Mr. Bruce enjoys the unique distinction of being the leading restorer of oil paintings in the United States. He has restored many valuable public and private collections, including the Trumbull and Jarvis collections for Yale College. In 1888 he restored the collection of historic portraits in the Governor's room of the City Hall, New York City. His success in this delicate work is of course only possible because he is a talented artist, and has executed many original studies in oil of high merit. In 1857 he met the late Alexander H. Taylor, the celebrated restorer of oil paintings, and started with him to learn the art. His business relations with Mr. Taylor remained very close, and upon the latter's death in 1878 Mr. Bruce became his successor.

Mr. Bruce has been honored with many local trusts. He was elected a Town Committeeman of North Bergen in 1867, when the board consisted of three members. For twelve consecutive years, beginning with 1873, he was a member of the Board of Education and District Clerk of School District No. 21. North Bergen. He served as township Assessor continuously from 1878 to 1900, when he declined further service. He is a Democrat and has been prominent in the councils of the party for many years. For twelve years he was a member of the Democratic County Committee of Hudson County. He took a prominent part in perfecting the new method of voting at the primaries. He was the first Treasurer of North Bergen Township, and has served efficiently as commissioner on many important improvements in the northern part of Hudson County, including the Paterson Avenue and Secaucus road, the Hudson County Boulevard, the joint outlet sewer from the Town of Union, and a number of others. He has also been useful in various other capacities, being an active member of the Fire Department in Hudson County from 1863 to April, 1900, when lie resigned. He is prominent socially, and at his home in New Durham has a rare art collection, including valuable oil paintings, prints, engraving, and curios. He is a member of Hoboken Lodge, No. 35. F. and A. M., of Pentalpha Chapter, No. 11, R. A. M., of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 16, K. T., and of Mecca Temple, A. A. N. O. M. S., of New York City.