Daniel Bradley (politician) facts for kids
Daniel Bradley (born March 17, 1833 – died February 23, 1908) was an American politician from New York. He was known for fighting against corruption and for his honest approach to public service.
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Early Life and Career
Daniel Bradley was born in Derry, Ireland. He went to a local school there. In 1850, when he was about 17, he moved to the United States. He settled in Brooklyn, New York.
When he first arrived, he worked as a tobacconist, selling tobacco products. Later, he started a business selling stoves and metal items called tinware.
During the American Civil War, Daniel Bradley served as a captain. He was part of the 14th Regiment of the New York National Guard. After the war, he also worked in real estate and insurance.
A Career in Politics
Becoming a Public Servant
Daniel Bradley decided to get involved in politics. In 1874, he was elected to the New York State Assembly. This is a group of lawmakers who help create laws for New York State. He ran as a Democrat, but also had support from independent voters.
He was known as a "Soft Shell" Democrat. This meant he was part of the more liberal side of the Democratic Party at the time. He was against slavery and believed in progressive ideas.
Fighting for Honesty
Bradley was re-elected to the Assembly two more times. During his time there, he became famous for fighting against "graft" and "corruption." Graft means using your political power to get money or favors dishonestly. Corruption is when people in power act dishonestly for personal gain.
Because of his strong stand against these issues, people gave him the nickname "Honest Dan." He was known for always doing the right thing.
Serving in the State Senate
In 1893, Daniel Bradley was elected to the New York State Senate. This is another important group of lawmakers in New York State. He ran as a "Reform" Democrat, meaning he wanted to make changes to improve government.
His opponent was William Van Slooten, who was part of a powerful political group. Bradley's campaign slogan was "Who is Van Slooten?" This helped him win the election.
When he joined the Senate in 1894, he was about 60 years old. Even so, he was considered the youngest man in that group because of his fresh ideas.
One of the first laws Bradley suggested was to set fixed salaries for Senators. Before this, some Senators would take money from businesses or special interest groups. Bradley's idea was to stop this kind of dishonest behavior.
In 1894, Daniel Bradley also played an important role in the Lexow Committee. This committee investigated corruption in the police department and city government in New York. Their work helped to expose a lot of wrongdoing.
Personal Life and Legacy
Daniel Bradley was a devoted Catholic. He was a member of the Church of the Assumption in Brooklyn. He also helped set up new groups for the Catholic Benevolent Legion. He served on the Board of Managers for the Catholic Orphan Society, helping children in need.
He was married to Julia Duane. They had five children together: three daughters and two sons. One of his daughters, Catherine, married Thomas E. Murray. Thomas was a well-known inventor and businessman from Albany. They raised eight children in Brooklyn.
Daniel Bradley passed away on February 23, 1908, at the age of 74. He died at his son-in-law's home in Brooklyn after being sick with the flu.
Key Roles and Memberships
- Member of the New York State Assembly (representing Kings County, 1st District) in 1875, 1876, and 1877.
- Member of the New York State Senate (representing the 5th District) in 1894 and 1895.
- Member of the Lexow Committee of the New York State Senate. This committee was very important in bringing down Tammany Hall, a powerful and often corrupt political organization.
