William Bradley

Biography

Early Life and Education: When William was about three years old, his father moved the family to Randolph and then Jackson County, Illinois. He worked on his father's farm and irregularly attended school for a total of about 11 months. Despite limited formal education, studying on his own he acquired a very liberal education, demonstrating remarkable self-discipline and intellectual curiosity.

On 18 December 1834, William married Serena Draper in Jackson County, Illinois. Serena, daughter of Phillip Draper and Sara Pate, was born 27 December 1804 in Smith County, Tennessee.

Home and Family Life: William stayed on the original homestead, building a house near his father's, remaining there until 1869 when he moved his family to Murphysboro. This homestead would become the heart of what became known as Bradley Township, named in William's honor.

Public Service and Political Career: William was deeply involved in local government and public service. He served on county juries in 1836 and 1840. He was Postmaster of the town of Bradley from its formation in 1846 until 1853. He served as Associate County Judge from 1849 to 1853 and County Judge from 1853 to 1857. He ran unsuccessfully for the State Legislature in 1858 as a Democrat. After a break in service, he was again elected County Judge, serving from 1869 to 1873.

Ministry and Religious Leadership: William was also a Freewill Baptist Minister and filled pastorates at Looney Springs and Sato Baptist Churches. He and Rev. Henry S. Gordon organized the Ava Free Baptist Church in October 1860, and he served as pastor for four years. His dual roles as judge and minister made him a pillar of both civic and spiritual life in the community.

1859 Tennessee Journey: In 1859, William and Serena traveled to Tennessee to visit relatives. We are fortunate that a letter William wrote following their return still exists to give us a glimpse into their world. Writing from home in Jackson County on April 15, 1859, William described their journey: they left Carthage at 3 o'clock Wednesday morning, took breakfast at Dixon's Springs and dinner at Gallatin, then took the cars to Nashville. After waiting until Friday at noon, they left aboard the Minetonka Steamboat bound for Paducah, arriving at 2 o'clock Saturday. After about 15 minutes, they boarded the Switzerland and reached Cairo at sundown, where they had to stay until 3 o'clock Sunday evening. They then took the cars and arrived at DeSoto in about 3 hours, 63 miles from Cairo. The journey cost about $40.00.

In this letter, William noted that he had "a brother that is very sick at this time with inflammation of the liver. I think he will not live many days at most." This brother was Richard A. Bradley, who died the day after this letter was written on April 16, 1859.

The letter also provides a fascinating snapshot of economic conditions in 1859 Illinois: "Wheat is worth $1.30 per bushel. Corn is from 50 to 65 per bushel, bacon from 9 to 11, cattle and horses and mules bears good prices when they sell at all, though dull owing to the scarcity of money."

Bradley Township: Bradley Township, which was named for William, lies in the extreme northwest corner of Jackson County. It is bounded on the west by Randolph County, the north by Perry County, the east by Ora and Ava townships, and the south by Ava, Kinkaid and Degognia townships. From the Jackson County History of 1879 we get a glimpse of the township: "This township contained a few settlers before the organization of the State, in 1818. It contains one town, Campbell Hill, situated on the St. Louis and Cairo RR, four miles from its rival, Ava... There is but one church edifice in the town, which was created by the Baptist society, known as 'Looney Springs' Church... The building is of brick, and is not yet entirely finished. This is the strongest religious organization in that part of the County... A considerable portion of this township consists of land suitable for agricultural purposes... The people are honest and wide-awake, and are marching abreast of the times. The old log school houses have largely disappeared, and new frame buildings, comfortably seated and well lighted, are superseding them."

Later Years and Death: Serena died 24 January 1882 and was buried in the Holladay Cemetery outside of Murphysboro. William married Sarah L. Tinsley, widow of Rueben Ross Rees, on 16 June 1882. Sarah was born 23 March 1835 in Franklin County, Illinois. William died 10 August 1887 in Murphysboro and was buried beside Serena in Holladay Cemetery. Sarah died 3 January 1891 and was buried with her first husband in Rees Cemetery in Jackson County.