James B. Bradwell facts for kids
James Bolesworth Bradwell (born April 16, 1828 – died November 30, 1907) was an important Illinois lawyer, judge, and politician. He worked hard to make laws fair for everyone, especially for women and former slaves.
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Early Life and Education
James B. Bradwell was born in Loughborough, England. This was on April 16, 1828. When he was very young, his family moved to the United States. First, they lived in Utica, New York. Then, they moved to Jacksonville, Illinois, and later to Wheeling, Illinois. James grew up on a farm in Cook County, Illinois.
He went to school in a simple log cabin. Later, he studied at Wilson's Academy in Chicago. He also attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. After finishing school, James worked in Chicago. He did many different jobs. He was known for being a great artist, especially with pictures. He even made the first "halftone" picture in Chicago. This was a special way to print photos in newspapers.
A Family of Justice
In 1852, James married Myra Colby. They had four children together. Myra Bradwell was a very important person. She was one of the first people to fight for women's rights. In 1892, she became the first woman allowed to be a lawyer in Illinois.
After they got married, James and Myra moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There, they opened a school. In 1854, James became a lawyer. The family then moved back to Chicago in 1855.
Judge and Supporter of the Union
In 1861, James Bradwell was chosen to be a judge in Cook County. He handled cases about wills and estates. These are called "probate" matters. During the American Civil War, Judge Bradwell strongly supported the Union. He was against those who wanted to make peace with the Southern states. He gave powerful speeches. He even wrote and sang songs to support the Union cause. People called him the "sweet singer of Cook County."
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In 1865, he was re-elected as a judge. He became known as one of the best judges in the country for probate cases. One of his most famous decisions was about a former slave named Matt C. Jones. Judge Bradwell ruled that a marriage made during slavery was still valid after slavery ended. This meant that children of former slaves could inherit property from their parents. This was a very important decision for fairness.
Fighting for Women's Rights
After being a judge, James Bradwell was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1872. He was re-elected in 1874. He was known as a very good lawmaker. He strongly supported the feminist movement. This movement worked for equal rights for women.
Judge Bradwell helped pass laws that made a big difference. One law allowed women to hold all local school jobs. Another law let women become public notaries. A public notary is someone who can legally witness signatures on important documents.
In 1875, Judge Bradwell helped Mary Todd Lincoln. She was the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Her son had her sent to a hospital. Judge Bradwell and his wife, Myra, helped convince a court that Mary Todd Lincoln could manage her own money.
Later Life and Legacy
James Bradwell was active in many groups. In 1869, he helped start the American Woman Suffrage Association. This group worked for women's right to vote. He was also president of many clubs. These included the Chicago Press Club and the Chicago Bar Association. He was also a founder and first president of the Union League Club of Chicago.
At the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, he led the Photographic Congress Auxiliary. He was also a Freemason. This is a social and charitable organization. He even wrote about old Masonic rules. He argued that these rules showed women should be allowed to join.
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In 1894, Myra Bradwell passed away. Judge Bradwell then took over publishing the Chicago Legal News. This was a newspaper that Myra had started in 1868. His daughter, Bessie Bradwell Helmer, helped him. Together, they edited many legal books. These included Illinois laws and court decisions.
James Bradwell died in Chicago on November 30, 1907. He, Myra, and Bessie are buried at Rosehill Cemetery. His granddaughter, Myra Bradwell Helmer Pritchard, became a famous golfer.
