Bradford, Miles

BRADFORD, PEAK, COLE, WRIGHT

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 8/4/2020 at 11:08:34

Miles Bradford, who resides on section 6, Marion Township, came here in 1847. He is a native of Switzerland County, Ind., born in 1836, and is the son of L. S. and Louisa (Peak) Bradford, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Indiana. The family came to this county in 1847, and settled in Marion Township, where the father entered 222 acres of land. Miles remained at home with his parents until nineteen years of age, and then went to Washington, Iowa, where he attended school a short time, and then engaged in the manufacture of pumps and woodenware, in which business he continued for twelve years. At the expiration of that time he returned to the farm, where he has since continued to reside.

Mr. Bradford was married, in 1860, to Emma C. Cole, a native of Ohio, and daughter of David P. and Martha (Wright) Cole. They have become the parents of six children, five of whom are now living: Louis P. and Frank H., residing in Marion Township; Rollo P., Mattie E. and Charley O., all at home. Ida B. died at the age of thirteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee and filled other local offices. His father is still living in Washington.

In his farming operations Mr. Bradford gives special attention to stock-raising, and is handling a high grade of cattle. His is Secretary of the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Association of Washington County, and is also President of the Iowa Mutual Tornado, Cyclone and Windstorm Insurance Company, of Cedar Rapids, and is agent of the company in Washington County. This company was organized in April, 1884, and is doing a good business. Mr. Bradford has now been a citizen of Washington County for forty years, and is well known, He enjoys the respect and esteem of all.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Miles Bradford, pages 293-294.