Surnames: BRADFORD EASTMAN OWENS

----Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN & PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 09/28/1916

Bradford, Charles M. (Oct 1850 - 26 Sep 1916)

Chas. M. Bradford, one of the best known citizens of Clark County, Wis., died at the Merchants Hotel, of which hew as proprietor, Tuesday morning, Sept. 26th, 1916, aged nearly 66 years. The cause of his death was cancer of the stomach.

Mr. Bradford was born at Plymouth, Wis. in Oct. 1850. He grew up there, graduated from Plymouth High School and taught school. He was married there to Miss Stella Eastman and in 1874 they came to Clark County. Later they returned to Plymouth for a year and a half, and again came back to Clark County, settling on a farm in the town of Sherman. Mr. Bradford, for a good many years, followed farming and school teaching, and in addition holding the office of Town Clerk or Town Chairman. In the fall of 1891 he was elected County Treasurer and held that office four years; then was elected County Clerk for twelve years; and in 1910 was elected Member of Assembly from this county, serving in that body with distinction. He was also under-sheriff one term when his son William was Sheriff. At the Primary Election on the 5th of this month he was again nominated for the assembly and had he lived would doubtless have been elected. For the past two years he, with his son Will, have run the Merchants Hotel.

Mr. Bradford was a man who had a remarkable faculty of making friends. He was in no sense a typical politician, he was quiet in manner and held steadfastly to his political principles. He was accommodating, helpful and friendly, doing many a good turn to those in need of help.

He leaves one son; three other children died in childhood.

His first wife died in 1907; two years ago he was married to Mrs. Emily Owens Carleton, who survives him. He also leaves one brother, Frank Bradford, of Janesville.

The funeral will be held at the Opera House today (Thursday) at 2 o’clock, under the auspices of the Modern Woodmen and Moose.