Cleveland & Bradley County History

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 By 1877 Cleveland was described as one of the most handsome towns in the State, and had a population of 3,000. By this date the principal manufacturing establishments were the Cleveland Woolen Mill, established in 1882; the Cleveland Stove Works, 1883; the Cleveland Chair Factory, 1884; along with extensive marble works which had been established in 1875; and a sash and blind factory. About this time deposits of magnesium and iron ore of high quality were found in the county.

Colonel R. M. Edwards reported that around 1890 in Cleveland, there were nine practicing physicians, twelve attorneys, eleven general mercantile establishments, fourteen grocery stores, two millinery establishments, two tin ware ships,. three drug stores, six butcher ships, one shoe store, seven licensed saloons, two hotels, three furniture stores and undertaking establishments, three hardware stores, and three livery stables.

BRADLEY COUNTY

 The Ocoee District was the last area in Tennessee ceded by the Cherokee to the United States Government by a treaty of December 1835. From this territory were formed Bradley and Polk Counties, and all that part of Hamilton County east of the Tennessee River. In the state archives at Nashville may be seen the original 1egislative act authorizing the organization of Bradley County, written in old—fashioned long hand and bearing the date of its final passage, February 10, 1836. The county was named in honor of Colonel Edward Bradley, who had served with Andrew Jackson in both the War of 1812 and Creek Indian War.

    First officers of Bradley County included William Carter, sheriff; Reverent reverend Henry Price, circuit court clerk; John H. Robertson, county court clerk; James Lauderdale; trustee; and Frank Kin cannon, register of deeds, During the early years agriculture was vital to Bradley County with its fertile farming land of Cantata and Walker Valleys. When the white people came to the county the virgin forest was almost unbroken, save a few small patches the Indians, had cleared in the richest spots.