His father was a veteran and graduate of the United States Military Academy, originally from Philadelphia.
His maternal grandfather was Littleton Waller Tazewell, former Governor of Virginia and former president pro tempore of the United States Senate.
Bradford legally changed his surname to Tazewell, adopting the name of his maternal grandfather who had no male heir.
[citation needed] Bradford, now known by the surname Tazewell, was active in business and civic life in Norfolk.
[7][9][10][11] He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving on its fire committee which worked to lower insurance rates in Norfolk.
[13] He was a founder and member of the Chesapeake Boat Club, where he assembled an all-Pi Kappa Alpha crew.