Joseph P. Bradac, D. M. T., who through his active business career has been associated with banking and with brewing interests, now makes his home in Racine, where he occupies one of the beautiful residences of the city. He was born in Bohemia, February 24, 1871, a son of Joseph and Agnes (Papik) Bradac, who were also natives of the same country and of Bohemian parentage, their ancestry being traced back through four hundred years. In 1872 the father brought his family to the United States, establishing his home in Chicago. He was a stonemason by trade and assisted in the rebuilding of the city after the great fire which occurred in October, 1871. He remained actively in business for many years but is now living retired in Chicago, where his wife passed away on New Year’s day of 1912.
Joseph P. Bradac pursued his education in the Chicago public schools and in the West Side Business College of that city and also attended night school. He started to earn his living as a cash boy in the Boston Store when a little lad of twelve years and later he entered the employ of John M. Smyth in the capacity of shipping clerk. Later he spent five and one-half years with the A. B. Company in Chicago and in 1906 came to Racine, since which time he has represented that company as agent here, in which connection he has built up a business of extensive proportions. He has been interested in the Commercial Bank and is now connected with the American Trust & Savings Company. He is also a doctor of mechano-therapy and is still in active practice.
In 1899 Mr. Bradac was married to Miss Mary Chilik and they have two children, Beatrice Ruth and Ruth Carrie, both at home. In 1907 he purchased and remodeled the old Christy estate, having now a fine home magnificently furnished, and its hospitality is also one of its most attractive features. In politics he is a strong protectionist and held an appointive office under Governor Tanner of Illinois in connection with the West Chicago parks. His religion is the golden rule and he ever attempts to do unto others as he would have them do unto him. Fraternally he is connected with the Racine Lodge, 252, B. P. O. E., Racine Lodge, F. O. E., the Columbia Circle, the Foresters and the Workingmen’s Aid Society and he is also a member of the Elks Marching Club. Starting out in life in the very humble capacity of a cash boy, he has steadily advanced in business until he today controls important commercial interests and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of Racine.