Overview
This lecture covers the family tree and descendants of William Bradford, a key leader and governor of Plymouth Colony, highlighting his marriages, children, and their legacies.
William Bradford’s Life and Role
- William Bradford was a leader of the Pilgrims and became governor of Plymouth Colony after John Carver died.
- He authored "Of Plymouth Plantation," documenting colony life and its families.
- Bradford was married twice and had four children in total.
Marriages and Blended Family
- First wife, Dorothy May, died tragically in Provincetown by drowning after their arrival on the Mayflower.
- Bradford and Dorothy had one son, John Bradford.
- Second wife, Alice Carpenter Southworth, married William in Plymouth on August 14, 1623.
- Alice was previously married to Edward Southworth and had two sons, Constant and Thomas Southworth.
Children of William Bradford
- John Bradford (son by Dorothy May) was born circa 1618 in Leyden and later moved to Connecticut.
- William Bradford Jr. (son by Alice Carpenter) was born in 1624, eventually became Lieutenant Governor of Plymouth, and had multiple children by three wives.
- Mercy Bradford (daughter by Alice Carpenter) was born before 1627, married Benjamin Vermayes, had no children, and died before 1657.
- Joseph Bradford (son by Alice Carpenter) was born in 1630, married Jael Hobart, had three children (Joseph, Elisha, Peter), with Elisha being the only one to leave descendants.
Key Family Members
- Parents: William Bradford (1559-1591) and Alice Hanson (1562-1597).
- Siblings: Margaret Bradford, Alice Bradford, Agnes Briggs, and Robert Briggs.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Plymouth Colony — An early English settlement in North America established by the Pilgrims in 1620.
- Mayflower — The ship that brought the Pilgrims, including William Bradford, to North America in 1620.
- Of Plymouth Plantation — William Bradford's historical account of the colony’s founding and survival.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review William Bradford’s descendants and note important dates and relationships for study.
- Read "Of Plymouth Plantation" selections for firsthand accounts of the colony.