Additional Bradford Family Information

Additional Baxter Notes

BRADFORD Thomas Bradford , Sr is first found in Georgia in Wilkes Co listed on the 1786
Tax list, in Capt CALLER's district, this district was created out of Capt ALEXANDER's 1785
tax district.
Hosea BRADFORD (Josiah/Hosey/Osia/Osiah) is found in Capt Alexander's district for 1785 .
Note: Information about Wilkes Tax Records is from, WILKES COUNTY, GEORGIA TAX RECORDS,
1785-1805, Volume 1 , FRANK PARKER HUDSON.

This could indicate that Hosea and Thomas are related , probably brothers . These men both die in
Hancock Co, Ga. Hosea passed away in late1799 ( his estate is appraised on 19 April 1800 and
other entries pertaining to the estate assets and appointment of administrators date from 1799 to
April,1800 , no will can be located). Robert Rivers is appointed administrator and signs the
statement of "monies paid" (Robert Rivers is shown to be a neighbor of Thomas Bradford in later
documents in Hancock Co). M. ( Myles?) Greene is listed as clerk . If this is in fact the same
Myles Greene that is listed as "my friend" in Thomas Bradford's will, then it could indicate a
connection or Myles Greene may be an official of the court which would account for his
appearance in both estate papers of Hosea and Thomas Bradford). Thomas Bradford dies shortly
after his will and deed to Thomas Hinson (For the 79 acres ) are signed in June,1811. Myles
Greene and Tim Bradford (X) appear as witness to the signature of Thomas Bradford on the deed
to Thomas Henson/Hinson in --- June 1811.

Note by Fregly: Tim (Timothy) Bradford can be traced from Hancock Co to in 1811 to 1840
where he is living in Walton Co, GA . He cannot be located for 1850, no land records have yet
been found and further research is contemplated to discover what legal and land records might be
extant in the Walton and surrounding counties in order to establish wether the Brazil Ransom
Bradford, (II), found in Walton Co, GA, in the 1850 Federal census is related to Timothy
Bradford. If a family relationship can be established, it then could provide prima fascia evidence
that, Thomas Bradford, Sr is in some way related to Thomas Bradford, Jr. Thomas Bradford, Jr.
named his first born son Brazil Ransom Bradford, referred to as Brazil Ransom ( I). If this could
be proved then there is a strong likely hood that Sarah Bradford , wife of Thomas Bradford, Sr is
Sarah Ransom or Sarah Brassell (Brazil), although when the Bradford naming custom is
considered, such as that used by Brazil Ransom Bradford when naming his children( Brazil R.
Named his five of children HARGRAVES , as middle name. His mother was Polly/Mary
Hargraves) Therefor the surname of the mother would become the middle name of the child,
hence Brazil Ransom Bradford's mother would be Sarah RANSOM(E).

Thomas Bradford's will is dated 5 June 1811, Thomas Bradford is listed as Senr. Indicating a
need to differentiate him from Thomas " the younger" or Junr. probably Thomas Bradford b 1757
who married Polly Mary Hargraves in Granville co NC in 1782 (exhibit-- ) and was in near by
Putnam Co at the same time Thomas, Jr in 1808 was listed next to Thomas Bradford SR on the
same Hancock Co., GA tax list. (Exhibit )Thomas Senior's will lists him as "from Hancock Co,
GA" it names " my beloved wife Sarah " and to her bequeaths all his property for her natural life.
(Life estate) at her death the estate left is to be divided between "my daughter" Lena Amos
(Amous/Ammos?) and the heirs or children of "my Daughter" Rebeccah Henson.

Note: The deed for 79 acres to Thomas Hinson in June 1811 probably indicates Thomas Henson/Hinson is
the spouse of Rebeccah. No marriage license can be found for Hinson to Bradford.

