William Bradley Isham

William Bradley Isham (April 29, 1827 – March 23, 1909) was an American merchant and banker. Early life Isham was born in Malden-on-Hudson in Ulster County, New York on April 29, 1827. He was the son of Charles Isham (1784–1856), who was born in Colchester, Connecticut, and Flora (née Bradley) Isham (1797–1845), who was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Among his siblings was sister Flora Eliza Isham and brother Samuel Isham. His paternal grandparents were Mary (née Adams) Isham and Samuel Isham, a son of John Isham II. His maternal grandparents were Polly (née Hyde) Bradley and Judge William Bradley of Hartford, Connecticut. Through his father, he was a distant cousin of Pierpoint Isham, a Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court, and his son, Edward Swift Isham, a lawyer and member of the Illinois House of Representatives. Career Along with his brother, Charles, Isham was a leather merchant. They began their business in Malden and, in 1849, he moved to New York City where Isham formed a partnership with George Palen and Isaac H. Bailey. He later owned downtown factories and warehouses on Gold and Cliff Streets.