Sheriff Cassius C. Bradford

Sheriff Bradford served as Sheriff of Grant County from 1899 to 1902

Sheriff Cassius “Big Cash” Bradford was a large strong man. According to his biography he battled with the KKK who had training grounds in Van Buren. The biography on Sheriff Bradford was made while he was currently serving as the sheriff.

Cassius C. Bradford, the present Sheriff of Grant county, was born in Marion July 30, 1857, and is a son of Moses and Mary Ellen (Van Horn) Bradford. The Bradford families have filled an important niche in the history of Grant county, a more complete reference to the earlier members of the family being found on other pages of this work. Moses Bradford was, in many respects, one of the most interesting characters who have ever lived within the borders of the county. He was born in Hardy county, Virginia, and was married near Xenia, Ohio, coming to Indiana in 1841, and settled on the bank of the river in North Marion. There he secured 160 acres of fine land, which is now all embraced in the city, and devoted himself to farming and butchering, being the second to engage in that business in the town. But two houses stood on the north side of the river at that time, those of Aaron Swayzee and that of Mr. Reed. For thirsty-five years Moses Bradford was the principal stock buyer of the county, his connection with the stock business making him widely known in all this part of the state. There were no markets then, as now, but the meat was peddled from house to house over the town. His old home, which is still in use as a residence, was erected by Riley Marshall in 1839, and the Swayzee house, now the home of Congressman Steele, are the landmarks of that part of the town. To no other man is so much credit due for the promotion and construction of the railroads through Grant county. Wabash, twenty miles to the north, on the canal, was the only outlet, and there, through all kinds of weather and over all kinds of roads, the goods for Marion and the produce from here had to be hauled. He, with a keen foresight, realized that Marion could never amount to much until it had suitable communication with the markets of the country, and early began the sounding of the people on the feasibility of securing a railroad. His enthusiasm aroused others and steps were taken to secure the Pan-Handle railroad, he being the principal local promoter. The right of way was largely obtained through his personal efforts. He saw clearly the needs of a second railroad, keenly feeling the lack of proper competition, and thus became the president of the narrow-gauge, now the “Clover Leaf.: and, in fact, was the owner of about forty-four miles of it from Kokomo to Warren. Litigation grew out of the relations of the officials, and finally the Supreme Court decided adversely to his interests, taking the ground that it was against public policy for one man to own a full control in any such public utility. He stood tenaciously for his rights, making a strong fight for his property, only in the end to lose all. After years of effort in advancing the interests of the community and struggling to retain the fortune he had amassed by the strictest legitimate methods, he died a poor man, others reaping the harvest, where he had cleared, broken and planted. He conducted a general store for many years, and was constantly doing something in the way of building, that tended to improve the town, believing that it was destined to make an important city. He is remembered by all as a justice of the peace, many of his decisions bearing the stamp of originality and even genius. He was one of the original abolitionists of the William Lloyd Garrison type, and ever held slavery in the greatest abhorrence. The movement of assisting the escaping slaves was already begun when he came to Marion; but he at once became associated with the local men, soon becoming the most radical and pronounced of any of them. His home was a station on the famous underground railway, and the night was never too dark or the danger too great for him to go forth on what he deemed a mission of mercy. Fearless to a degree, he stopped not for man or Devil, when he felt the cause of humanity needed his presence.  He was threatened, and violence was even offered him; but he was made of that stuff that never hesitated when once his mind was bent on the accomplishment of a definite object. Threats had no effect, except to make his determination that more dogged and unyielding. He was outspoken in his opinions, and harsh in his criticisms of others, having no sympathy with those of trembling nature, whose hearts might be right, but whose fears kept them from action when action was most needed. He was for motion. He lacked smoothness and politic suaveness; but what he lacked in these he made up for in strength and vigor. While en route from the east he came near being mobbed in the vicinity of Cincinnati. He had been so pronounced that word of his coming had preceded him, and a reward was offered; but, by the assistance of Quaker friends, he eluded the parties. He was warned by the Knights of the Golden Circle, whose training grounds were in Van Buren, that he would be mobbed; but he kept on the even tenor of his way, though his house was fired into and other insults offered. Weighing 245 pounds, he had physical strength in proportion, and very few men were able to handle him. While never an aspirant to public position, he was well qualified to fill any post of trust that might have been offered. He assisted in the building and maintenance of the old Wesleyan church, besides which he erected a church building on a tract of his own, donating its use to the congregation. He platted two additions to the city, embracing about fifty acres, and which is now largely covered with desirable residences. He died January 10, 1898, full of years of honors. He was the father of twelve children, of whom eight reached maturity, and of these, six daughters and a son survive him.