Sarah Bradford is nominated as executrix and "my friend" Myles Greene as Executor. The will is
witnessed by Jefse (Jesse) and Jeremiah Warren (signed) Thomas Bradford makes his mark (x)
[Hancock Co ,GA records, Will book "F" page 52 also LDS film # 0222087 for transcribed copy]

NOTE BY FREGLY: Thomas M. (Madison) Bradford, son of Thomas Bradford, JR ( who is hypothesizes by
Fregly to be the son of Thomas and Sarah Bradford of Hancoock Co., GA) marries Jane R. Lewis on 14 Nov
1814, in Baldwin co, GA , this location is adjacent to Hancock Co, GA and the significance of the fact they
are married by Myles Greene, M. G. listed as "my friend in Thomas Bradford, Sr's, will could point to a
connection between Thomas M. Bradford and Thomas Bradford, Sr. [Baldwin Co., GA Marriage records ,
Book "A" 1806-1836.]

The second significant document that established Thomas Bradford's family relationships, is a
deed dated ---- Day of June 1811, and was probably executed in anticipation of Thomas's death.
This deed conveys the 79 acres originally granted to Thomas Bradford by Captain General
George Mathews commander of Militia of Georgia. This grant while not specified for military
service could have been for revolutionary service. The grant of 79 acres was dated on 14 January
1796 and was in the county of Hancock GA bounded by Harthorns on the south on the north by
Abercrombys, the West by Harthorns land and East by Abercrombys land. The grant was signed
by Geo Mathews , Governor and registered by J. Meriwether on 14 Jan 1796. The tract is
irregular in shape and forms an "L' on the side. It is an unusual size, 79 Acres, when most land
tracts granted for bounty /Revolutionary service were 287 « acres due to the act authorizing the
bounty grants. The unique size allows for a certain way to identify the land and was owned by
Thomas Bradford from the date of the grant in 1785-6 until Thomas Bradford's death in 1811.
The analysis of the neighboring tracts owned by Abercrombie/(y) and Thomas Harthorn(e)
/Harton also allow positive identification. The third characteristic the water course the tract
borders or has access to, in this case Log Dam Creek. This creek is makes an accurate land mark
which can also be identified with a high degree of certainty and one that is frequently listed on
the tax digest lists for Wilkes, Greene and Hancock Co., GA. Even when the jurisdictional
(county boundary) was realigned the creek name stayed the same and continued to be referenced
in the tax digest for the period.

Grant in GA State Archives Atlanta, Ga- Drawer 52, Folio 47

Further study of documents at The Georgia State Archives in Atlanta , GA by this researcher
uncovered the original survey. This confirmed that the Thomas Bradford grant was bounded by
Abercromby and Thomas Harthorny (sic) The survey is titled Hancock County , Warrt (Warrent?)
Dates (sic) 5 of January 1795 surveyed 16 March 1795 by John Ragan , CS

The survey added one other adjoining land owner as "Washington" which can be confirmed as
William Washington, shown a bordering neighbor in the 1793 Greene Co., GA tax digest (see
below).(exhibit ----) The ownership of the 79 Acres by Thomas Bradford can be traced from the
original the grant to Bradford's conveyance to Thomas Henson in June of 1811 this deed
described the land as "79 Acs in Hancock Co, GA as lying on the waters of Log Dam Creek,
bounded by the Hartons (Harthorn) land on the west , by Abercrombies on the north , by Hartons
land on the south and East by Abercrombies". It is with out a doubt the same land granted to
Thomas Bradford by the governor in 1795 and that surveyed by Ragan in 1795. The subsequent
conveyance from Thomas Henson to Jesse Warren takes place on Jan 18, 1819. This deed was
witnessed by Jeremiah Warren Brother of Jessee and James Warren (relationship to Jessee
unknown).[Deeds recorded in Deed Book "M"Hancock Co, GA page 201-202] ( Exhibit -----)

Survey reproduced from microfilm at Georgia State Archives

There is no other documented, land or other legal transaction found between these Hosea and
Thomas Bradford. There is only the place of residence during1785-1786, in the same tax district
of Wilkes Co, Ga and the place of residence at their death, Hancock Co, GA. This leads this
researcher to speculate they could be Brothers.

Further analysis of the extant Wilkes Co, GA Tax digests, find Thomas Bradford in 1790, located
in Capt Freeman's District, here he is listed as a "defaulter"

Excerpt From: Hudson's Wilkes County , Georgia Tax records Vol 1, page vii.

