Thomas N. Bradford of Texas County, Missouri

Hon. Thomas N. Bradford, of the mercantile firm of J. S. Campbell & Co., of Licking, Mo., was born April 22, 1841, in Texas County, Mo., and is the son of James and Anna (Turpin) Bradford. [See sketch of parents under Josiah Bradford.] He is the sixth child born to his parents, and was reared on a farm, where he received a very limited education in the subscription schools of that day. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State service, and remained about seven months. In 1864 he crossed the plains to California, where he teamed from some time. He then returned to the East, where he followed milling and merchandising for some time, or until 1872, when he was elected sheriff of Texas County. Two years later he was elected sheriff and collector, holding the office one term. In 1882 he was chosen to represent his county in the State Legislature, and since that time he has been engaged in merchandising and farming. December 25, 1867, he married Miss Dora Wilson, a native of Phelps County, by whom he has eight children, three sons and five daughters. Mrs. Bradford died June 11, 1886, and on August 27, 1887, he married Mrs. T. B Wells, nee Janes, who is an active worker in the Presbyterian Church. Besides his interest in the store, Mr. Bradford is the owner of 300 acres of good land, notwithstanding the fact that he began life a poor boy. He is a strong Democrat in politics; is a Mason, being Master of Latimer Lodge No. 395.