# Andrew Bradford — The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin character guide

> Andrew Bradford in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bradford, old Bradford

**First appearance:** 0006-iii-arrival-in-philadelphia

## Snapshot

Philadelphia's established printer and postmaster, whose monopoly Franklin quietly undermines by outworking, outwriting, and eventually outlasting the old family firm.

## Who they are

Bradford holds the town's printing and postal business when Franklin arrives, a fixture of the old order against which the newcomer measures himself. Their rivalry plays out through contracts, newspapers, and the post office, with Franklin exploiting every opening Bradford leaves. The contest defines Franklin's competitive method: patience, superior work, and strategic alliances rather than open confrontation.

## Relationships

### [Samuel Keimer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/characters/samuel_keimer)

_rivalry_

Competing printers in Philadelphia, with Bradford undermining Keimer's business.

## In the story

### [Arrival in Philadelphia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters/iii-arrival-in-philadelphia)

The first printer in Pennsylvania; Franklin offers his services but is directed to Bradford's son in Philadelphia.

### [X: Poor Richard’s Almanac and Other Activities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/chapters/x-poor-richard-s-almanac-and-other-activities)

Franklin's old competitor; lost the postmaster position due to negligence in accounting.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/characters/andrew_bradford
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/franklin_autobiography_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/franklin_autobiography_se/characters