Camden People - Claudius W. Bradshaw

CLAUDIUS W. BRADSHAW was born in Sheffield England on October 29, 1835. His parents came to American in 1840, and after three years in Philadelphia settled in Camden in 1843.

After receiving his education he pursued the wood turner's trade. He married Eliza Jane Marks, the County Clerk has the dates recorded twice, as December 25, 1858 and as January 30, 1859. By the time of the 1880 census Claudius Bradshaw had been elected mayor. The Bradshaw family at that time included five children, Claudius E., Clara, Charles H., Florence M., and Milton R. Bradshaw.

Taking an interest in civic affairs, Claudius Bradshaw served as a volunteer fireman. He became active in politics as a Democrat, and was made city marshal in 1870. He was elected to city council in 1872, and was made Chief of the Camden Fire Department in 1876, serving a three year term. He was succeeded by Samuel S. Elfreth.

In 1880 Claudius W. Bradshaw was elected mayor, defeating Benjamin F. Archer by 31 votes. He was re-elected in 1883, defeating Henry H. Davis, for whom the Davis School in East Camden is named.

During Mayor Bradshaw's term in office, improvements were made to Federal and Cooper Streets, and the Board of Health was organized under his direction. Several companies that were a part of Camden's commercial and industrial scene for many years were founded, including J.B. Van Sciver & Company, the Linden Worsted Mills, and the Lace and Embroidery Manufactory. Mayor Bradshaw also had to deal with an earthquake in August of 1884. Running for a third term in 1886, he was defeated by Jesse Pratt.

After leaving office Claudius Bradshaw operated a confectioner's business at 528 South 3rd Street, the corner of 3rd and Clinton, where he also made his residence, in the late 1880s. By 1890 he had moved to 520 South 2nd Street.

The Trenton Times newspaper reported Claudius Bradshaw as being very ill in its March 21, 1899 edition. He died not long afterwards, survived by his wife, son Charles, daughters Leonia and Florence, and at least three grandchildren.