David Bruce Jr.
Inventor in Typography
1802-1892
In 1838, David Bruce Jr. invented the Pivotal Typecaster and subsequently patented it in 1845. This machine replaced men who worked as hand casters. Some saw the machine and plotted its destruction but Bruce was able to foil the plot
The place where David Bruce Jr. invented and made the first successful typecasting machines, working in the attic of his father's residence, the homestead of White Hill. David Bruce Sr. acquired this ample estate in 1820 when he retired from the typefounding firm of D & G Bruce, NYC. The sketch was made by David Bruce Conklin, grandson of the investor.
The No. 2 Patent Bruce Typecasting Machine, superseding the No. 1, patented in 1838 by Bruce. This machine quadrupled the output of the typesetter, made the work easier, and improved the quality of types.
