Biography

"Collins Bradley was born in Sunderland, Jan. 19, 1808. He lived with his father til 12 years of age, and then he accepted a position as clerk in his brother Gilbert's store, where he remained six years or until he was 19 years old. Then he went to Sandgate where his father then lived, and attended school for a few months. Mr.Bradley then went to Auburn, N. Y. and began the manufacture of buttons, and subsequently engaged in the mercantile business; but each of the enterprises were unsuccessful. He then entered the employ of P. & C. Hayden, whow were extensive dealers in saddlery hardware, and establishment which eventually baecame one of the most extensive west of Albany. He remained with the Haydens in Auburn about give years. About that time Hon. W. H. Seward received the appointment of agent of the Chautauqua County Land Office, Located at Westfield, N. Y. Mr. Seward had several clerks, but he was in need of a chasier and general book-keeper. Acting upon the advice of A. D. Leoard, Esq., proprietor of the Auburn Flour Mills, Mr. Bradley was selected as a suitable man for the position. He left Auburn Aug. 9, 1836 for Westfield, and on his arrival there immediately took charge of the office. There he remained two years when Mr. Seward was elected Governor of New York. After Leaving the Land Office in 1838 he went to Columbus, Ohio, as clerk for Mr. P. Hayden, who had extended his business to that city..."

"Married Juliet E. White, who was educated in Auburn, New York." Married about 1836.