The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1922-04-13
CUTS BRADLEY SENTENCE.
TO TWENTY FIVE YEARS.
for Murder Wins Favor from Gov
ernOr Blaine Today.
MAY SECURE AN EARLY RELEASE
John Bradley Was Charged With the Murder of Clifford
L. Smith, Railroad Contractor, in 1906 -
Governor Doubts Evidence

John Bradley, often referred to as
the "most lovable murderer" ever con-
victed in Kenosha county, may secure
his early release from prison as Gov.
John j. Blaine at Madison this morn
ing handed down an order committing
the sentence of Bradley from life
term to term of rs years. Bradley
has served Is years in the state prison
and under the regulations of penal
service he would be entitled to make
application for a parole. 1t is under
stood that formal application for a
parole or pardon will follow the action
Of the governor in committing the
sentence.
Bradley was sentenced by Judge E.
B. Belden in the circuit court here on
May 7, 1909, He was given life SEN
tenco following his conviction by
jury on charges of the wilful murder of
Clifford l.. Smith in a railway camp in
the town of Somers on the night of
June n, 1906. Bradley pleaded self
defense.
Supreme Court Sustains Verdict.
The case of Bradley was one Of the
most bitterly contested murder trials
ever tried in Kenosha county and fol-
lowing the conviction of Bradley in the
circuit court Attorney Calvin Stewart
took the case to the supreme court on
O claim that there was prejudicial error
In the trial of the case. The supreme
court sustained the holding of the low
or court and left Bradley in prison.
Bradley has been a model prisoner
and several months ago an appeal was
made to the governor by Judge Lew
Bancroft of Richland Center for his
pardon. There was no serious opposi-
tion to the appeal from any Of the off
Gals of Kenosha county. Bradley was
not present at any of the hearings and
the first word of the fact that the gov
ernor had shown him favor was taken
to him at the state prison just after
noon today.
Historic in Kenosha Crime.
The murder of Clifford l.. Smith and
the subsequent capture of Bradley af-
ter nationwide search and his con-
viction in the circuit court marked one
Of the most interesting cases in the
criminal history of Kenosha county.
Smith was a Libertyville, Ill, man and
he was in charge of a large company
of construction men working on the
section near the village of Somers
Bradley, a hot-headed boy under age.
was a member of the gang and he had
taken a distinct dislike to Smith on
account Of some statements Smith was
alleged to have made about one Of the
other workers. On the night of the
murder Bradley had been in Kenosha
end it was admitted that he had been
drinking He returned to the camp
carly in the evening and met Smith
and opened fire on him. 1t was the
contention of Bradley that he fired in
self-defense, but the further investigs<
tons showed that Smith was unarmed
Lingers at Scene Of Crime.
After the shooting Bradley declared
that he fingered at the scene of the
crime until early morning and then ran
sway 1t was nearly three years later
that he was captured out in Colorado
and brought back to Kenosha to face
charges of murder. Attorney r. v.
] aker was district attorney in charge
Of the prosecution and Bradley was
defended by Calvin Stewart. There
was much trouble in locating the wit
ncsses Of the shooting, but they were
finally rounded up and Bradley went
trial the latter part of April, fifteen
years ago The trial lasted many days
end Bradley was sentenced on May z
1909. Several former appeals had been
made to governors of the state to Sc
cure his pardon or reduction Of the
sentence.
No Action on Carlson Case.
Fourteen pardons or combinations
we're granted by Governor Blaine today
but in the list there was no mention
af the name of Carl O. Carlson, member