(1590 – May 9, 1657) A passenger on the Mayflower, signer of the Mayflower Compact, and leader of the pilgrims as Governor of the Plymouth Plantation settlement. One year after his birth in Austerfield, Yorkshire, his father died. When his mother remarried, she sent young William to live first with his grandfather and then with his uncles, who set the puny lad to plowing. His wife Dorothy drowned in the Cape Cod harbor, “falling” overboard when the ship was sitting still in the water. In his later years at Plymouth, he used his education to write a history of the colony and called it Of Plimoth Plantation, thus preserving the memory of the noble men who risked their lives, health and goods for the honor of God. Read More…
Chronological History of Events Involving William Bradford
The Second Thanksgiving: Governor Bradford Proclaims November 29 a Day of Thanksgiving
In 1623, a period of drought was answered by colonists with a proclamation of prayer and fasting. This prayer and fasting was changed to another thanksgiving celebration when rains came during the prayers. Later that year, Governor Bradford proclaimed November 29 as a time for pilgrims to gather and give thanks. “Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian ...
The Mayflower Pilgrims Land and Found Plymouth Led by William Bradford
The Pilgrims fled from England to Holland in 1607. When Spain threatened to invade Holland, the Pilgrims decided to flee again. They considered sailing to Guyana in South America, as they heard of its tropical climate. Pilgrim Governor William Bradford wrote in Of Plymouth Plantation: “Some … had thoughts and were earnest for Guiana. … Those for Guiana alleged that the country was rich, fruitful, and ...
