This is a transcription of the Mary J. (French) Bradford biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 125
Mary J. (French) Bradford
AMONG the successful business women of the country no one has a more honorable record than Mrs. Mary J. Bradford of Claremont, who, though not a native of New Hampshire, has resided here since childhood. She was born in Hartford, Vt., March 12, 1843, removing with her parents, William and Irene French, to Claremont, in 1856, where she attended the village schools. Subsequently the family removed for a time to Ashburnham, Mass., where she met and married Rufus Choate Bradford, himself a native of the Granite State. Immediately after the marriage they returned to Claremont and established themselves in the old home on Sullivan street, where she has ever since resided, and where her aged mother also lives. After the death of her youngest son, Mrs. Bradford’s health failed, and, being advised to keep out of doors as much as possible, and being also ambitious and industrious, she commenced, in a small way, the manufacture of extracts and perfumes, disposing of the same to the public, until, from a small beginning, and with improving health, she established a large, lucrative, and constantly increasing business, her goods being superfine and unrivalled. In 1883 she originated a processfor making extracts from fruits instead of oils, thus securing for her productions the first place in the markets. Her husband, and eldest son, Fred W. R. Bradford, are now joined with her in business. In 1887 Mrs. Bradford exhibited her goods at the Mechanics’ Fair in Boston, receiving a silver medal and diploma. In 1890 a gold medal and another diploma were awarded her. The tasty display which she makes at state fairs, and the courteous attention given all interested visitors, is an attractive feature of the exhibitions. She has a large manufactory in Claremont, with a Boston office at 156 State street. Mrs. Bradford has one daughter, Minnie Bell, a graceful and talented girl of twenty. She is herself of refined and modest bearing, and is highly respected in business circles throughout New England.