The subject of this sketch was born in Virginia a
slave in 1815. He was taken to Kentucky and worked
there and in Tennessee on the cotton Plantations
until he was 35 about years of age when he was taken
to Missouri about six miles from St. Louis.
When about 35 years old he became deeply concerned
about his souls welfare and earnestly striving he
sought and found pardon of his sins in the blood of
the Lamb. He was baptized by Rev. Anderson of St.
Louis and attached himself to the First Baptist
Church (colored) of St. Louis.
Impressed with a longing desire to become freed from
the bondage of slavery as well as of sin, he
attempted to escape but was re—captured and
re—turned to slavery, however in 1851 he made
another and more successful attempt to escape,
reaching Chicago Ill, in safety, remaining there a
short time. Coming on to Michigan he settled in
Ensley Township Newaygo County.
Soon after the organization of the Ensley Baptist
Church he attached himself thereto becoming a
faithful, earnest, zealous worker in the cause of
Christ, believing in the atoning blood of the Lamb
having that faith to lay hold on the promises
praying earnestly for a closer walk with God, his
constant theme was Savior more than life to me, I am
clinging, clinging close to thee.
He was held in the greatest love and esteem by the
Church and all who were acquainted with him. His
last sickness was of short duration with his abiding
faith that soon he would be with the Redeemer in
Heaven. He breathed his last on Sunday evening at 6
P.M. Jan.13, 1889. Just before his soul took its
flight from this Realm of day he raised his hands
aloft with eyes gazing upward looking into the
portals of heaven he gradually dropped his hands and
all was over. He died of “quick consumption” at the
home of Walter Lobdell.
The funeral was held at the Ensley Baptist Church on
Tuesday Jan.15th at 10:00 o’clock. A large concourse
of people attending the funeral.
Rev. N. Stilwell our pastor preaching from the text
Rev. 14:13, And I heard a voice from Heaven
saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the
Spirit, that they may rest from their labour; and
their works do follow them.
Having no relatives the Church were the chief
mourners. Thus born in bondage to man and to sin at
last was free.
Yours in Christ,
J. A. Delano
P.S. Please publish by request of the Church.
Herewith find enclosed 50 cents send sample copies
with notice to this amount to my address J. A.
Delano
Grove, Newaygo County, Michigan
Jan. 19th. 1889
In 1866, William purchased 80 acres on 104th Ave
east of Cyprus Ave, southeast of what is now Birds Meat Market. He purchased
this land from Benjamin Hillman and wife for $250.
When William died, he gave his land and possessions
to the Ensley Center Baptist Church. (Mr. Bruce
never married.) His gift was a great financial boost
to the church.
Ensley Township
property map of 1880
Courtesy
of the White Cloud Public Library
To honor William Bruce, the members of the church
decided to hang his picture in a prominent place in
the church. It has been hanging there ever since.
