Bradley, William O'Connell, 1847-1914.

Politician, lawyer, journalist.

William Bradley served as a federal army recruiting agent in Pulaski county, Ky. during the Civil War. In 1870, he ran as a Republican for county attorney and won. However, in a state dominated by the Democratic party, this early success was not destined to be often repeated. He lost election to the United States Senate four times, and four times was defeated in contests for the House of Representatives. He was twice defeated in Kentucky gubernatorial elections, in 1887 and 1891, but, due to internal problems of the Democratic party, won election as governor in 1895. In 1908, the Democratic party again was divided and Bradley defeated J.C.W. Beckham in an election for the United States Senate.

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