Artist
Centurion, 1865–1892
Born 30 April 1823 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Died 25 April 1892 in New York (Manhattan), New York
Buried Riverside Cemetery
, Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Proposed by Albert Bierstadt and Jervis McEntee
Elected 3 June 1865 at age forty-two
Century Memorial
William Bradford was a noted painter of arctic scenes and marine views, and was an associate member of the National Academy. His work attracted attention in this country and in England; and his enthusiasm led him at times to become an explorer of the frozen regions, for which he fitted out a vessel, in order that he might faithfully portray that wonderful scenery upon the spot. His interest in arctic exploration brought him to the notice of royalty and the nobility of England. But although he received great attention and was much honored by notable people, he was remarkable for his simplicity and unaffected character. He was a most interesting lecturer on the arctic regions, and used his large collection of photographs, taken on the spot, in his lectures. His gentle and unassuming manners attracted to him a large circle of friends, who held him in high esteem.
Henry E. Howland
1893 Century Association Yearbook