Bio
Lewis Rice “Broadhorns” Bradley (February 18, 1805 – March 21, 1879) was the second Governor of Nevada, serving from 1871 to 1879. Born in Orange County, Virginia, Bradley’s early life was marked by hardship. After his father’s death, he left school at thirteen to support his family by becoming a mule trader. He later married Virginia Hode Willis, and they had three children.
In 1852, Bradley and his son purchased a herd of Texas Longhorn cattle, earning him the nickname “Old Broadhorns” after they drove the cattle west with significant losses. Settling in Stockton, California, Bradley continued his livestock business until devastating floods in 1861–1862 forced him to relocate to Elko County, Nevada.
Bradley’s political career began when he ran for governor in Nevada. He purchased a defunct newspaper, The Daily Inland Empire, and used it as a campaign tool before it folded again. As governor, he served two terms as a Democrat but narrowly lost his bid for a third term. During his governorship, his daughter Virginia acted as his hostess due to his widower status.
