William was the son of Thomas Smith and Barbary Ellen Crews Bradley. He married Amanda Jane Lewis on Dec 16, 1867 in Randolph Co, MO. From this union were born fourteen children: Silas, Henry Thomas, Anderson, Roy, Odus, Benjamin, William Arthur, Joe, Walter, Cora Alice Sumpter, Aubrey Martin, Minnie Marie Summers and two unnamed infants.

Article in the Friday,July 28, 1922 Higbee News. Transcribed as written.

W. W. Bradley, who has been critically ill at the home of his son, Arthur, of south of town for the past ten days, was no better late yesterday afternoon. Mr. Bradley, who has been suffering from partial paralysis for two or three years, was thrown from his buggy three weeks ago when his team ran away, since which time he has not been able to leave his son's home, although he was not injured in any extent, so far as could be determined.

Obit in the Friday, August 4, 1922 Higbee News. Transcribed as written.

--W. W. Bradley Dead— William Wright Bradley, whose serious illness was noted in our last issue, died at the home of his son, Arthur, of south of town, on July 21, following an illness of several weeks. Deceased was born on June 27, 1848, and was 74 years, one month and four days old. He was married to Amanda Jane Lewis on December 16, 1867, by whom, with eleven of the fourteen children born to them, he is survived. Two of the children died in infancy, and one, Thomas, about four years ago. The surviving children are, Silas, Odus, Ben, Arthur, Anderson, Roy, Aubry, Joe and Walter Bradley, and Mrs. Cora Sumpter and Mrs. Minnie Summers. He also leaves thirty-four grandchildren and two great-children. He united with the Church of Christ at an early age and lived a consistent christian life and was a faithful attendant at all services until a few years ago when his health gave way. He was a loving husband and father, a kind and sympathetic neighbor and friend and will be sadly missed, not only by his family, but by a wide circle of aquaintances. Funeral services were conducted at Fairview Wednesday by Eld. Wm. Freeman Jones of Hancock, Mo., where interment was made. His parents were the first members of the Fairview church and Mrs. Bradley's parents were the next. In the passing of Mr. Bradley, the community has lost a most valuable citizen and man of the highest integrity and honor in all the walks of life. The sympathy of all goes out to his loved ones.