Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1892-01-27

distinguished iurist was far from being
we'll man, an attack of the grippe last
spring having left hiul in q much de-
biltated condition, from which he
seemed unable to rally during the
summer months. His trouble be-
gan in November, when he caught
a slight cold, which, coupled
with his enfeebled condition, made
great inroads into his strength, and dur
ing the greater part of the present term
Of the supreme court he was unable to
be present at its daily sessions. 1t
was only about week ago,
however, that his health be-
came such as to seriously
alarm his family and friends, though it
was not expected that any fatal results
would follow SO soon as they did.
Every effort was made by his three at
tending physicians to restore his health
and strength, but cold, damp weather,
together with his declining years,
which in a great measure retarded any
progress toward recovery, proved too
great strain for bis system to over
come, and death resulted. Two days
ago he rallied, and it was thought, might
shake off his illness, but yesterday
it was noticed that he was sinking fast.
Up to yesterday morning he had been
perfectly conscious at all times, and his
mind was clear and bright.
Joseph Bradley was born at Berne. Al
bany County. \. Y. March IA, 1913. He
was OF English descent. He was the ED
est OF eleven children and worked upon
his fathers farm until Ii years of age.
months in the year and gained considerable
knowledge by studying his fathers library.
He Taught school every winter from his
10th year until his Dist. lie also practiced
surveying. His love Of study attracted
the attention of the clergyman Of the vii
laoe, who offered to prepare him Tor col
leCe, which offer he accepted. At the age
of 20 he entered Rutgers, where he was
graduated with honor in 1885, unusually
distinguished as mathematician. lie
soon began the study OF law at Newark,
n. j.. and was admitted to the bar in 1889.
In the spring of 1S4C he opened an office IN
Newark, where he continued IN practice
thirty years. until his appointment to be Il
Justice of the supreme court. He was en-
gagged III many OF the most important and
difficult cases that arose IN the New Jersey
courts and in the courts OF the United
States for that district and his service as a
counselor were sought In multitude Ot
other business transactions.
In March, 1870. Judge Bradley was APP
pointed Justice of the United States SUI
preme cOurG by President Grant, and he
was designated circuit justice for the large
Southern circuit. Subsequently, on the
resignation OF Justice Strong. he was as
signed 60 the Third Circuit, embracing the
states OF Pennsylvania, New Jersey and
Delaware. During his membership of the
| supreme court large number Of cases were
| brought into it involving questions arising
| out of the civil war, the reconstruction anO
other acts of Congress, the constitutional
amendments, the difficulties and cOntrOver
| sizes of railroad companies and many other
subjects. In the investigation and de-
| ciSions of these cases Justice Bradley took
| a distinguished part.
Justice Bradley was a member OF the la
nous electoral commission Of 1877, which
decided the Tllden-Hayes contest. He was
never what is called a politician. In his
earlier days he was Wing and later be
came associated with the Republican party
| He assisted materially in forward
| ing troops and supplies during
the war. In 1862 he ran fol
| Congress in the Sixth District of New
Jersey, and was defeated. it beng strong
| Democratic district. IN 1868 Justice Brad
| ley headed the New Jersey electoral ticket
! He was married in 1914 to a daughter OF
| Chief Justice Hornbl blower, of New Jersey
They had two sons and two daughters.