Biographical Sketch of Hon. Thomas N. Bradford, Texas County, Missouri >From "History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps & Dent Counties, Missouri, from Earliest Times to the Present" Published by Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1889. ********************************************************************** Hon. Thomas N. Bradord, of the mercantile firm of J. S. Campbell & Co., of Licking, MO., was born April 22, 1841, in Texas County, MO., and is the son of James and Anna (Turpin) Bradford. [See sketch of parents under Josiah Bradford] He is the sixth child born to his parents, and was reared on a farm, where he received a very limited education in the subscription schools of that day. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State service, and remained about seven months. In 1864 he crossed the plains to California, where he teamed for some time. He then returned to the East, where he followed milling and merchandising for some time, or until 1872, when he was elected sheriff of Texas County. Two years later he was elected sheriff and collector, holding the office one term. In 1882 he was chosen to represent his county in the State Legislature, and since that time he has been engaged in mer- chandising and farming. December 25, 1867, he married Miss Dora Wilson, a native of Phelps County, by whom he has eight children, three sons and five daughters. Mrs. Bradford died June 11, 1886, and on August 27, 1887 he married Mrs. T. B. Wells, nee Janes, who is an active work- er in the Presbyterian Church. Besides his interest in the store, Mr. Bradford is the owner of 300 acres of good land, notwithstanding the fact that he began life a poor boy. He is a strong Democrat in poli- tics; is a Mason, being Master of Latimer Lodge No. 395. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Debbie Linton Penny Harrell ====================================================================