Representative John Rowan Bradley View All Years

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John Rowan Bradley

Wayne County

Born in Morgan County, Indiana, August 9, 1850, and is a son of William H. and Martha Ann (Elliott) Bradley. He acquired his education in the district schools of Appanoose County and in the Centerville High School. After he laid aside his school books he helped his father with the work of the farm until he was married, after which he moved upon a portion of the homestead, which he developed and improved for some time. In 1884 he learned the carpentering trade and worked at it for wages for eight years, after which he established himself independently as a contractor and builder, in which work he is still active. He has erected some of the finest and most attractive business houses and residences in Centerville and the surrounding district and has handled much valuable property, doing a very extensive and profitable business. Mr. Bradley has been thrice married. His first wife was in her maidenhood Miss Mary Ann Crist, a daughter of John G. and Mary Ann Coffman Crist. The first Mrs. Bradley died one year later and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, and in 1884 the subject of this review wedded Mrs. Martha C. Brown. She passed away on the 11th of February, 1902, and on the 29th of December, of the following year, Mr. Bradley was again married. His third union was with Miss Ann Spooner. Mr. Bradley gives his allegiance to the Republican Party and has held various responsible township offices, for he never seeks to avoid the duties of citizenship. He was elected to represent Wayne county in the Twenty-first General Assembly, 1886. Fraternally, he is connected with Centerville Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M. Throughout his business career he has always faithfully discharged any obligation devolving upon him and has thus established a reputation for integrity and reliability, his name being an honored one wherever it is known.

House District 11