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Doors Open: Brucefield Introduction AMONG THE EARLIEST settlements in the Huron Tract is Brucefield. Neil Ross came to the area in 1830, locating on Lot 34 Concession 1 Tuckersmith Township on the London Road. He was the first settler in the township. Soon after, in 1831, others arrived and settled on nearby lots: James Campbell, John McIntosh, Robert Hunter, William Hunter, William Bell, and Alexander McKenzie. In 1832, John Young settled on Lot 29, just south of the village site. Settlement of the area continued and a townsite was laid out in 1857. In 1830, the London Road was chopped out, but not logged. Settlers could earn money toward the purchase of their land by clearing the roadway. The first storekeeper in Bruce-field was Samuel McCowan. He is credited with naming the village in honour of Major Bruce of Scotland, a brother-in-law of Lord Elgin and his aide-de-camp when he was Governor General of Canada. Another early settler was James Stewart who took up land near the village in 1832. Peter McMillan is said to have been the earliest settler in Brucefield proper, also arriving in 1832. He built a store on the northwest corner of the main intersection in Stanley Township. In 1851, the post office was opened in this store with Donald McMillan as postmaster. Other store owners, in 1854, were Daniel Sills, William Scott and David Campbell. As well as operating a store, Daniel Sills bought grain from local farmers and took it to Bayfield. William Scott, in partnership with David Campbell until 1857, had a general store where they sold groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, and whiskey. In 1857, Scott bought out Campbell's share and continued as Scott & Co. He also bought grass seed and hides from area farmers. By 1863, Brucefield was a lively place with a church, school, tow hotels, four stores, three shoe shops, a wagon and carriage shop, three blacksmith shops, three tailor shops, three carpenter shops, a harness shop and a window blind shop. Sawmills, a cheese factory and a butcher shop came later. The railroad came through in 1875, with the first train arriving from London on October 27, 1875. Brucefield became an important station and the village could soon boast of a population of 200. Brucefield was well known for its doctors. Dr. John Birtch was practicing here in 1863, and two others, Drs. Munroe and Swan, were established in the village at an early date. Brucefield had an Agricultural Society as early as 1857. In 1875, Bruce-field hosted the Annual Spring Show of the South Huron Agricultural Society for the exhibition and sale of stock. In 1883, the village had a Seed Show reported to be "second to none." Site Submissions Dixon's Hotel Location: Brucefield Year built: c. 1860, 1897 Hotels were an important part of the early life of a community. They offered lodging, food and drink, and a place to meet locals and travellers. Dixon's Hotel was one of two early hotels in Brucefield. The orignal hotel, built in about 1860, burnt and was rebuilt in 1897. more... Brucefield United Church Location: 10 London Rd Year built: 1877, 1908, 1972 This is the third building to serve the congregation of Brucefield United Church. The first church was built in 1877 for the then Presbyterian Free Church. The second church, built using some of the brick from the first, was raised in 1908. Fire destroyed this church in 1970 and so the present church was built. more... Ross Free Presbyterian Cemetery Location: 74836 Hwy 4 south of Brucefield Year begun: 1847 William Robertson bought the lot on which Ross Free Presbyterian Cemetery was built from The Canada Company in 1847. The first known burials here were made in 1852. One of the first to be buried here was Eliza Ross, the wife of the first minister, Rev. John Ross. more...
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