My Genealogy Hound

Robert D. Bradford is of English descent, and was born in Bedford County, Tenn., July 23, 1833, son of Absalom and Margaret (Warren) Bradford, who were North Carolinians, and moved to Middle Tennessee when young. Here they married and became the parents of twelve children. They came to Gibson County in 1836, where they followed agricultural pursuits and spent the remainder of their days. Absalom Bradford was a Democrat, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was with Jackson on his Seminole campaign. He was a man of broad mind and liberality, and died in 1849. His widow continued to reside on the old homestead, and died in 1878. Her mother’s maiden name was Bradford and she was a relative of Gov. Bradford, of Plymouth Colony. Robert D. Bradford’s early days were spent on a farm, and while growing up, his education was wholly neglected. At the age of sixteen he began to battle his own way in the world. He delighted in gaming and horse-racing, but at the same time carried on farming. In 1853 he married Mary Baker, who was born January 8, 1830, and to their union were born eleven children. In 1855 Mr. Bradford located in the woods on the present site of Bradford, and here has since made his home. When the railroad was built, a town sprang up and took the name of Kimble; but was afterward changed to Bradford in honor of our subject. Mr. Bradford owns eighty acres of land adjacent to the town and in addition to farming, trades to some extent in stock. In 1861 he joined Capt. Walker’s company of Twelfth Tennessee Confederate Infantry and was so severely wounded at Shiloh, that he was disabled for further service. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church. His wife is a Missionary Baptist.