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Senator F. Gordon Bradley1955
St. John's, Newfoundland
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Senator F. Gordon Bradley was once called ‘Newfoundland's Greatest Living Statesman'. He has become, arguably, the most underrated political figure in the history of Newfoundland. His most important contribution, leading the Confederation movement, has been almost entirely overlooked. He was a senior politician in the days of responsible government. His was the last voice to plead for the democratic rights of Newfoundlanders when self government was abolished in the 1930's. He railed against the Commission of Government and its supporters. He was the first representative in the Federal Cabinet for the province of Newfoundland. Lawyer, businessman, activist and always a voice for common people. This is his story.3
F. Gordon Bradley as a young boy with his parents.1891
St. John's Newfoundland
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Frederick Gordon Bradley was born in St. Johns on March 21, 1888. He was the only child of Noah Bradley and Evangeline May (Trimm) Bradley. The Bradley and Trimm families were not native to St. John's. They were outport families from Bonavista Bay and Trinity Bay respectively.5
Cabinet makers shop.1939
Mockbeggar Plantation, Provincial Historic Site, Bonavista, Newfoundland
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Noah Bradley was a skilled tradesman who employed several workers. He was a cabinet maker who provided a high quality product. His customers included some of the wealthiest families in St. John's at that time. He was able to provide his small family with a comfortable standard of living.7
Organ and washstand in a bedroom of the Bradley House.1939
Mockbeggar Plantation, Provincial Historic Site, Bonavista, Newfoundland
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The Bradleys were Methodist. They attended church regularly and young Gordon developed a love for church music and became a proficient organist. Music along with woodworking, a skill he learned from his father, became lifelong hobbies.In his early childhood Bradley was plagued with ill health. When he was six years old he contracted Scarlet Fever and then kidney trouble which left him physically weakened. It was feared he would be vulnerable to tuberculosis. For the rest of his life he had what was then called "a weakness of chest".
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Methodist College Football Team1903
St. John's Newfoundland
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Young Bradley went to school at Methodist College in St. John's. His health had improved and he developed an interest in sports. He played hockey, soccer and seems to have been a very good rugby player. At one time he was captain of the Methodist Guards team. However his health was still a concern and when he finished school he went to Bonavista hoping to benefit from the fresh air and healthy lifestyle out around the Bay.11
F. Gordon Bradley as a young man.1910
St. John's Newfoundland
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In 1906 F. Gordon Bradley moved to Bonavista and found work teaching at the Methodist school. He left Bonavista in 1909 and returned to St. John's. He had decided by now that he would study law. Though his family was well off they were not wealthy and he could not afford to go to law school right away. Before leaving for Dalhousie University Law School in 1911 he worked in the law office of James M. Kent. Kent was a prominent politician and may have sparked Bradley's interest in Politics.13
F.Gordon Bradley in law school.1910
Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
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Bradley did well at Dalhousie. He was law librarian and in his graduating year was elected class president. It was here that he became a believer in confederation. After graduating with an LLB in 1914 he returned to St. Johns where he enrolled as a solicitor and was called to the Bar in1915.In 1918 he was practising law in partnership with Alfred B. Morine.
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