Defaulters
"White males of age subject to Militia service, moving into a district were required to report to
the Captain of the district within three weeks after arrival. The captain was required to turn over a
list (the Captain's return) to the receiver. Captains seldom identified those below the age of
twenty-one, subject to militia duty, but not subject to the poll tax. There was no requirement from
a male departing the district to notify his Captain. Most defaulters can be proved to have been
underage for the poll tax, or had moved from the district. A defaulted was not one who failed to
pay a tax, but one who failed to make a return, and many of those listed as defaulters owed
no tax".

Note by Fregly: Thomas Bradford appears in 1793 Greene Co.,GA tax digest Capt --------------and may
have moved from Wilkes Co, Ga to Greene Co, GA , abt 1790. He is listed on Log Dam Creek where he is
in 1796 granter 79 acres, is shown with no land in 1793 tax digest and is adjacent to William Washington,
who is listed with 287 1/2 acres adjacent to Thomas Heatherton. Thomas Bradford is listed between Isham
Westmoreland and Jno. Sturdivant, Sturdivant appears in several tax lists with Bradford in later years in
Hancock Co, GA.(exhibit -----)

definition of Tax digests

Neither Hosea or Thomas BRADFORD is taxed for any land during 1785-1786 while listed in
Wilkes Co, GA tax lists. They therefor must have been "of age" but without any land. Two land
grants are on file, one for Osiah(Hosea) Bradford for revolutionary service (grant is in Franklin
Co, GA 17 May 1794) , it appears that Hosea may have assigned this land and may never have
taken title( no deed or land records are found in Washington , Greene, Wilkes , Hancock Co,
GA), Franklin Co needs to be researched).The grant is for 287 « acres and J. Oates signs "for
Osiah Bradford" . The original grant reproduced here can be found in the Georgia State archives
in Atlanta.
Note by Fregly: A Georgia resident living on the parcel of land , granted to him in 1785 could be listed in
different Capt's districts every year and in as many as 3 counties , all the wile not moving from the same
spot.

The testimonial letter which certifies the revolutionary service for Osiah Bradford reads as
follows:

State of Georgia
This is to certify that Osiah Bradford has steadfastly done his duty since the taping out at
Augusta to wit, 20 August 1779. Until the ------ ? expulsion of the Brittes from -----? that
he cannot to my knowledge or belief be convicted of plundering or destroying the country is
therefor under said act entitled to a bounty of 250 acres of 250 acres of land ( 250 repeated
in original ) August April 1784.

Elijah Clark Col. (Signed)
By his order

H. Freeman (signed)

Note: Could H Freeman be Capt Holman Freeman listed in Wilkes 1790 Tax Digest where Thomas Bradford is
listed as Defaulter, and is Col Elijah Clark the Capt Clarke listed in 1785 as Capt of the tax district?

Hosea Bradford's appears to die intestate in 1799, Hancock Co, GA . There is no will on file but
several pages of Estate appraisal and appointment of administrator and subsequent sale records
are found for Hosea. The only Bradford mentioned and the possibly beneficiary appears to be
"Barary"(Barbra) BRADFORD she appears to be paid the proceeds of the sale in 1800, no
further mention of Barbra Bradford is found in Land, marriage or tax records of Middle GA
before or after the sale in 1800. It is possible Barbra is Hosea's widow and may die soon after her
husband, therefor leaving no further record. Hosea owns no Real Estate at his death, there are no
deeds or "waver of dower" to establish the exact relationship of Barbra to Hosea. A Gaby or
Laby Bradford is a purchaser of several items at the sale and may be the same person as Barbra
Bradford.

Further examination of the franklin Co, GA land records should be undertaken to determine the
disposition of the tract granted to Hosea/Osiah Bradford, if sold the deed should name the wife or
establish a " release of dower".

The analysis of the Thomas Bradford family of Middle Ga, ( Wilkes, Greene , Hancock , Baldwin and
Putnam Co, Ga), Necessarily involves the connections/ relationships between families. In the case of
the Thomas Bradford family these connections may be the only way to sort out the various Bradfords
and make sense of the family line . These connections frequently depend upon Marriage , therefor this
researcher will attempt to chart the pertinent marriages sources of the information and the connections
to the Non-Bradford families.

