Bruce family.

David Bruce (1770-1857) and his brother George Bruce (1781-1866) were born in Scotland, the sons of John Bruce (1730- ) and Janet Gilbertson (c. 1740-c. 1823). After serving a printing apprenticeship, David came to New York City in 1793. Soon after, he moved to Philadelphia and began working as a printer. His brother George followed him to Philadelphia in 1795, and afterward the brothers moved to Albany, and later to New York City. At first, the Bruces worked in the establishments of others, but in 1806 they opened their own printing business. David went to England in 1812 to learn the process of stereotyping, and the brothers made early efforts in this field. By 1815 they were also producing printing types. In 1816 they sold the printing business and concentrated thereafter on stereotyping and type founding. David retired in 1822, and George continued the business. Gradually typefounding became Bruce's principal enterprise, and the firm made a number of important technological advances in this area.