Bradford, William

1589/90-1657

English-Dutch-American religious and political leader

Bradford was born into a well-off family in Yorkshire, but his father died in 1591. His mother remarried in 1593 and William was then raised by his grandfather and uncles as a farmer.

While still a youth and against family opposition he joined the non-conformist puritan cause in Scrooby led by William Brewster (one source states that Brewster was his adoptive father). The congregation emigrated to the Low Countries to escape persecution and eventually sailed to America on the Mayflower in 1620. Bradford was one of the leaders of the colony from the start, elected governor in 1621 and re-elected 30 times until he retired in 1645.

References

Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia, 1993-97
Dictionary of American Biography

Indexes

European
Netherlands
Uk/great Britain
USA
16th Century
17th Century
Rulers, Nobles, Chiefs, Presidents, Prime Ministers
Christian
Exile or Persecution (religious, Political or Social)
Pre-school Years
Sent for Adoption/Fostering when Parent Began New Relationship, Conflict With Step-parent
Grandparents
Uncles and Aunts, Parents' Uncles and Aunts
Others ("Strangers")
Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Adoptive or Foster Families
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Parent(s) Died, Disappeared or Became Incapacitated