Marriages

Of Record:

1. Polly BRADFORD - John ORR--------------------------------------- Apr. 12, 1810, Jackson Co, Ga
( Created from Franklin co, GA 1796)

2. Mary BRADFORD - Lawrence (Laurence) FLOURNOY------ Nov. 01, 1808, Hancock Co, Ga.

3. Timothy BRADFORD - Deannah RAY------------------------------ Jan. 25, 1816, Hancock Co, Ga.

4. Polly BRADFORD - John MADDOX ------------------------------- Apr 03, 1806, Hancock Co, Ga.

5. Nathaniel BRADFORD - Sally TEMPLE---------------------------- Feb. 02, 1812, Hancock Co, Ga.

6. Thomas M. BRADFORD- Jane R. LEWIS ------------------------- Nov. 14, 1820, Baldwin Co, Ga

7. Sarah BRADFORD - David BARRON ------------------------------ Dec. 13, 1812, Wilkes Co, Ga

Implied:

1. Rebeccah BRADFORD- Thomas HENSON/HINSON-------bef, June 1811, Hancock Co., GA,
source: Will of Thomas Bradford, June 1811

2. Alice/ Elizabeth BRADFORD - James SAVAGE------------- May 09, 1805, GA,( probably Hancock
or Wilkes Co., GA) Source: Bradford Family Lore

3. Lena BRADFORD - James AMOS/AMOSS-------------------- Hancock Co, GA, marriage records
Hancock Co, GA , and Will of Thomas Bradford

4. Malinda Bradford - Micajah PAULK, JR ------------------------Wilkinson CO, GA (?), page 312, of
PIONEERS OF WIREGRASS GEORGIA, Vol 1 Folks HUXFORD, 1948. Malinda is listed as Second
wife of PAULK and daughter of Thomas BRADFORD

Examination of the deed records of Halifax Co, NC reveal several tantalizing references to
Thomas Bradford and his wife Sarah.

The first is recorded in Deed Book 9 page 870 (44)

Thomas BRADFORD and Sarah his wife of Halifax Co., NC to Jonathan CARPENTER of same.
16 Jan 1764. 30 pounds proclamation money . 100 acres which was part of land acquired by
Benjamin MERRIT then conveyed to Thomas BRADFORD and from BRADFORD to
CARPENTER, joining Chocuit [creek]. Thomas BRADFORD(X), Sarah Bradford (X) . Wit:
Ruben ROZAR, Martha KNIGHT(X) . Recorded Jan Court 1764 CC: J. MONTFORT.

Several items are noted:
1. Thomas BRADFORD is selling, this entry when taken with the
following one may indicate the family was selling their land in anticipation of leaving North
Carolina.

2. Thomas and his wife Sarah both make their mark and therefor are illiterate. Thomas Bradford
, Sr. who dies in Hancock Co., Ga also makes his mark and is illiterate .

3. Thomas BRADFORD does not appear in the records of Georgia until 1785 and therefor could
be the same Bradford as that person who deeds land in Halifax co, NC (above) as he and his wife
Sarah are not found in any other census records of North Carolina after the deed in 1768.

The second deed is recorded in book 10, page 1368 (238) of the Halifax Co., NC official
records.

Thomas BRADFORD of Halifax co. to James MOORE of same. 13 Aug 1768. 30 pounds. 45 acs
which was a part of a patent to David ROZAR, on Roanoke River, Joining Richard MOORE,
Saxen’s Branch. Thomas BRADFORD(X) Sarah BRADFORD(X) wit: Thomas Douglas IRBY,
Charles Moore, James LETT. Aug Court 1768. Examined by James HOGUN , Esq. Sarah
BRADFORD relinquished her dower. CC: Jos. MONTFORT.

Items Noted:

1. Thomas and Sarah BRADFORD both make their mark (X) and can be concluded to be
illiterate.

2. There is a definite connection to the ROZARs , David appears in the 1768 deed and Ruben
ROZAR in the 1764 deed. Do they also surface in Middle Ga.?

