Thomas W. Bradley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas W. Bradley
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 20th district
In office March 4, 1903 – March 3, 1913
Preceded by	George N. Southwick
Succeeded by	Francis B. Harrison
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 1st district
In office 1876–1876
Personal details
Born	Thomas Wilson Bradley (1844-04-06)April 6, 1844 Yorkshire, England
Died	May 30, 1920(1920-05-30) (aged 76) Walden, New York
Resting place	Wallkill Valley Cemetery Walden, New York
Political party	Republican
Residence	Walden, New York
Occupation	Military officer, businessman, banker
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch/service	U.S. Army New York National Guard
Years of service	1862–1865
Rank	Captain Brevet Major (Army) Colonel (National Guard)
Unit	124th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry
Battles/wars	Civil War Battle of Chancellorsville Battle of Gettysburg Battle of Boydton Plank Road
Awards	Medal of Honor

Thomas Wilson Bradley (born April 6, 1844 – died May 30, 1920) was an important person from New York. He served in the United States House of Representatives and was a brave soldier. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military.

Who Was Thomas Bradley?

Thomas Bradley was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1844. When he was just two years old, his family moved to the United States. They settled in a town called Walden, New York.

Thomas went to school until he was nine years old. After that, he started working. He joined his family's business, the New York Knife Company, as a "shop boy." This was a common way for young people to learn a trade back then.

Serving His Country

When the American Civil War began, Thomas Bradley was still young. In August 1862, he joined the U.S. Army from Walden. He showed great courage and skill, quickly moving up in rank. He became a sergeant and later an officer.

After a major battle called the Battle of Chancellorsville, he was promoted to captain. He became an aide-de-camp, which means he was a special assistant to a high-ranking general, Major General Gershom Mott. Thomas Bradley was also given a special honor called a brevet promotion to major. This meant he could be called a major, even though his official rank was captain.

Thomas Bradley was wounded in three important battles: the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of the Wilderness, and the Battle of Boydton Plank Road. He continued to serve until his regiment finished its service in June 1865.

After the war, Thomas Bradley remained involved with military groups. He also continued his military service in the New York Army National Guard. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and later colonel.

Life After the War

Thomas Bradley was a very active person in his community and in politics. In 1876, he became a member of the New York State Assembly. This is a part of the New York state government that makes laws.

He was also chosen as a delegate for several Republican Party national conventions. These are big meetings where the party decides who will run for president.

Becoming a Politician

Thomas Bradley was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican. This meant he represented New York in the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. He served for five terms, from March 4, 1903, to March 4, 1913.

Business and Banking

Besides his military and political work, Thomas Bradley was also a successful businessman and banker. He worked for the New York Knife Company for over 50 years. He started as a "shop boy" and eventually became the president and treasurer of the company!

He was also involved with several banks. He was a board member, vice president, and president of the Walden National Bank. He also served on the boards of the Columbus Trust Company and the Walden Savings Bank.

Thomas Bradley passed away in Walden, New York, when he was 76 years old. He was buried in the Wallkill Valley Cemetery there.