Joshua Bradley was born about 1769 in York County, Penn, the son of Henry Bradley and Mary Ann Giles. He was living in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina in 1778, under the care of a great uncle, James Bradley, when his dad gave instructions in a power of attorney that he was to be taken from James care. That portion of Mecklenburg County became Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Joshua married in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on August 17,1796 to Nancy Gardner. Joshua and Nancy migrated with his father-in-law, James Gardner and his family to Sumner Co, Tennessee, where he and Nancy lived for the next twenty years before migrating to Illinois Territory. Joshua gave all claim he had to his fathers estate in York county, Penn. to his brother, Elijah, for natural love and other considerations(including a silver watch). Joshua was deeded lot number 11 in Southeast Square of Concord,Cabarrus County, NC on April 18,1796. He was appointed patroller in Capt. Abrham Alexanders company on Oct 10,1796 in Concord, Caburras County, NC. He sold his Concord lot to John Steel of Mecklenburg County on Oct 15,1796. Joshua and Nancy joined Nancy's family and neighbors heading west, they migrated to Sumner County, Tenn., where they stayed for about 20 years. It is said that his hope was to catch up with his brother William, but apparently he never did. He first stayed in Randolph County but after a short stay moved to Jackson County. On Nov 4,1800, Joshua was commissioned an Ensign in Tennessee Militia Regiment of Sumner County "during good behavior". He was very active in civic affairs and was one of the early settlers of Jackson County, Illinois. He was fence view for Gognia Township (1826-27). Jackson County Juries (1824-33) He served as a member of the County Commissioners Court (1828-29). As he requested, he was buried next to wife, Nancy in Gillespie Cemetery. Joshua and Nancy had seven children: James, Mark, Richard, Benjamin, Isaac, Elizabeth and William.