Ad from 1910

 

Edwin O. Bradley, a Humboldt merchant for more than 50 years, began his career in 1890 as a clerk for D. A. Ray, who owned a business in the building now occupied by the DeGroote Clothing Store.

Because the young clerk could understand Norwegian, the store became a Mecca fro immigrants from Scandinavian countries.  "New comers," as they were called were helped in locating relatives, finding jobs and receiving credit for supplies at the store until they could become established.

As Mr. Bradley moved on to partnerships with William Wallace and Louis Kinseth and to his own store, the friends whom he had helped continued to show their loyalty.  Often they drove their horse from surrounding towns to buy shoes, clothing and supplies for the entire family for one season.  If the shoppers took more than a day to make their choices, they were taken to the Bradley home for meals and to spend the night5.  The family was always prepared to feed "customers".

Always interested in the betterment of the community, Mr. Bradley served many years on the school board and on civic committees.  he was a Rotarian, and an active member of the Congregational Church.  He was not spared the hardships of a real pioneer, but accepted them with patience.

On the occasion of the observance of his 50 years in business, the other merchants celebrated with him by assisting with a special salute in the Humboldt Republican.

He was married June 6, 1894, to Hannah Orres, who survives him and is in her 92nd year.  Their sons and daughter are Mrs. Kenneth J. Smith and Evenor of Humboldt; Eugene, of Buffalo, New York and Orres of Chicago.

Mr. Bradley died December 20, 1945, at the age of 79 years.

The foregoing biography of her father was written by Mrs. Bernice B. Smith at my request.  Ed Bradley, as a clerk, could jump his nearest rival, and he could wait on three customers at once.  Later, as a merchant, he was popular, generous and successful.  He did not acquire wealth, but far more important, he often scarified his own pleasure, that his children could attain advanced education.