George Edward FREENEY Jr. Paternal Genetic Genealogy Report

The genealogy and historical accounts of the Bradley family and their connection to Covington County have been documented through various sources, including family records and historical writings such as Wyley Ward's "Early History of Covington County, Alabama, 1821-1871" and Gus and Ruby Bryan's "Covington County History, 1821-1976." For any clarifications or updates regarding this genealogy or historical account, you may contact the author, Curtis Thomasson.

The BRADLEY Plantation holds a significant place in the history of Covington County, Alabama. Originally from Sumpter County, South Carolina, the BRADLEY family arrived in Covington County in 1822, accompanied by their cousin David MITCHELL and his family. They played a pivotal role in the local economy and became one of the earliest and most prosperous families in the area.

Situated in the Loango community, the BRADLEY Plantation was a prominent landmark that remains as a reminder of the past. Today, the Historic BRADLEY Cemetery stands as one of the few remaining vestiges of the plantation. The weathered tombstones with faded inscriptions within the cemetery bear witness to the once-influential BRADLEY family and the enslaved individuals who were part of their history.

During the early years, the BRADLEYs held significant political and financial influence in Covington County. However, as time passed, the number of BRADLEY households gradually declined. By 1860, fewer Bradley families remained in the area. The 1866 Alabama Census, which was the first separate enumeration of black families, recorded a single black family with the BRADLEY name, likely indicating that they were previously enslaved by the affluent white BRADLEY plantation owners.

The lineage of the Bradley family can be traced back to James Bradley Sr., their earliest known ancestor who was born in Ireland and married Mary Witherspoon. They immigrated to America and settled in South Carolina, where they had several children, including Samuel Sr., John, Matthew, Thomas, and James Jr.

Samuel Bradley Sr., who was born in Ireland, married Elizabeth Gordon, and had children including James, Roger, Mary, Janet, Samuel Jr., Moses, and Elizabeth.

Matthew Bradley, son of James Bradley Sr., was born in Ireland, married Margaret, and had children named James, Mary (who married Samuel Bradley Jr., her first cousin), Matthew, and Josiah William.

James Bradley Jr., also born in Ireland, had a son named Samuel Bradley, who was born in South Carolina and settled in Belleville, Conecuh County, Alabama. Samuel married Mary Prestwood, and they had two children named Ely and Barbara.

Margaret Matilda Bradley, daughter of Samuel Bradley Jr., married her cousin James Harvey Bradley, son of Josiah William Bradley. They had a daughter named Margaret Matilda, who married Julius Gordon Robinson. Julius became a successful businessman and community leader in Covington County, serving as a representative in the Alabama Legislature and a delegate to the state constitution committee.

Margaret Matilda Bradley and Julius Robinson had several children, including Edwin Hart, Margaret Adeline, Rufus Harvey, Julius Gordon Jr., James Frank, Dudley Hubbard, Minnie Amelia, William Augustus, Thomas Walker, and Alabama.

John William DEVEREUX, known as the "father of Covington County," adds a layer to the BRADLEY plantation's history. Julien Sidney DEVEREUX, the son of John William DEVEREUX, married Adeline BRADLEY. Their relationship ended in court when Julien accused Adaline of being insane. Julien subsequently left her and moved to Val Verdi Cabin in Macon County, Alabama.