1. William Bradford

2.  William Bradford was born in 1590 in England during a time of major religious change.  Joined the religious reform movement when he was 12 years old.  Joined the Separatists (a faction of the Puritan movement) who not only wanted to reform and Purify the church, but break off completely away from it.

3.  Took voyage on the Mayflower in 1620 to flee from the King of England, who was the head of the church of England, who wanted to stop the Separatists.  Helped to create The Mayflower Compact, often referred to as the first US constitution, which was signed by 41 men aboard the Mayflower.  The Compact helped to keep peace among the pilgrims on the ship.

4.  The Mayflower arrived in Plymouth in April 1621, and not one pilgrim ever tried to abandon the colony – a tribute to Bradford’s leadership.  Helped to create a treaty with Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag tribe, that lead to peace and mutual aid.  Bradford was one of the most diligent recorders of the settlement. He saved every document possible – from the planning of the colony to his last days alive.