Thomas J. Brady facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas J. Brady
Born	29 February, 1839
Died	22 April, 1904

Thomas Jefferson Brady (born February 12, 1839 – died April 22, 1904) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Brady also served as an officer during the American Civil War.

Thomas J. Brady's Early Life

Thomas Brady was born in Muncie, Indiana, in 1839. His father, John Brady, was the first mayor of Muncie. After finishing college at Asbury College (now DePauw University), Brady taught school. He then studied law and became a lawyer in 1860.

When the Civil War began, Brady joined the Union Army. He started as a captain in the 8th Indiana Infantry Regiment. In 1863, he was promoted to colonel of the 140th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Just before the war ended in March 1865, he became a brigadier general. This was to honor his long and excellent service. In 1864, during the war, Brady married Emeline Wolfe. They had three children: Arthur, Elizabeth, and Winfield.

Thomas J. Brady's Political Journey

After the war, Brady returned to Muncie and worked as a lawyer. He also bought a local newspaper in 1868. In 1870, he was chosen to be a consul in St. Thomas. This island was part of the Danish Virgin Islands at that time. He worked there until 1875.

That same year, he became the commissioner of internal revenue for Ohio and Indiana. The next year, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Brady as the second assistant postmaster-general.

While working for the postal service, Brady faced serious accusations. There were claims that postal officials received money for giving out mail delivery contracts. These contracts were for areas in the southern and western parts of the country. President Rutherford B. Hayes kept Brady in his job for a while. However, Brady resigned from his position in 1881.

In 1882, Brady was accused of trying to cheat the government. A jury found him guilty, but the judge disagreed with the verdict. At a second trial the next year, Brady and others accused were found not guilty.

Later, Brady moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. His son, Arthur, was president of the Union Traction Company there. Thomas J. Brady passed away in Jersey City in 1904.