Biographical Sketch of William L. Bradford, Pulaski County, Missouri

>From "History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas,
 Pulaski, Phelps & Dent Counties, Missouri, Published 1889, Goodspeed
 Publishing Company.

Transcribed by: Penny Harrell (Incog3678@aol.com)

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William L. Bradford, ex-collector of Pulaski County, MO., resides 
about two miles southwest of Waynesville, and was born in 1839 in
Pulaski County (now Phelps County), and is one of five children born
to the marriage of Isaac Neeley Bradford and Martha Duncan, both of
whom were natives of Kentucky, the former born in 1804.  In 1822 he
came to what is now Phelps County, MO., with his father Adam Bradford
and located on the farm now owned by R. B. Duncan.  They were among
the first whites to settle in that region, and there Adam Bradford
died in 1850.  Isaac N. married and settled in Spring Creek Township,
where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occuring in 1882.
After his wife's death, in 1839, he married Frances Mary Vance, who
bore him six children and yet survives him.  William L. Bradford was
reared to manhood on his father's farm, and received a common school
education.  At the age of twenty-two years he became the architect of
his own fortunes, and August 4, 1861, enlisted in the Missouri State
Guards for six months.  After his time had expired he re-enlisted in
the First Missouri Cavalry, Gates' Regiment, and was sergeant of Com-
pany F.  He was at Pea Ridge, Iuka, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Bakers' Creek,
Big Black and the siege of Vicksburg, being captured at the latter 
battle, but was soon paroled and rejoined his command.  He was then at
Kenesaw Mountain, where he was wounded in the right leg by a bomb, and
was disabled for thirty days.  After recovering he again entered the
field, and was in the battles of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Dalton, Altoona 
Mountain, Franklin and Fort Blakely, being captured at the latter en-
gagement.  After being paroled at Jackson, Miss., he returned home, 
and in the year 1867 became a citizen of Pulaski County, MO., and in
January of the same year was united in marriage to Miss Anaiah Sophia 
Tilley, a daughter of Wilson and Elizabeth (Tippett) Tilley, of 
Pulaski County.  Mrs. Bradford is a native of the county, and was 
born in 1849.  After their marriage they lived upon rented land for
six years, and in 1873 bought 175 acres of land where they now make
their home.  At present Mr. Bradford is the owner of 420 acres of 
land in the home farm and 120 acres in Liberty Township.  He has been
a life-long Democrat in politics, and his first presidential vote was
cast for Douglas in 1860.  In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Pulaski
County, and two years later became collector, being re-elected in
1886, and filled the duties of this office faithfully as well.  He is 
a Master Mason, and he and wife have been members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South, for eight years, and for six years he has been
recording steward for Waynesville Circuit.

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