Thomas Seth Bruce was a starter on Bates College football team from 1894-1898. During his senior year Bates had one of their best seasons going 6-0. Bruce broke the color barrier and was an early black football player for a predominately white college.
What is interesting about this photograph is that he appears to be the captain of the team since he is holding the football. I believe this photo is from Nichols Latin School which was a prep school for Bates College. An NLS is seen on another players uniform in the image.
After graduation Bruce went to seminary school in Newton Massachusetts. He played on the Newton Athletic Clubs football team who actually played Yale that season. I believe he is one of the first black players on a major athletic club team.
