National

Today in History: April 21

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Peter Henry Bruce and The Bahamas Handbook. See what has taken place on this day in history.

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2 years ago

April 21, 2023

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, in 1741 – Peter Henry Bruce arrived in Nassau.

Bruce was a soldier and engineer and was hired by the British government at 20 shillings per day to improve the fortifications used to defend the island.

The historical society notes he renovated Fort Nassau and later designed and oversaw the building of Fort Montagu on the eastern end of New Providence.

Then in 1878, Mary Frances Moseley who was editor of the Nassau Guardian was born in Nassau. Moseley’s grandfather Edwin Charles Moseley founded the paper in 1844.

She assumed the responsibilities of editor in 1904 following the death of her father, becoming the publication’s fourth editor. in 1907 she became the owner of the newspaper.

Among her other accomplishments was the printing of the first Bahamas Handbook in 1926, and the introduction of the Nassau magazine and journal.

Moseley died on January 19th, 1960 at the age of 81.