snelling. Mary was born about 1618 in Plympton, Devon, England; died in 1693 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  6. 23.  Mary Snelling was born about 1618 in Plympton, Devon, England; died in 1693 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.
    Children:
    1. 11. Rebecca Perriman was born on 26 Mar 1639 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA; died on 3 May 1677 in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.


Generation: 6

  1. 32.  James Bruce was born in 1571 in Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire, Scotland (son of Sir Alexander of Airth -15 Bruce and Lady Janet Livingston); died on 20 Nov 1612 in Lyn-milne, Clackmannan, Stirling, Scotland.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Married: 20 Nov 1612

    James married Barbara Wallace in 1595 in Lyn-milne, Clackmannan, Stirling, Scotland. Barbara was born in 1575 in Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland; died in 1625 in , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 33.  Barbara Wallace was born in 1575 in Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland; died in 1625 in , , Scotland.
    Children:
    1. 16. Archibald Bruce was born on 5 Mar 1597 in Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire, Scotland; died on 19 Jan 1665 in Mirrieton Hamilton, Stirling, Scotland.
    2. Barbara Bruce was born in 1609 in Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire, Scotland; died in , , Scotland.