ROBERT F. BRADFORD, the fifty-ninth governor of Massachusetts, was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 15, 1902. His early education was attained at the Brown and Nichols School, and later at Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1923 and his law degree in 1926. Bradford entered into a public service career in 1931, serving as the executive secretary to Governor Joseph Ely, a position he held four years. He also served as the district attorney of Middlesex County from 1938 to 1945, and was the lieutenant governor of Massachusetts from 1945 to 1946. Bradford won election to the Massachusetts governorship in 1946, and was sworn into office on January 2, 1947. During his tenure, alcohol treatment and educational prevention programs were established; state salaries were increased; labor strikes were dealt with; and public housing for veterans was sanctioned. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Bradford retired from politics. Governor Robert F. Bradford passed away on March 18, 1983.
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.