Edward A. Bradford
Edward A. Bradford (1814-1872) was an American lawyer who made a significant impact in New Orleans after relocating there in 1836 from Connecticut, where he received his education. He gained prominence in the legal field and was notably nominated for the U.S. Supreme Court by President Millard Fillmore in 1852 to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice John McKinley. Bradford's nomination, along with those of two other southerners, faced political challenges that ultimately led to their failure. After Fillmore's presidency, Franklin Pierce successfully appointed John A. Campbell to the Supreme Court seat. Bradford’s career reflects the complexities of political dynamics during this period in American history, as he was one of several nominees whose appointments were hindered by the political landscape of the time. Additionally, he later formed a law partnership with Judah P. Benjamin, a prominent figure who served in the Confederate cabinet, illustrating the intertwining of legal and political careers in antebellum America. Bradford's life and professional journey provide insight into the legal and political challenges of 19th-century America.
Subject Terms
Edward A. Bradford
Nominated by: Millard Fillmore
Significance: President Millard Fillmore, a member of the Whig Party who sought compromise on the divisive issue of slavery, nominated Bradford to the Supreme Court, but the largely proslavery Democratic Senate took no action on the nomination, thus leaving Bradford unconfirmed.
Bradford was in Connecticut and educated in the North, but he became prominent as a lawyer in New Orleans after moving there in 1836. President Millard Fillmore nominated Bradford for the Supreme Court after the death of John McKinley, a southerner. Bradford’s politicized nomination was followed by those of two southerners, George E. Badger and William C. Micou, whose nominations also were not successful. Franklin Pierce, after succeeding Fillmore to the presidency, was able to succeed in replacing McKinley with John A. Campbell.
Bradford and Micou later joined a law firm with Judah P. Benjamin, a U.S. senator from Louisiana who became a member of the Confederate cabinet.