My Genealogy Hound

Hon. John H. Bradford, not unknown as an agriculturist of this county, was born in Jackson County, Ga., July 31, 1818, and is one of six children in the family of James S. and Mary A. (Cook) Bradford, natives of North Carolina and Georgia. James S., the son of George and Mary Bradford, was taken to Georgia when only two years old, where he grew up and received his education. George Bradford served in the War of the Revolution, and his wife, who survived him a good many years, was ninety-eight years old at the time of her death. To them were born seven sons, all of whom lived to be grown, and some served in the War of 1812. The father of John H. (the subject of the sketch) was the youngest son, he spending his school days in Georgia, where he was married in 1816, to Miss Mary Cook. Taking his family to the Cherokee Nation in Georgia in 1835, he remained there until his death, which occurred in 1880, he being at that time in his eighty-fourth year. His wife, survived him about two years, dying in her eighty-sixth year. He served in the War of 1812, and was a hatter by trade. John H., the oldest of the sons, attained his majority in Georgia, receiving his education mostly at home. He worked in the shop with his father when a boy, and when old enough commenced for himself, choosing farming as his occupation. Upon marrying he settled near his father, where he remained until 1853, then coming to Arkansas, and locating in the neighborhood where he has since lived. At the time of the war he sold a large amount of land, receiving cash in part payment, but afterward was obliged to take the remainder of the property back, not being able to realize upon it. His family were heavy losers from the war, in which he served, being a soldier in Capt. King’s company for about one year; here, however, he contracted camp fever, which so affected him that he has never entirely recovered his health. In 1874-75, Mr. Bradford, by reason of his eminent fitness for the position, was called upon to represent Lonoke County in the lower house of the legislature, and since that time he has held the office of justice of the peace a greater portion of the time, in which office he is now serving. His public life is without a blemish. Mr. Bradford was first married in January, 1841, to Miss Annie Butler, a daughter of Daniel and Annie Butler, natives of Georgia. She died in 1854, leaving five children, one of whom a daughter, Alice J., was drowned in the Red River, Van Buren County, in 1889, with six of her children. This was one of the saddest accidents that has ever occurred in the State, the husband and two of the children escaping almost by a miracle. All the victims of this occurrence were laid in one grave. James D. was drowned in the Potomac River in 1863, having served as a soldier upward of two years, when he met his terrible death with fifteen more of his company. Those of the children living are: Joseph (a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. South), Henry T. and Frances S. Bradford. Mr. Bradford was married in 1855 to Miss Millie A. Allen, and to them were born two children (one now deceased). Mrs. Bradford survived until March, 1859. His third wife was Arena S. Allen, a sister of the former wife. Mrs. Bradford was called to her final home in 1884, leaving a loving husband and five children to mourn her loss. The children are named in the order of their birth: Elizabeth A. F., Sylvia G., George Lee, Maggie E. and Mathew E. Bradford. Mr. Bradford is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, but was for many years, or until 1888, connected with the Baptist Church. His family are all devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In politics he is a Democrat, though not an enthusiast. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and one of those gentlemen who make friends wherever they go. He is universally liked and respected by the entire community.