Since 1838 the gentleman whose name heads this sketch has been identified with the interest and development of his adopted County. He was born in New Haven County, Connecticut, in 1819, where he accepted a position on the New Haven & North Hampton canal as captain of a vessel, and served in this capacity for three years, when he decided to come west, which was in June, 1838. He traveled over the mountains to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he took passage on a steamer to Cairo and up the Mississippi to Stephenson, which is now Rock Island. He purchased land at the mouth of Duck Creek and was for many years interested in a saw-mill there, being associated with Doolittle, Moss & Co. It is said that he sold the first load of wheat marketed in Davenport, and it is also stated on good authority that he built the first frame barn erected in Scott County. An incident of historic interest in his life is the fact that he assisted in making the survey of the territorial road from Davenport to LeClaire in 1839.
At the time he purchased his land a portion of it cost him two dollars and fifty cents and the remainder three dollars and fifty cents per acre. He has several acres in timber opposite his residence, which he has preserved and cared for until it is now one of the most beautiful groves in the County. In early days he hauled his firewood from Illinois in order to save this young timber.
Mr. Bradley has been twice married. His first wife was Elanor Lindsey. To this union five children were born, all of whom are dead, and Mrs. Bradley died also in 1884. His second wife was Miss Elizabeth Deutch, whose parents live in Davenport Township.
Mr. Bradley has in his possession a commission which was issued him by Governor John Chambers, Iowa's first Governor. It was appointing him first lieutenant under Captain Eldridge of the United States Army, and he is very proud of being the possessor of such a souvenir. He has never been an office seeker, but has held many school and Township offices. Politically, he is a Democrat, and a member of the Catholic Church, also of the Pioneer Club of Davenport. He is a pleasant conversationalist, well posted on the general topics of the day and is highly respected by all his neighbors.
BIOGRAPHIES