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Brewster (WILLIAM one)

WILLIAM, one of the Massachusetts Pilgrims, was born in Scrooby, England, in 1560. He came of a well known family; was educated at the University of Cambridge, and was for a time postmaster at Scrooby. He had accepted the Separatist doctrines taught by Hooker and others, and in consequence had to flee to Holland, where he supported himself by printing.

He was one of the leaders of those who sailed for the New World in the "Mayflower," and, as elder of the church, encouraged his fellow colonists at Plymouth both by his preaching and his example. He died in Plymouth, Mass., April 10, 1644.

BRIAN (surnamed BOROIMHE), King of Ireland, son of of Kennedy, King of Munster, son of Lorcan. He ascended the throne of both Munsters, i. e., the present counties of Tipperary and Clare, A. D. 978. His earlier exploits were against the Danes of Limerick and Waterford, but, being elated by frequent successes against these invaders, BRIAND he deposed O'Maelachaghlin, the supreme king of the island, and eventually became himself monarch of Ireland.

Having disputed with Maelmora, the King of Leinster, Maelmora revolted, and, inviting a new invasion of Danes to his assistance, brought on the battle of Clontarf, in which King Brian fell, after gaining a glorious victory on Good Friday, 1014. He was the founder of the numerous sept of O'Brien, O or Ua being a distinctive adnomen not assumed by Irish families till after his time.

This national prefix means "descendant of," or, "of the kindred of," and was originally supplied by the more ancient Mac, which means "son." a