William Wyer Bradbury, of Machias, Washington County, Registrar of Probate for the county, was born in this town, February to, 1843, son of Wyer and Eliza (Webber) Bradbury. His grandfather, True Bradbury, who was a farmer, resided in Lubec, of which town he was one of the early settlers. Wyer Bradbury, who was born in Lubec and attended school there, at an early age began going to sea. When twenty-five years old he was master of a vessel, and he sailed on many foreign voyages. During the latter part of his life he was engaged in the coasting trade, and he continued in active work until about a year before his death, when he retired. He was a member of Harwood Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M. His wife, Eliza, who was a member of the Baptist Church of Machias, became the mother of the following-named children: Isaac, who lost his life during the Civil War while in command of the gunboat “Narcissus”; James, who was killed at the battle of Rappahannock Station on November 7, 1864; William W., the subject of this sketch; Benjamin F., who resides in Machias; and Lydia, who is the wife of the Hon. William S. Lawrence, the Mayor of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.
William Wyer Bradbury received his education in the schools of his native town, graduating from the high school at the age of eighteen. He then became a clerk in a general merchandise store. After working for a number of years in that position, he bought out his employer’s interest, and became the proprietor of the business. Having successfully conducted the store until 1890, he sold out when elected Registrar of Probate. In politics Mr. Bradbury is a Republican. He has served the town as Treasurer for a number of years, for three or four years as Selectman, and for five years as Supervisor of Schools. In this last-named position he is still serving. He is also acting as Town Clerk, which position he has held for six or eight years. Fraternally, he is a member of Harwood Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is also Past Master; and he belongs to Washington Chapter and St. Elmo Commandery. He is also connected with Machias Lodge, No. 32, Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Mr. Bradbury was married to Josephine A., daughter of John H. Fisher, of Machias. His children are Emily and Gertrude. Gertrude is the wife of Fred J. McTeer, of Machias. A member of the Congregational church, Mr. Bradbury is the treasurer for the proprietors, and president and treasurer for the parish.
Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.
Lawrence Street, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, was named after William Sumner Lawrence, mayor of Hasbrouck Heights, and my grandfather’s great grandfather. My
grandfather Albert William Lawrence who’s middle name, my father’s middle name and my brother’s name was shared with William S. Lawrence. I’ve been searching for Lawrences and the family branches of the women in our family. If anyone is either related or knows of any information of the genealogy of my family I’d be delighted to know. I’m a writer and there’s nothing I love more than stories.