BRUCE. Sarah Ellen (Howard) - b. September 28, 1842 - d. July 1, 1932

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Howard Courant
July 7, 1932

DEATH OF PIONEER WOMAN

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At Near Ninety Years Of Age, Mrs. Thomas Bruce Passed Away Last Friday


The many friends of the Bruce family in this community heard with sorrow of the death of Mrs. Sarah E. Bruce, last Friday, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Maud Bruce Burchfield, at Independence.

The Bruce's were pioneers of Howard.  Thomas Bruce coming here from Kentucky to engage in mercantile business late in 1874, his wife and four young children coming a few months later, early in '75.  Three younger children were born here.  Mr. Bruce established a general store in a building on Wabash, which stood where the Moon-Gill store and the Winn Market now stand.  Two years later he bought and moved into the then new stone building now occupied by the Allen Cafe and for 30 years continued in business.  In the eighties or early nineties the Bruce's built the beautiful residence now the home of the T. J. McKinney family, and for years this was one of the most hospitable homes in Howard, and as their children grew up, became the rallying place of the young people of the community.  Mrs. Sallie Bruce loved company and was especially friendly to the young crowds.  The first piano owned in Howard was bought for Nellie Bruce about the time she entered her teens.  All the Bruce children were musical, the girls playing the piano and singing, the boys becoming players in the town band.

Mr. Bruce passed away in 1909.  Mrs. Bruce continuing to live here until her children went to homes of their own, when about ten years ago she went to Wichita where two or three of her daughters lived, and where she stayed until a few months ago, she went to the home of her daughter, Mrs. U. D. Burchfield at Independence, where she was tenderly cared for until the end came.   She retained her strength and mental faculties to a remarkable degree until comparatively recently, though she became almost totally blind two or three years ago.

Mrs. Bruce was greatly beloved and honored by her children, and affectionately regarded and esteemed by all who knew her.

The remains were brought to Howard and funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church, Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, conducted by Rev. A. R. Griggs. Mrs. A. T. Ayres sang a beautiful solo with Mrs. Griggs at the piano.  Burial was in Grace Lawn cemetery in the Bruce family plot.

The following obituary was read at the funeral service:

Mrs. Sarah Ellen Bruce, (maiden name Howard) was born in South Carrolton, Kentucky, September 28, 1842 and passed away July 1, 1932, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. U. B. Burchfield, at Independence, Kansas.

She was united in marriage with Thomas Bruce in Kentucky, in 1865, and came to Howard, Kansas, with her husband in 1875, where she lived until about ten years ago and where her husband passed away in 1909.  About ten years  ago, Mrs. Bruce moved from Howard to Wichita, to be nearerto  her married daughters and lived in that city until within the last few months, when owing to failing health she went to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Burchfield at Independence, where she passed away last Friday.

Mrs. Bruce united with the M. E. church at the age of 16 years.

She is survived by three daughters; Mrs. H. C. Rush, Winfield, Kansas; Mrs. U.D. Burchfield, Independence, Kansas; Mrs. J. B. Markham, Wichita, and two sons; Henry C. Bruce, Kansas City, Missouri; and Dr.  O.C. Bruce, Arthur, Illinois.  Also surviving her are five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Two daughters preceded her in death

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Also see biography on her husband, Thomas, that is found on the genealogy board.