James S. Bradley, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
James S. Bradley
OBITUARY
DIED - At his home in Chesterton, of heart disease, on Monday night, Jan. 21, at nine o'clock, JAMES S. BRADLEY, aged 61 years, 4 months, and 21 days.
The immediate cause of his death was a violent attack of pleuro pneumonia, complicated by heart disease. During twenty-six days of illness he patiently endured his suffering with christian fortitude, counseling with his family and friends in regard to both spiritual and temporal affairs, and evincing a willingness to go from his labor to his reward. He was a consistent christian and as such, death had no terror to him.
The subject of this notice was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, near Cincinatti. At the age of 16 his family removed to Clinton county, Indiana, where after two years' residence, his father died. The remainder of the family then started for the northwest, and in their route passed through City West and as Mr. Bradley relates, camped at what is now known as Culver's Point. His description of this county in those days was a theme he delighted to talk about, although his opinion of what he saw of it, was not very flattering. The family arrived at Chicago, where they lived six or seven years, and young James chose the carpenter's trade as an occupation, and worked at the same while in Chicago. At this time, the L.S. & M.S. road was nearly completed and the town of Calumet (now Chesterton) was laid out, and Mr. Bradley was one of the first carpenters on hand to take an active part in building the new town. There are several of the first buildings of Chesterton which he worked on in existence yet.
After four years residence in Calumet, he removed to Liberty township, purchased land, and commenced the herculean task of clearing up a heavy oak timbered farm. On June 3rd, 1853 he was married to Elizabeth M. Jones, a native of Ohio, daughter of the late Jonathon Jones and a sister of Robert Jones Esq., now of Valparaiso. This union allied him to a family of the pioneers of our county and he and his relative proved to be the men and women to reduce the forests to orchards fields and meadows. Of this marriage there were five children, the eldest and third being dead. He leaves Charles D. and Martha E., who are married, and Lavantia, just entering into womanhood. Mr. Bradley lived on his farm until 1881, with the exception of the time he served his country. He entered service in the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, and participated in various campaigns in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, and was honorably discharged at Vicksburg at the close of the war. He held every office in the gift of his township and discharged hi duty with honor to himself and constituents.
Mr. Bradley's first wife died in 1877 and in 1878 he married Mrs. Lavina Parker, a native of New York, but long a resident of Indiana. In the fall of 1881 Mr. Bradley moved to Chesterton and again followed his trade as a carpenter. Having accumulated enough to be in easy circumstances he erected a fine residence, and being surrounded by a harmonious and happy family, was well situated to enjoy the fruits of a well spent life. Whether at the bench, plow, or on the field of battle, he was inspired by a sense of duty to act well his part.
Mr. Bradley was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was held in high esteem by his comrades, who during his long and painful illness were at his bedside, and with brotherly devotion, ministered to his dying wants. All honor, Comrades, but as you look at his vancant seat in your councils remember the widow and orphan.
Newspaper: The Tribune
Date of Publication: January 24, 1889
Volume Number: 5
Issue Number: 41
Page: 1
Column(s): 4
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook