Regional History Center Regional Collections Bertha G. Bradt Collection ... Finding AidTitle: Bertha G. Bradt Collection (DeKalb), 1830-1954
ID: RHC/RC/046
Extent: 5.0 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 10/19/1978
Subjects: Bradt Family, DeKalb (Ill.), Diaries-- 1840-1869, Diaries-- 1870-1909, Glidden Family, Good Roads Movement, Heraldry, Roads
Forms of Material: Poetry, Tintype
Languages: English
The Bertha Glidden Bradt Collection contains textual and pictorial records relating to Bradt family genealogy and history dating 1830-1954, the Glidden family manuscripts, and materials from S.E. Bradt’s role in the development of Illinois highways. More than 1,000 volumes are included with the collection and are located in the reading room. A complete listing of the volumes can be found in the Shelflist.
The Bradt family records contain personal items belonging to Mrs. S.E. Bradt and the correspondence and notes documenting her genealogical research project. Included among these materials are research correspondences, research notes and materials tracing specific family names such as the Dunmore, Frazier, Ling, and Luckhurst lines as well as the Dutch lines and a small group of related families from Cumberland County, New Jersey. Also included in the collection are book catalogs and printed genealogical materials, two guest books from Mrs. S.E. Bradt’s birthday celebrations, and European heraldry prints and oversized prints and black and white photographs.
Contained in the Glidden family manuscripts is correspondence from various members of the Glidden family, approximately two hundred poems written by J.W. Glidden, and Carlos Glidden’s 1892 typewriter patent. In addition, the collection contains five journals of poetry and daily entries by J.W. Glidden, a scrapbook of his published poems, and the original plate of his well known portrait. The collection also holds 183 photographs, 3 tintypes, 1 glass plate negatives, and a negative plate of the Bradt and Glidden families.
The collection also holds 3 scrapbooks, 3 folders, and 1 photo album of records documenting S.E. Bradt’s affiliation with various business associations and his participation in the Good Roads Movement in Illinois. A copy of the original legal agreement forming the Bradt-Shipman business partnership is also contained in this series.
Bertha Glidden Bradt, the daughter of Josiah Willard and Mary Glidden, was born in DeKalb, Illinois, on December 17, 1866. After finishing in local secondary schools she graduated from the Teachers College at Normal, Illinois, and married Samuel Ellsworth Bradt on December 23, 1890. They had four children: Marian, Andrew, Elizabeth, and Charles.
Mrs. S.E. Bradt was an active member in the Methodist Women’s Association of the Rock River Conference. She also held office in the Home Economics department of the Women’s Club of DeKalb and Illinois. In 1922 Mrs. Bradt began her genealogical research endeavors and compiled family histories on lines of Bradt, Sweet, Simmons, Glidden, Hurd, and McConnell. Bertha Glidden Bradt died in 1953.
Samuel Ellsworth Bradt was born on October 22, 1861 to Andrew and Amy Ann Bradt. He began a business career in 1879 at the DeKalb firm of Bradt and Shipman, manufacturers of gloves and mittens. He soon became a leading figure in the community, pioneering the work of many civic and business enterprises. Mr. Bradt was secretary and manager of the DeKalb Building and Loan Association from 1885 to 1935 and president of the First Trust and Savings Bank of DeKalb from 1905 to 1933. He also contributed a considerable amount of time to the local Board of Education and the local and state Chambers of Commerce.
His chief area of interest was Illinois Highway finance and construction. He is credited by many as the leading force behind the development of the Illinois state highway system. From 1913 to 1917 he served as a member of the State Highway Commission under Governor Dunne. From 1917 to 1921 he served as a State Superintendent of Highways under Governor Lowden. In 1922 Samuel E. Bradt retired from his position as State Superintendent devoting most of his time to banking, but still participating in all road meetings in the middle west. Years after his death on March 15, 1938, S.E. Bradt continued to be honored for his participation in local and state activities.
Bradt Family
DeKalb (Ill.)
Diaries-- 1840-1869
Diaries-- 1870-1909
Glidden Family
Good Roads Movement
Heraldry
Roads
Repository: Northern Illinois University
Access Restrictions: There are no restrictions on access to the collection. Copies of original poetry (Box 2, Folders 14-16) will be made from photocopies filed with the collection.
Use Restrictions: Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.
Acquisition Source: Mr. Charles W. Bradt
Acquisition Method: Mr. Charles W. Bradt donated the Bertha Glidden Bradt Collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on October 19, 1978.
Original/Copies Note: Copies of original poetry (Box 2, Folders 14-16) will be made from photocopies filed with the collection.
Related Materials: More than 1,000 volumes are included with the collection and are located in the reading room. A complete listing of the volumes can be found in the Shelflist.
