Thomas Wilson Bradley (April 6, 1844 – May 30, 1920) was a United States Representative from New York and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Thomas W. Bradley
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 20th district
In office
March 4, 1903 – March 3, 1913
Preceded byGeorge N. Southwick
Succeeded byFrancis B. Harrison
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 1st district
In office
1876–1876
Personal details
Born
Thomas Wilson Bradley

(1844-04-06)April 6, 1844
Yorkshire, England
DiedMay 30, 1920(1920-05-30) (aged 76)
Walden, New York
Resting placeWallkill Valley Cemetery Walden, New York
Political partyRepublican
ResidenceWalden, New York
OccupationMilitary officer, businessman, banker
Signature
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Branch/service U.S. Army
New York National Guard
Years of service1862–1865
Rank Captain
Brevet Major (Army)
Colonel (National Guard)
UnitNew York (state) 124th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry
Battles/warsCivil War
Battle of Chancellorsville
Battle of Gettysburg
Battle of Boydton Plank Road
Awards Medal of Honor

Biography

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Born in Yorkshire, England, Bradley immigrated to the United States in 1846 with his parents, who settled in Walden, New York. He attended school until nine years of age, and then began working for his family's business, the New York Knife Company, as a "shop boy."

Bradley enlisted in the Army from Walden in August 1862, advanced to become a sergeant, and later received a commission. After the Battle of Chancellorsville, he was promoted to captain and became the aide-de-camp to Major General Gershom Mott, 3rd Division, II Corps. He later received a brevet promotion to major of Volunteers. Bradley was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of the Wilderness, and the Battle of Boydton Plank Road, and was mustered out with his regiment in June 1865.[1] After the war Bradley was active in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and other veterans organizations and reunion societies. Bradley also continued his military service as assistant inspector general of the New York National Guard with the rank of lieutenant colonel, later receiving promotion to colonel.

Bradley was a member of the New York State Assembly (Orange Co., 1st D.) in 1876; and a delegate to the 1892, 1896 and 1900 Republican National Conventions.

Bradley was elected as a Republican to the 58th, 59th, 60th, 61st and 62nd United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1903, to March 4, 1913.

Bradley was a member of the board of directors, vice president and president of the Walden National Bank. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Columbus Trust Company and the Walden Savings Bank. Bradley was employed by the New York Knife Company for more than 50 years, and rose through the company's ranks to become president and treasurer.

Bradley died in Walden, New York, at age 76 and was interred there in Wallkill Valley Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

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He received the Medal of Honor for actions on May 3, 1863, at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company H, 124th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Place and date: At Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. Entered service at: Walden, N.Y. Born: April 6, 1844, England. Date of issue: June 10, 1896.

Citation:

Volunteered in response to a call and alone, in the face of a heavy fire of musketry and canister, went and procured ammunition for the use of his comrades.[2]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Regimental roster
  2. ^ "Civil War Medal of Honor recipients (A-L)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 6, 2007. Retrieved June 6, 2007.

References

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  This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 20th congressional district

1903–1913
Succeeded by