The first known of the Bradley family in the United States was Stephen Bradley, a soldier of Oliver Cromwell's army, who came over from England in 1642, and located in Guilford, Conn. Stephen, the fifth in the order of descent, came to Sunderland, Charlotte County, Province of New York (now Vermont), in 1774, and was great-grandfather to William L. J. F. M. Bradley, his grandfather, lived to be 100 years old. Leman, father of William L., came to Pavilion in 1811, and served in the War of 1812. December 27, 1821, he married Mary Hill, of this town, who was the first school teacher in Pavilion. They had five children, viz.: Mary J., Hermione G., Miles L., Sarah I.; and William L. Mary J., Miles L., and Sarah I. are deceased. William L. Bradley was born June 17, 1836, in the house which he now owns, and where he resides. He received a common school and academic education, and now holds the position of justice of the peace, is one of the commissioners of the United States Deposit Fund, and is a surveyor, conveyancer, and farmer. December 11, 1866, he married Fanny M., youngest daughter of Horace Bradley, of Pavilion Center, and they have had six children, viz.: Lee, who died in infancy; and Mary I., Etta E., Robert L., and Horace S. (twins), and Bertha E., who survive. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley reside near Pavilion Center.

FROM: Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890