Katie (Bruce

F-1. Catherine (Katie) Bruce born 1859, Red Point Prince Edward Island, married John A. Bruce, born 1855, Valleyfield Prince Edward Island, (son of Alexander Bruce and Jessie MacLeod) died 1935, interred at Kingsboro Prince Edward Island, in the East Point Baptist Church Cemetery. Catherine died 1925, interred at Kingsboro Prince Edward Island, in the East Point Baptist Church Cemetery.

When Katie and John were first married, they farmed for a short time in Kingsboro. They were having a rough time in their attempt to make a living in ca. 1888-89, they decided to move to the western United States, it is thought to Montana to try to improve their lot in life. If one checks the birthdates of their children, it becomes confusing, but might solve a mystery which has puzzled the family for many years. For many years it was wondered why they would have given up their oldest child for adoption to her oldest sister. The dates show that the oldest child Cassie was born in 1888 and was given to her aunt Jessie and uncle for adoption. It states in the MacLean family bible that she was adopted, whether it was legally or by simple word of month, it is unknown. According to her # headstone, the second child (Jessie) was also born in 1888. There is a question as to whether the dates are wrong or if the first two children were twins. John and Katie were getting ready to move to the United States and being extremely poor, possibly felt that they could not afford or manage with two infants and gave Cassie to her sister Katie for adoption.

They remained in the United States for a number of years and a number of their children were born there. The family returned to P.E.I. in the early 1900's. Church records show that John was a Deacon in the Baptist Church from 1910 until his death. They moved into their home in Kingsboro, and resumed farming. John was considered to be more of a scholar, than a man of the land. Katie was an excellent dressmaker. Not only did she clothe her own children, but attempted to earn a few dollars as well. She had a very hard life, hard work, and not many of life's comforts. She also had an accident, breaking her hip which never healed properly that left her in failing health for a number of years. Katie died suddenly of a heart attack in her home while sitting down for breakfast.

Children:

i Cassie Laura (Bruce) MacLean born March 1888 Kingsboro Prince Edward Island, died Iva June 25, 1890 Red Point Prince Edward Island, interred at Kingsboro Prince Edward re 5 Island, in the East Point Baptist Church Cemetery. Cassie was adopted by her aunt and uncle Jessie (Bruce) and Alexander MacLean. She died after contracting diphtheria. (See page 8 ).

ii Jessie M. Bruce born ca. 1888.

ili Georgia Anna Bruce born October 3, 1890.

iv Wallace Alexander Bruce born ca. 1891

v Ethel Alice Bruce.

vi lva Bruce resided in United States.

vii Spurgeon Bruce resided in United States married to Jane (surname unknown to researcher).

viii Chester John Bruce born January 16 1899, Kingsboro Prince Edward Island, married June 25, 1946, at Toronto Ontario, by Joseph Coulter, the home of Mrs. Caroline Coulter, Ruth Coulter, born ca. 1906, Toronto Ontario, died Feb. 26, 1962, interred at Norway Ontario, in the St. John's Cemetery. Chester died January 17 1970, Souris Prince Edward Island, interred at Kingsboro Prince Edward Island, in the East Point Baptist Church Cemetery. Ruth was a widow. She had two children; June (Mrs. L. Mitchell) and Ronald survive her from her first marriage. He remained on in the family home. He spent a short period of time . in Toronto where he met and married Ruth. They lived briefly in Kingsboro and then I 3ruce, Bruce MacKendrick returned to Toronto. The house was sold to American residents, and in recent years has The back of the photo has it

served as a bed and breakfast establishment in the summer months. written as Gladys Bruce, but it is unknown as to who she is.

Ohe “Pruce Cramily of Red Point Prince Edward sland 1840-1999 78

Katie

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Gladys and Spurgeon