3. The mention of SAXEN’S branch(1768 deed ) and CHOCUIT creek (1764 deed ) would
indicate the need for additional research to determine if there are other ownership of parcels along
these water courses that may connect other families. Who may have migrated together to Middle
Georgia.

Listed in the records of Halifax CO, NC are additional references to deeds into or out of
subsequent purchasers of the above parcels 100 acs on Chocuit creek and 45 acs on Saxen’s
branch.

These are listed below:

1155(425) John BRADFORD of Halifax Co. to Cornelius CARTER of same. 9 (no month) 1767.
80 pounds of Virginia . 300 acres which has been patented by Robert WEST, where Jacob
CARTER now lives, joining Beaverdam [swamp} , WATSON, Thomas HART. Thos.
BRADFORD. Wit: WM. MOORE, WM. JACKSON(X), Richard JONES(X). Jan court 1767.
CC: J. MONTFORT

1. Could the Thomas HART listed as neighbor be the same person as Thomas HARTON?
HARTHORE/HAWTHORNE, that is a neighbor of Thomas BRADFORD shown on the plat of a
land grant to Thomas BRADFORD on14 Jan 1796 in Hancock Co., Ga.

2. Do any of these neighbors migrate with Thomas BRADFORD to Middle GA .

3. the Moores show up in Sumter co SC along with the Bradfords, Isham Moore is the surveyor
for the 400 ac land grant of the Springs 30 Oct 1769 and William Moore is a Neighbor

?Collection of Data by Terrance Fregly, Sept 27, 1998

------------------Tax digest listings for Thomas Bradford, Sr and Jr and Hosea/Osiah/Osia Bradford
PAGE 1

Georgia
Year County Name Size Capt Dstc/Page Water course Adjacent/granted to
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1785 Wilkes Hosea BRADFORD --------- Alexander ----------------- --------/-----------

1786 Wilkes Thomas BRADFORD, SR ------- Caller ----------------- --------/----------

1790 Wilkes Thomas BRADFORD, SR --------- Freeman Listed as defaulter

1788 Greene Thomas BRADFORD, Sr --------- Alexander Listed as with 1 poles, no land, no slaves

1789 Greene Thomas BRADFORD, SR Alexander's/005 Listed with 1 Pole , No land or slaves

1793 Greene Thomas BRADFORD 200 acs Tully Choice Log Dam Creek William Washington/--
Here we see 200 acs where did he get it and from whom and who bought it and when?

1793 Greene William WASHINGTON 287 1/2 Tully Choice Log Dam Creek Thomas Harthorn/----

1796 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, SR 79acs Log Dam Creek W. Washington/--------

1796 Hancock E. BRADFORD --------- ------------------------- -----------------------
there is some confusion if this is 1796 or 1794 list, the title of original in Hancock Co is 1796
no Idea who she is
------------------Tax digest listings for Thomas Bradford, Sr and Jr and Hosea Bradford PAGE 2

1794 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, Sr 79acs Brown/041 Log Dam Creek --------------------/self
The orginal list on file in Hancock Co, GA is titled 1794

1794 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, Sr 224 acs ? Log Dam Creek W Wash’ ton
This is titles 1794 Hancock but needs to be verified
where did Bradford get the 224 acs and when and to whom did he sell it?

Grant to Thomas Bradford by Captain General George Mathews commander of Militia of Georgia. This grant while not specified for military service could
have been for revolutionary service. The grant of 79 acres was dated on 14 January 1796 and was in the county of Hancock GA bounded by Harthorns on the
south on the north by Abercrombys, the West by Harthorns land and East by Abercrombys land. The grant was signed by Geo Mathews , Governor and
registered by J. Meriwether on 14 Jan 1796.

1802 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, Sr 79 acs Lewis Log Dam Creek HARTHORN/self

1802 Hancock Thomas HENSON ------------ Lewis ------------------------- -----------------/-----------
Son in law of Bradford

1804 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, Sr 79acs Lewis/180 Log Dam Creek ----------------/ Self
Need to verify above for adjacent to and water course and see where Henson and Savage are.

