Among the men whose initiative and enterprise have contributed to the upbuilding of the great glove and leather industry that has made Gloversville famous is Harry R. Bradt, a prominent leather manufacturer, whose establishment is located at No. 28 Forest street. He was born in Syracuse, on the 17th of December, 1874. His father, Garrat Bradt, was born in Schenectady and spent the greater part of his life in farming in Montgomery county. Later in life he retired from active life and made his home in Gloversville until his death in 1914, at the ripe age of seventy-one. Mr. Bradt's mother, Mehaly Keller before her marriage, was born in this state also, near Fort Plain, in Montgomery county. She survives her husband and lives in this city.
After obtaining his education in the Gloversville schools, Harry R. Bradt started out to learn the leather manufacturing business here and for some years was employed in the various establishments of this kind, where he gained a wide experience and practical knowledge of the industry. In 1904 he embarked in business on his own account and has since become one of the important leather manufacturers of the city. He employs about thirty-five people in his factory. His product, leather adapted to the needs of the glove trade, is sold chiefly to the local manufacturers, who have come to know that his leather is well suited for their work and can be relied upon to come up to their high standards.
Mr. Bradt was married to Miss Eva Chase in December, 1896. They have no children. As a member of the Baptist church Mr. Bradt takes an active interest in its work and is likewise identified with the local Young Men's Christian Association. Politically he is a republican and loyal to his party, but he has never cared to become a candidate for office or take an active part in party campaigns. Mr. Bradt is a self-made man and his advance in the business world has been the steady progress of a man with a definite aim and strongly concentrated forces — essential factors for success in any career. His methods have always been constructive and he has never stopped short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose.