Bradley Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bradley Martin
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| Born | December 18, 1841 |
| Died | February 5, 1913 (aged 71) |
| Alma mater | Union University |
| Spouse(s) | Cornelia Sherman |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Henry Hull Martin Anna Townsend |
| Relatives | Frederick Townsend Martin (brother) 4th Earl of Craven (son-in-law) 5th Earl of Craven (grandson) |
Bradley Martin (born December 18, 1841 – died February 5, 1913) was a famous American socialite. A socialite is someone who is well-known in high society and attends many parties and events. He was most famous for hosting a huge costume ball. This party, called the Bradley-Martin costume ball, happened at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City on February 10, 1897.
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Early Life and Family
Bradley Martin was born in Albany, New York, on December 18, 1841. His parents were Henry Hull Martin and Anna Townsend Martin. He had two brothers, Frederick Townsend Martin, who became a writer, and Henry Townsend Martin.
His family was quite important in Albany. His grandfather, Solomon Townsend, was a successful merchant. An even older ancestor, John Martin, sailed with the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake on his trip around the world in 1580.
Bradley Martin went to Union University. During the American Civil War, he served as a First lieutenant in the 93rd Regiment of the New York Army National Guard. This group was part of the Union Army. Later, he worked as an assistant to Governor Reuben Fenton of New York.
Life in High Society
Bradley Martin and his wife, Cornelia, were very active in high society. In 1884, they rented a large estate in Scotland called Balmacaan. It was a well-known place for hunting. From then on, they mostly lived there, only spending a few months each winter in New York. Bradley Martin was also a member of the exclusive Union Club in New York.
The Martins were known for throwing amazing parties. In January 1885, they hosted a ball for 400 important guests at their home. People said it was one of the most beautiful parties New York society had ever seen. They held another big ball in 1890 for 300 friends at a famous restaurant called Delmonico's.
When their daughter married the Earl of Craven in 1893, newspapers joked about it. They said, "The British lion captured another American prize." This meant that another American heiress with a lot of money had married into a British noble family.
The Famous Bradley-Martin Ball
The most famous party the Bradley Martins ever threw was the Bradley-Martin costume ball. It took place on February 10, 1897, at the Waldorf Hotel. Bradley Martin's wife, Cornelia, planned the event. She wanted it to be "the greatest party in the history of the city."
About 800 of New York's wealthiest people attended. They dressed up as kings, queens, and other historical figures. The party cost a huge amount of money, around $400,000 at the time. This would be many millions of dollars today! Some people called it "The most over-the-top party in US history."
The Bradley Martins said they had a special reason for spending so much. They hoped the ball would help the economy of New York City. The city was going through a tough time, with many people struggling financially. They believed that spending money on such a grand event would create jobs and help businesses. However, many religious leaders and writers criticized the party. They felt it was wrong to spend so much money when others were suffering. Even with the criticism, the ball was considered a huge social success.
Family Life
Bradley Martin met his future wife, Cornelia Sherman, at a wedding. She was the only child of a wealthy merchant named Isaac Sherman. Bradley and Cornelia got married about a year after they met.
They had three children:
- Sherman Martin (1869–1894): He sadly passed away at age 25. He was married to an English girl named Annie Nunn.
- Bradley Martin, Jr. (1873–1963): He married Helen Margaret Phipps in 1904.
- Cornelia Martin (1877–1961): She married William Craven, 4th Earl of Craven in 1893. He was an English nobleman.
Bradley Martin passed away from an illness in London, England, on February 5, 1913. His wife, Cornelia, died a few years later in 1920. Their wealth was left to their daughter and living son.
Grandchildren
Through his daughter Cornelia, Bradley Martin was the grandfather of William George Bradley Craven. He became the 5th Earl of Craven.
