> I am a new member of the list. I descend from John Bruce, who settled in Winchester, VA @ 1740 and died there in 1748. I descend from his son James Bruce (m. Margaret McMahon), grandson William Bruce (m. Polly Lucas Perciful), ggrandson Major William Bruce (m. Sally Polk) gggrandson William Doctor Bruce (m. Betsey Polk), ggggrandaughter Achsah L. Bruce (m. James Parker), ggggggrandson William Bruce Parker (m. Minnie Short), ggggggrandson Bruce V. Parker (m. Lucille Chessman) and my father Walter Bruce Parker (m. Patricia Ertman). Am interested in corresponding with others in this line. In addition, I have several questions: > 1. Has anyone conclusive proof that John Bruce descended from Thomas Bruice (b. Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, SCT) and James Bruce (b. Longside, Aberdeenshire, SCT)? Where exactly in Scotland was John Bruce born? When did the family move to Leochel-Cushnie Parish, Aberdeenshire? I have just returned from Aberdeenshire and am happy to share my observations and findings. > 2. Does anyone know about the parentage of Polly Lucas, who married William Bruce, Sr.? According to LDS records, Polly's father was William Lucas, born ABT 1711 in Lancaster Co., PA. Polly and William Bruce are mentioned in a Lucas family geneaology as having received land from a Barton Lucas in the Washington, PA area. The Lucas geneaology includes a brother of Barton, William Lucas who was born in 1713/4. He fought in the Revolutionary War (despite being over 60 years old!) and died in Anne Arundel Co, MD. His wife's name was Mary and they had a son George Lucas. Polly was also called Mary. Does anyone know if this William Lucas was Polly's father? (Note that in his memoirs, Major William Bruce stated that Polly's father had been a seafarer). > 3. Am trying to learn more about Achsah Van Meter, William Doctor Bruce's aunt/mother-in-law (William married his first cousin). Achsah Van Meter married Edward Polk in Kentucky and apparently was living in Knox County, Indiana when Edward was killed in the War of 1812. According to LDS, she was born in Shelby Co., KY @ 1786, but cannot find her in any Van Meter genealogies. > Thank you for any and all information. > Doug Parker