Boswell, H. James. American Blue Book Western Washington, Seattle, Lowman and Hanford Co., 1922. p. 181. S. M. BRUCE is engaged in general law practice in Bellingham. He was born on a farm in Ross county, Ohio, April 12th, 1856. Not having the advantage of so much as the public schools training, he took up the task of educating himself and he succeeded by work and study during his spare time. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar, and came to Bellingham in 1889. In practice Mr. Bruce is very fair, striving to win on the merits of his cause, and the justice he believes due his client on all the facts, not forgetting that each side of the controversy has some merit. He never bullies a witness no abuses his opponent. He advises settlement and tries to keep his clients out of litigation. If a trial must be, he prefers putting the facts before a judge rather than a jury, and has taken part in much litigation forming the law of Washington. A strong partisan in politics, he has not sought office. He initiated and outlined the statute organizing the Workmen's Compensation law. He is a constant, quiet worker, careful in detail, clear in analysis, concise in statement, and forceful in argument; and ranks with the ablest lawyers of the state. He is a member of the state and county bar associations. Submitted by: Judy Bivens * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.