Another Biography

Cassius C. Bradford was reared on the farm, entering, however, the store at an early age. He was married February 22, 1881, to Miss Victoria Cochrane, of Marion. He was elected Sheriff of the county in 1898, and again in 1900, after receiving 900 more votes at the primary election, in February, than the combined vote of his four opponents. He is said to have made a model officer, at least his serves have been recognized by those who have given the matter considerable attention, the ladies of the W. C. T. U. presenting him with a  handsome souvenir for his activity in the enforcement of the law. Three deputies are retained, by whose aid, and that of his faithful wife, who is the matron at the jail, the most careful attention is given to all that properly pertains to the office. For fifteen years he has taken a keen interest in politics, being generally found in the conventions and serving on the various committees. He has ever been a good “mixer,” no more popular man being found within the party ranks.

Still owning considerable of the estate of his father, Mr. Bradford has extended his operations by the laying out of two new additions-that of “Bradford’s Home” and is active in making improvements thereon. His family, besides himself and wife, are two children-Burr, a bright boy of eighteen, who is serving as a turnkey at the jail and Mary, aged ten.

While Mr. Bradford is absorbed in the duties that constantly press for attention, he has found time to identify himself with some of the social fraternities, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Junior Oder of American Mechanics, and of the Modern Woodmen.

Another Biography

Cassius C. Bradford. Everybody in Grant county knows bighearted, genial “Cash” Bradford, and every one knows him to be one of the most progressive and public spirited citizens of Marion. Few men have a wider acquaintance over the county, and few have more loyal friends. Cassius C. Bradford, traveling representative of the Ballard Packing Company, was born in Marion, July 30, 1857, a son of the late Moses and Mary Ellen (Van Horn) Bradford. The career of his father and his high place in Grant county history has been described in preceding paragraphs.

Reared at Marion, the son Cassius when a boy entered his father’s store, and was connected with various lines of business enterprise in this county for a number of years. He first became prominent in public affairs in 1898 when he was elected to the office of sheriff. He was again returned to the office in 1900, after receiving nine hundred more votes at the primary election than the combined votes of his four opponents. As sheriff he made a model officer. As a mark of appreciation for his activity in the enforcement of law, the W. C. T. U. ladies presented him with a handsome souvenir at the close of his term. Mr. Bradford is a stanch Republican, and has taken much interest in local politics.

For the past seven years Mr. Bradford has been traveling representative of the Ballard Packing Company of Marion. In 1903 he built his present modern home at Christy and Lawrence Avenue. This is one of the picturesque places of Marion, located on a hisrh eminence which affords a broad view of the Mississinewa river and the little valley below. Mr. Bradford was married February 22. 1881, to Miss Victoria Cochrane of Marion. Their two children are Burr, who is connected with the Marion Street Railway, and Mary, who is at home. Mr. Bradford affiliates with the United Commercial Travelers.

Van Buren News Eagle

March 17, 1932

C.C. BRADFORD IS DEAD IN WEST

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FORMER SHERIFF OF GRANT COUNTY SUCCUMBS IN CALIFORNIA

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Cassius C. Bradford, 74, died Monday at the home of his son in Long Beach, Calif., where he had gone two years ago for the benefit of his health.

Mr. Bradford was a lifelong resident of Grant county, a son of Moses and Marry Ellen Bradford, pioneer settlers of te county. He was always interested in public and political affairs, having served two terms as sheriff of the county. Prior to his illness he was salesman for the Ballard Packing Co.

He is survived by the widow, one son, M. Burr Bradford, Long Beach, Calif.; one daughter, Mrs. Fred E. Sage, Marion; one grandson, Ralph Bradford and one great-grandson, Ralph Jr., of Santa Barbara, Calif.; four sisters, Mrs. Emma Wells, Mrs. Ella Star, Mrs. Alice Woods of Marion, and Mrs. Julia Breitenback of Los Alamitos, Calif.

Marion Chronicle

March 15, 1932

PLAN RITES FOR FORMER SHERIFF

Funeral services for Cassius C. Bradford, 74, former Marion resident who died at the home of a son in Long Beach, Calif., Monday, will be held Wednesday, it was learned here today. The body will be placed in a Long Beach mausoleum.

Mr. Bradford was a native of Marion and lived here until two years ago when he moved west with his family for his health. He was a son of Moses and Mary Ellen Bradford, pioneer settlers of the county.

He was well known in this community, being active in politics and serving two terms as county sheriff.

Surviving are the widow, a son, M. Burr Bradford, Long Beach;a daughter, Mrs. Fred E. Sage, Marion; a grandson, Ralph Bradford and a great grandson, Ralph Jr., Santa Barbara, Calif; four sisters, Mrs. Emma Wells, Mrs. Ella Star, Mrs. Alice Woods of Marion and Mrs. Julia Breitenbach, Los Alamitos, Calif.