One name that comes up over and over again in Homer history resources is Dr. George W. Bradford, and for good reason—he was an important part of the lives of Homer citizens, and he deserves to be remembered.
Dr. Bradford was born on May 9, 1796 in the town of Otsego. His parents were Eseck Bradford and Hulda Skinner, and George Washington Bradford was the first son in their family of ten children. George was a direct descendant of William Bradford, the second governor of the Plymouth Colony. The family lived near Cooperstown, and Bradford was a contemporary of American writer James Fenimore Cooper.
In his early life, George was considered to be of delicate constitution, but later on, he dedicated himself to maintaining a strict diet, regular habits, and exercise, which included horseback riding, and he developed into a rugged individual. As a child, Bradford attended a school that was two miles from his home, and he could only attend between late fall and early spring due to his obligation to help on the family homestead. He loved books and was a devoted reader, and in 1812 and 1813, he was sent to an academy at Woodstock, Connecticut. Bradford’s father, Eseck hailed from Woodstock, so it is possible that extended family remained there and helped with boarding young George and seeing to his educational opportunities.
By 1816, Bradford had discovered his calling was to medicine, and he entered as a student into the office of Dr. Thomas Fuller in Cooperstown. He never would have the opportunity to attend college, something he would always regret. After three years under the tutelage of Dr. Fuller, George headed to Preble, where he began to practice medicine on his own. By this time, he had also taken a wife, Mary Ann Walker. Dr. and Mrs. Bradford did not remain in Preble for long, because in February of 1820, George was back in Cooperstown, where he was licensed to practice medicine by the Otsego County Medical Society. It was also in Cooperstown where the couple buried their first child, a son who died in infancy.
They returned to Homer in 1820, and George was admitted to the Cortland County Medical Society. He would continue to practice medicine in Homer for about 60 years. George and Mary Ann welcomed daughters Emeline and Helen Sabina into their family, and they suffered heartbreak yet again in 1841 when Helen died at just 17 years of age.
Bradford was an industrious and respected member of the community, and he provided dedicated service to institutions that met his interests. He was a member of the Cortland County Medical Society from the time he was admitted in 1820 until his death. He served the organization as its secretary for 45 years, until hearing loss caused him to resign from that position. He then switched to the role of treasurer and held that office for six years until declining health caused him to resign. In 1832, Dr. Bradford was elected as a trustee of the Cortland Academy and served in that capacity for 38 years. Over the course of his life, he was elected to the New York State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Bradford successfully ran for political office, and he served as a member of the New York State Assembly for one term and as a New York State Senator for two terms. Importantly, the Cortland County Anti-Slavery Society was founded in April of 1837 after a three hour speech by noted abolitionist, Gerrit Smith, and Dr. George W. Bradford was one of the inaugural members of this organization.
George was a lifelong learner, and he possibly possessed the largest private medical library in Central New York. He was happy to share his resources and knowledge with fellow physicians. Botany was a favorite subject of his, and he submitted a report on the plants of Cortland County to the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Bradford must have been pleased when he was granted an honorary degree from Genesee College (the predecessor of Syracuse University) in 1858.
As accomplished as he was, perhaps it was Dr. Bradford’s disposition that was the reason he was admired by those who knew him. He was deeply dedicated to the sick and the poor. Bradford could be blunt and curt, and he had no tolerance for quacks or tricksters. He was always truthful, and despite his sometimes candid observations, Bradford exhibited kindness and sympathy for all. He had a ready smile, and his quiet humor made him a pleasant companion. Although he did not acquire tremendous wealth, he was beloved by all who knew him.
At the end of his life, George Bradford removed to Syracuse to live with his daughter and granddaughter. There, they brought his favorite books and journals from his library to make him feel comfortable and at home. His memory was failing, but he still enjoyed conversation. He had been alone since his wife Mary Ann died in 1875, and on October 31, 1883, George Washington Bradford passed away quietly in his sleep.
Funeral services for Dr. Bradford were held at the Congregational Church in Homer and Reverend W.A. Robinson and Reverend Dr. Edward Hitchcock delivered the eulogy. Hitchcock stated, “Few lives furnish richer material for stimulating biography. On its title-page, it could be fairly written; ‘The upright citizen; the skillful physician; the conscientious representative; the wise legislator; the pure patriot; the zealous reformer; the conservative thinker; the patient investigator; the progressive scholar; the judicious advisor; the faithful friend; the sympathetic helper; the large-hearted philanthropist; the conscientious, consistent Christian man.’” Bradford’s casket was carried by several of his fellow physicians, and George was laid to rest with Mary Ann and their daughter Helen Sabina at Glenwood Cemetery.
~Tabitha Scoville, Director
