Bradford, John, 1747-1830

Printer, publisher, surveyor.

Born in Virginia, John Bradford came to Kentucky in 1779 and settled in Lexington in 1787. In partnership with his brother Fielding, he published the KENTUCKY GAZETTE for a short time, and in 1792 published the acts of the first session of the Kentucky legislature, the first book printed in Kentucky. In 1799 he became the first chairman of the board of Transylvania University, serving until 1811 and again from 1823 to 1828. He played a role in the founding of the Lexington library and often served as one of its trustees. He twice represented Fayette county in the Kentucky House of Representatives, and at the time of his death was high sheriff of Fayette county.

From the description of John Bradford papers, 1780-1945. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 12889748