1804 Hancock Thomas HENSON ? Lewis/082 ? ? Page 3

1805 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, Sr 2 draws Land Lottery

1805 Hancock Barbara BRADFORD 2 draws Land Lottery
Could be widow of Hosea Bradford, named in 1799/1800 will as Barbry

------------------Tax digest listings for Thomas Bradford, Sr and Jr and Hosea Bradford

1806 Columbia James AMOS ? Armstrong ? ?

1806 Hancock Lena BRADFORD 1 draw Capt Weeks she was single and over 21 Years old
Later marries James AMOS/AMOSS
Named Lena Amos in Thomas, Sr will

1806 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, Sr 2 draws Capt Weeks Married man w/wife or minor children

1808 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD? 127 acs Harper Log Dam Creek Comer/-------------PAGE 4
Could be Jr

1808 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD? 132acs/Putnam Harper Oconee Thrash/Fractions
Probably, JR

1808 Hancock Thomas BRADFORD, Sr 79acs Harper Log dam Creek Harton/self
Dies, Hancock Co, June 1811

1808 Hancock James SAVAGE 187 1/2 ? Island (creek) Barron
PAGE 5

3 July 1810 --- Hancock Co., GA. Recorded, 6 April 1819.
Hamilton COOK, Sheriff and Samuel BUTTS and John CHAMBERS $206 - Execution from Superior court Hancock Co., GA. Writ Dated , 25 Feb 1810 -
Andrew JETER Plaintiff and James SAVAGE and Thomas BRADFORD, Defendants. Parcel conveyed was 187 ½ acs, Big Island Creek. AS shown in
deed from John REID to James COMER, adjoining lands of John BARRON Wit: Hugh TAYLOR and Maxwell CHAMBERS

Page 5

9 Feb 1808 Recorded--- 9 Oct 1809, Hancock Co., GA---- Book "I", pg 155-6
James COMER to James SAVAGE, $350 for 114 3/4 acs, Bound on North by "Late" John BARRON'S , West by Henry BONDS, Southwest by C or J
McDONALD's and John REID's land. Wit: John BARRON, Samuel TRIPPE

25 Sept 1807 Recorded--- 18 Jan 1822, Hancock Co, GA
James SAVAGE Grantor of Hancock CO, GA to John ARNOLD, Grantee of Hancock Co., Ga. ) $260 for 60 acs, on Big Island Creek. Boundary and
abutting as mentioned in Deed from John SMITH to James SOCKWELL (* deed not found in public records) Wit. John HERBERT, Bolling HALL. J.P.

-----------------Tax digest listings for Thomas Bradford, Sr and Jr and Hosea Bradford

1812 Hancock Thomas HENSON 79acs Harper Log Dam Creek Harton/ BRADFORD
Deed to Henson on June 11 1811 Harton/Harthorn, same

1812 Hancock James AMOS/AMOSS 150 Harper Log Dam Creek Loyd/ -------

1812 Hancock Timothy BRADFORD ----------- Harper --------------------- --------/---------

1813 Putnam Thomas BRADFORD, Jr 182acs Rosser Oconee -------/ Thrash

1813 Putnam James SAVAGE Rosser

Apr 3 1812 Putnam Co., GA, Deed Book " B", Pg 314-5 James SAVAGE to Joshua S. TERNIUM , both of Putnam Co., GA. $2,000 for 47 acs in 2nd
District 356 and 83 acs in 366 (130 acs total) being in Baldwin (Now Putnam Co., GA)

------------------Tax digest listings for Thomas Bradford, Sr and Jr and Hosea Bradford

Georgia
Year County Name Size Capt Dstc/Page Water course Adjacent/granted to Page 6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1815 Putnam Thomas BRADFORD, Jr 130acs Rosser Oconee Thrash/Savage
It would appear Savage deeded the 130/129 acs to Bradford ADJ. / Grantor

1815 Putnam James SAVAGE ------------- Rosser ------------ ----------/------------

1822 Baldwin Thomas Madison BRADFORD ? M. Henson ------------ ------------/----------

Return to Menu

Return to Long Island Genealogy Home Page