Bradley, James H. (James Howard), 1844-1877

James H. Bradley was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, on May 25, 1844. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Bradley joined a volunteer Ohio regiment and served primarily in the Western Theater. After his discharge at the end of the war, Bradley joined the Eighteenth U.S. Infantry Regiment as a second lieutenant. He was promoted to first lieutenant in July 1866, and was stationed in what is now Wyoming. He took part in several actions along the Bozeman Trail during the Red Cloud War of 1866-1868. After a period of service in Georgia, Bradley returned to the West with the U.S. Seventh Regiment. While stationed at Ft. Benton, Montana Territory, Bradley, inspired by his association with men who had participated in the early fur trade, began a study of Montana and Northwestern history. In addition to his avocation as an historian, Bradley served as a chronicler of military activities and of the history of the Indian tribes his regiment encountered. In 1876 Bradley was assigned to Colonel John Gibbon's "Montana Column," and participated in the events leading to the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The following year Bradley again served under Gibbon in his pursuit of the Nez Perce. James H. Bradley was killed at the Battle of the Big Hole on August 9, 1877.

From the description of James H. Bradley papers 1864-1879 (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 351487431

James H. Bradley was born in Ohio in 1844. At the outbreak of the Civil War he joined a volunteer Ohio regiment and served primarily in the Western Theater. After his discharge at the end of the war, Bradley joined the Eighteenth U.S. Infantry Regiment as a second lieutenant. He was promoted to first lieutenant in July 1866, and was stationed in what is now Wyoming. He took part in several actions along the Bozeman Trail during the Red Cloud War of 1866-1868. After a period of service in Georgia, Bradley returned to the West with the U.S. Seventh Infantry Regiment. While stationed at Fort Benton, Montana Territory, Bradley, inspired by his association with men who had participated in the early fur trade, began the study of Montana and Northwestern history. In addition to his avocation as a historian, Bradley served as a chronicler of military activites and of the history of the Indian tribes his regiment encountered. In 1876 Bradley was assigned to Colonel John Gibbon's "Montana Column," and participated in the events leading to the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The following year Bradley again served under Gibbon in his pursuit of the Nez Perce Tribe. James H. Bradley was killed at the Battle of the Big Hole, on August 9, 1877.

From the guide to the James H. Bradley Papers, 1872-1877, (Montana Historical Society Archives)