James Bruce (1763-1837)
Business Tycoon, of "Woodburn" Halifax County, Virginia
He was born in Virginia and died in 1837 as one of the wealthiest men in America with a fortune of $1.5-million. His business empire included country stores, flour mills, lumber yards, a fleet of wagons, a cotton factory, plaster factory, a fertilizer plant, taverns, etc. In addition, he owned tobacco plantations and 3,000-slaves. He was married twice. He had three children by his first wife but only one (listed) survived childhood, and five children by his second marriage of whom four (listed) survived infancy. Both of his two surviving sons each built impressive mansions.
