.

Bio-Sawyers
SURNAMES:  GILL,  CHEAL,
A direct descendant of one of New England's finest old families, A. E. Bradford traces his ancestry back to Governor Bradford of Massachusetts, whose name is indelibly linked with the history of Colonial days. His parents were Levi and Francene Malindy (Gill) Bradford, the latter a native of New York. Levi Bradford was born in the historic old town of Plymouth, Mass., and was given an education in the best schools of his time. Like many of the family, his inclinations were toward the professional life, and he practiced law in New York, moving to Kenosha County, Wis. He practiced at Perris and was admitted to the bar in 1872. He passed away in 1880 at the age of sixty-six in St. Croix County, Wis., and his wife died there aged eighty-six.
A. E. Bradford was born at Homer, Cortland County, N. Y., January 1, 1853, and in 1854 the family removed from there to Kenosha County, Wis. In 1860 they went to Northern Wisconsin, locating in St. Croix County, and there A. E. was reared and educated, the youngest son of a family of four sons and four daughters, and he with his sisters are the members of the family now surviving. When a lad of sixteen he was thrown on his own resources, and he went to work in the lumber camps of Northern Wisconsin, being employed there in the winter and on the rivers in the summer time. In 1894 he took  up the work of building contractor and has followed this business ever since. Seeking a milder climate he came with his family to Morgan Hill, Cal., on December 4, 1906, and here he purchased ten acres of bare land on San Pedro Avenue. This he has developed into a nice orchard of French prunes and peaches, and it is well repaying his efforts. In the meantime he has continued his work as a contractor, and he has found plenty to do in his line in the new district of Morgan Hill.

In 1889 Mr. Bradford was married to Miss Josephine Cheal, who was born and reared in Wisconsin, and they are the parents of two children, Josephine Ione, residing at home and Mary Caecil, widow of Guy Barrett, and the mother of two children—Harry B. and Alden B. Mr. Barrett had a record to be proud of during.the late war, serving as a machine gunner from March, 1918, to July, 1919. He passed through many perilous times, three men being killed at his side while in action. He died on May. 1, 1922, from the effects of being gassed while in action. Mr. Bradford is a stanch Republican and a strong admirer of Roosevelt. He has for years been a member of the Odd Fellows, being a past officer, and as early as 1878 was a delegate to the Grand Lodge. His favorite recreation is trapping and hunting, and these sports he indulges in today the same as when a boy on the rivers of Wisconsin.

From Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California,  published by Historic Record Co. , 1922. page 1196

cdf


 RETURN TO SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAMILY CHRONICLES

SANTA CLARA COUNTY The Valley of Heart's Delight