Processed by: Archives Staff ; machine-readable finding aid created by:Eric Weig
John Bradford papers
1780-1945
University of Kentucky Special CollectionsLexington, Kentucky 40506
Legal papers (1M49W37) arranged by name of suit, thereunder chronologically. Wilson correspondence (1M51W17) arranged chronologically. Wilson research notes (1M51W17) arranged topically.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item], John Bradford papers, 1780-1945, 1M51W17, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.
2.45 cubic ft.
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.
These papers include documents relating to lawsuits in which Bradford was concerned, and Judge Samuel M. Wilson's research materials on Bradford. The Bradford legal papers include surveys, plats, depositions, summonses, land patents, etc., relating to lawsuits involving the Trustees of the town of Lexington, Kentucky; Thomas Smith; Robert Patterson et al.; George Barnett and William Stafford; Elizabeth Lee; Graves Kelly; the Lyle family heirs; and others. The Wilson materials include his research notes on Bradford; correspondence concerning that research and his search for Bradford's "Notes" on Kentucky; materials on the Bradford Memorial and Historical Association of Lexington, Kentucky, commonly known as the Bradford Club; and pictures of the Bradford family.
These papers are useful for documenting the early history of Kentucky, and of Lexington in particular. The collection constitutes an important resource for the biography of Bradford.