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Bradford (WILLIAM an American colonial)

WILLIAM, an American colonial governor and author, born in Austerfield, Yorkshire, England, in March, 1588. He was one of the signers of the celebrated compact on the Mayflower; and, in 1621, on the death of the first governor, John Carver, was elected to the same office, which he continued to fill (with the exception of a brief period) BRADLEY until his death. His administration was remarkably efficient and successful, especially in dealing with the Indians. His "Diary of Occurrences," covering the first year of the colony, was published in 1622.

He left a number of religious compositions in verse; and historical prose writings of great value, the most important being his "History of the Plymouth Plantation." He died in Plymouth, Mass., May 9, 1657. ber of the upper division of the Lower