From the book History of Walworth County Wisconsin, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Page 495

JOHN BRUCE was born in 1788; came from western New York in 1837 to section 22, 
Darien, and also bought land in section 27, where he built a house which was 
temporarily an inn and also a postoffice  He built a grand house at the station 
in 1858, and also added a few lots to the village plat as it was laid out in 
1856.  This addition lies between Beloit street and the railway, and the west 
end of the village.  His first wife was Fear H. (1776-1832); second wife was 
named Cornelia (1822-1870).  He died April 17, 1870, having outlived his wife 
by five weeks.  His son James R. BRUCE built the first hotel in 1843 and died 
July 23, 1845, aged thirty-one years.  His sister Lydia was wife of Cyrus 
LIPPITT, and his sister Susan was Mrs. William PHOENIX.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)