Gabriel C. Bradford, deceased, who for many years conducted the Clarence Hotel at Manchester, was a native of England but came with his parents to America when but a boy. The family home was established at Skaneateles, New York, and he remained there until after his first marriage, when he settled near Dyersville, this county, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits until he moved to Indianola, where the demise of his first wife occurred. Later he removed to Manchester and after his second marriage conducted the Clarence Hotel until his death in 1902, the hotel becoming widely known by traveling men. He led an upright life and manifested commendable public spirit and his death was deeply regretted.
     Mrs. Mary Babcock became the second wife of Mr. Bradford. She was born in England, March 22, 1827, a daughter of James and Jennie Toogood, likewise natives of that country. The family came to America in 1834 and located near Baldwinsville, Onondaga county, New York, upon a farm, where both passed away in the early ‘50s. Mrs. Bradford was one of a family of eight children but is the only one now living. One passed away in England previous to the removal of the family to this country, and six died and were buried in America. Mrs. Bradford was but a child when she accompanied her parents to the United States and has thoroughly identified her interests with those of her adopted land. Following the demise of her father and mother she came with her brother Thomas to this county and here met and married Albert C. Babcock. He passed away, and she was married to Mr. Bradford, who, as was previously stated, died in 1902.
     Mrs. Bradford has reached an advanced age and has many interesting reminiscences of the early days, when the conveniences which we consider a matter of course were altogether unknown. When she came to this country with her parents sailing vessels were still a common means of transportation across the Atlantic and the ship in which they sailed took four weeks for the journey, which was considered good time. During the many years of her residence in Delaware county Mrs. Bradford has endeared herself to many friends, who hold her in warm regard for the womanly qualities of her character.