Bradley Barlow

Bradley Barlow was a U.S. Representative from Vermont who served in the House of Representatives during the late 19th century. A member of the National Greenbacker Party, Barlow's political career was marked by a significant shift in party affiliation, as he transitioned from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party before ultimately aligning with the Greenbackers. His tenure in Congress was brief, spanning from 1879 to 1881, and he faced various challenges, including business setbacks and involvement in a major political scandal. Barlow's life was characterized by his roles in banking, politics, and local governance, reflecting the complexities of American political life during his era.

Early life and career

Bradley Barlow was born on May 12, 1814, in Fairfield, Vermont, to Colonel Bradley Barlow and Deborah Sherman Barlow. His early education took place in local common schools, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Following his schooling, Barlow engaged in mercantile activities in Philadelphia alongside his father until 1858, when he relocated to St. Albans, Vermont. In St. Albans, he began his career in banking, initially serving as a cashier, which marked the beginning of his long involvement in the financial sector.

Barlow's political career began in earnest when he became active in local governance. He was originally a member of the Democratic Party but later switched to the Republican Party. His political involvement included serving as a delegate to the Vermont State constitutional conventions in 1843, 1850, and 1857, where he also held the position of acting assistant secretary during the 1843 convention. Barlow's legislative experience included multiple terms in the Vermont House of Representatives, where he served in 1845, from 1850 to 1852, and again in 1864 and 1865. His influence extended beyond the state legislature; he was also a member of the Vermont Senate from 1866 to 1868.

In addition to his legislative roles, Barlow was active in various local organizations. He served as chairman of the school committee in St. Albans and held the position of president of the village corporation. Furthermore, he was treasurer of Franklin County from 1860 to 1867. Barlow's involvement in the railroad business from 1860 to 1883 further showcased his diverse interests and contributions to the economic development of the region.

In 1878, Barlow sought the Republican nomination for Congress but was unsuccessful, losing to William W. Grout. Undeterred, he ran for office again, this time as a "National Republican" with the backing of Democratic and Greenbacker supporters. This strategy proved successful, and he was elected to the Forty-sixth United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1881. Following his single term in office, Barlow chose not to seek renomination in 1880.

House tenure

During his time in the House of Representatives, Bradley Barlow was part of a Congress that dealt with various national issues, including economic policies and the aftermath of the Civil War. His election as a National Republican was notable, as it reflected a significant shift in the political landscape of Vermont, a state that had predominantly elected Republicans to statewide and national offices. Barlow's alignment with the Greenbacker movement indicated his support for monetary reform and the interests of farmers and laborers, who sought relief from the economic challenges of the period.

Barlow's congressional tenure was relatively short, and he did not seek re-election after his first term. His departure from Congress coincided with personal and professional challenges that would later define his later years. Following his time in office, he faced considerable difficulties in his banking career, which would ultimately lead to significant financial troubles.

Legislative focus and committees

While specific details regarding Barlow's legislative focus and committee assignments during his time in Congress are not extensively documented, his alignment with the Greenbacker Party suggests that he was likely concerned with issues related to monetary policy, economic reform, and the interests of working-class citizens. The Greenbackers advocated for the issuance of paper currency not backed by gold or silver, aiming to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers and laborers during the economic downturn of the late 19th century.

Barlow's involvement in the political landscape of Vermont and his participation in various legislative bodies at the state level provided him with a foundation to address the economic concerns of his constituents. His experience in banking and local governance likely informed his perspective on financial matters and the need for reform.

Despite his brief congressional career, Barlow's political journey was marked by significant events, including his involvement in the star routes mail scandal of 1876. He was implicated in this scandal, which involved allegations of bribery and corruption related to mail contracts. Barlow was called to testify before Congress regarding these accusations, which added a layer of controversy to his political legacy.

In the years following his congressional tenure, Barlow faced a series of personal and professional setbacks. He served as the President of the Vermont National Bank in St. Albans, which ultimately failed in 1883 due to a combination of factors, including an unsuccessful attempt to sell his railway business and an economic downturn. The bank's failure had severe repercussions for the local community, and Barlow declared bankruptcy, assigning all his personal property to the bank.

Barlow's later years were marked by continued financial difficulties, including a judgment rendered against him in Canada for unrecovered promissory notes. He eventually relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he lived with one of his daughters until his death on November 6, 1889. He was interred in Greenwood Cemetery in St. Albans, Vermont.

Throughout his life, Bradley Barlow was married to Caroline Farnsworth, and together they had six children. His life and career reflect the complexities of American politics and economics during the 19th century, illustrating the challenges faced by individuals navigating the intersections of finance, governance, and public service.